CRY IN THE DARK Ghostly time travel drama ooo
Twelve-year-old Ben has an annoying younger brother. a lovestruck mum and a new step-dad he can‘t stand. Everything seems doomed. until he discovers two children trapped in the house next door. terrified of their father. Stepping back into the late 19th century and a family rife with domestic violence and child abuse. Ben realises his own life isn't quite so tough. Performed by pupils of London's Westminster School. this adaptation of Dee Shulman‘s book makes a smooth passage from page to stage. Tension mounts as the mystery unfolds. with a range of sound effects added by two live musicians. Despite jumping between two centuries. the narrative remains clear and engaging. thanks in no small part to lead actor Edd Franklin who. along with a mainly strong supporting cast. imbues his role with energy and pace. (Kelly Apterl I Underbelly, 0870 745 3082. until 28 Aug (not 75). 70.308/n. C6—C7 (24—85).
HELL AND HIGH WATER Fun and games ahoy in bawdy historical romp oooo
This ‘lamentable comedy' is brought to you by Russell Dean. the writer. designer and puppeteer responsible for those grotesquely expressive half- face masks. modelled in various triumphant productions by Trestle Theatre. As well as those incredible carvings. this piece features all the perfect ingredients for a swashbuckling histoncal romp — pirates. heroes. villains. lust. Jealousy and cross-dressing. All wrapped up in a tale of two plucky young lasses. who find love and intrigue aboard a pirate ship bound for the Caribbean. The story bobs back and forth across the Atlantic between England. the United States and Jamaica. carried along by dynamic performances from the young
cast. all of whom take on multiple roles. While the piece may be a touch wordy for the very young. there's enough saucy knavery and witty visual gags to sustain big and even bigger kids. (Allan Padcliffei
I Underbelly. 0870 7453083. until 26 Aug. 2.20pm. L‘7.50—£‘8.50 (86.50—27.50).
LIFEBOAT
Wartime story brought back to life 0...
It's 1939 Bess and Beth are two ordinary yOungsters residing in London and Liverpool respectively. War breaks out and the two Judy Garland fans are selected for evacuation to Canada — ‘Lions and Tigers and Bears! Oh my" But tragedy strikes when a German U- Boat torpedoes the ship cariying the evaCLiees. and Beth and Bess are left clinging to a lifeboat in the Atlantic.
Catherine Wheels bring their characteristically strong production values to bear on this reallife drama. scripted by Nicola McCartney. SWitching between the lifeboat and England's war—torn cities. the production convincingly captures a child's eye VICW of the songs. slang and slogans of ‘v‘ylorld War II. Particularly enjoyable is the section in which the two girls bond aboard the ship. The script may be a little earnest. the girls a mite angelic for some tastes. but the energetic performances from Isabelle Jess and Su/anne Robertson ensure the piece is consistently engaging. (Aiiitl‘. Radcliffei I Assembly 900/081 926 2.128. until 28 Aug (not 1:3. 92);. l lam. 5‘8~.“.<) (f.‘6—f.‘(>‘.50).
STUCK UP A TREE
Storytelling at one with nature 0..
Determined not to fly south for the Winter. a baby bird remains resolutely 'stuck up a tree'. Cue a series of parables which ultimately convince the fluffy youngster to branch out into the big Wide world. Comprising students and graduates of fdinbui'gh's Queen Margaret University College. Stolen Stories is a new theatre company committed to traditional folklore and nature. And the company ’s debut work certainly ticks all their l'()(lllll'(}(i boxes. Not only are the parables inspired by fairytales from around the world. but then chosen venue is one of Edinburgh's finest natural habitats.
Sadly. Stolen Stories don't make use of any real trees. despiteperforming in the Botanic Garden (but then who can blame them Wllil weathei this
52 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE l l- 18 Aug Qtlofi
THE SNOW DRAGON 8: THEM WITH TAILS Gruffalo team hit the spot once more .0000 & COO.
Children are notoriously hard to predict - what scares one child will thrill another. Which is why theatre companies think long and hard about target age ranges for their shows, only for parents to disregard them and say ‘oh, but he’s very bright for his age’. This year, there’s no need. Tall Stories, the company that filled Julia Donaldson’s Gruffalo with songs and put it on stage, have brought two cracking shows to the Fringe, catering for big and small.
Aimed at ages three and over, The Snow Dragon is Tall Stories at its finest. Clear, concise storytelling, fun songs you’ll be humming for weeks after, and a tale all children can relate to. Constantly told by his posh parents that he’s ‘number one’, Billy the Goat is a spoiled young kid preoccupied with material gain. Awaiting the mythical snow dragon on New Year’s Eve night, he steals from his friends before learning a valuable lesson about being good.
Them With Tails is a whole other proposition — two men, four tales and more facial expressions and body contortions than you can shake a stick at. Perfect for slightly older children (five and over) and adults, this is a fun introduction to audience participation. As the show unfolds, our involvement grows, until the fourth tale is generated solely by audience suggestions. Prepare to baa like a sheep, mimic a villager turned to stone or make the sound of an exploding pot.
As with all Tall Stories productions, the standard of acting in both shows is second to none. Performers jump between characters with ease, leaving the young audience in no doubt as to who they’re watching now.
(Kelly Apter) I C too. 0870 701 510:3. until 25) Aug (not 74) 2pm (Snow Dragon . (3. 755:)” (The/n Wit/i Tailsi. £7.50 (-23.:30—31550).
uni)redictable’?) but the Exhibition Hall provides plenty of nooks and crannies for characters to climb in and out of. The tales themselves are colourful. fun. easily understood by ages three and over and performed with friendly enthusiasm. (Kelly Apter)
I Hova/ Botanic Garden. 5:32 7/ 77. until (’31 Aug (not 1(5). 7.30pm <9 Sip/n. 5‘-l.5() (513.501.
Online Booking Book Festival _www.edbookfest.oo.uk '
Fringe www.edfi'inge.oo.uk International Festival www.eif.co.uk Film Festival www.ediilmfestoo.uk