FESTIVAL KIDS | Reviews
ALFIE WHITE: SPACE EXPLORER Richly crafted, sparkily delivered fable for the whole family ●●●●●
It’s a clever trick, setting a kids’ show in the late 1960s. The children get all the magic of an unfamiliar era, while the parents get a good dose of nostalgia. Tall Stories also has a fantastic ready-made soundtrack at its disposal, with everything from Miles Davis to the Beatles. But these aren’t the only – or even the main – reasons this
show is so great. The company has devised a lively and tender tale about a boy who makes up his own tall story to get the bullies off his back about where his father is. Edward White, Alfie tells us, was the first man to walk in space. Sure enough it gains him respect for a while but is a story that ultimately backfires, and if you know your space history, you’ll already know why. Coming clean about the lie, Alfie then embarks on a detective hunt with his plucky new friend Meg, leading him to discover the truth about his father, and also that the skies aren’t the only place stars can be found.
Jordan Turner is an adorable Alfie, gutsy and awkward and beautifully expressive, while Lucy Tuck – playing all the other parts, from Meg to nose-picker Stan, to a gate post, stairs, a see-saw and a dog – is absolutely outstanding. A natural physical storyteller and comedian, the detail she injects into each character, along with her comic timing and energy, lifts what is already a jolly good yarn to even greater heights.
There is so much to love about this production, not least the inventive use of records as masks and Bek Palmer’s creative set, that it is tempting to recommend it for an antidote to a rainy day whether or not you have children to bring along. (Lucy Ribchester) ■ Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 30 Aug, 2.05pm, £8–£10 (£7–£9).
E N R O H T A L L U E V E T S
GRUFFALOS, LADYBIRDS AND OTHER BEASTS – WITH JULIA DONALDSON Author tells her most famous stories ●●●●●
Continuing their long association with the creator of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson, Scamp Theatre (whose adaptation of Donaldson’s The Scarecrows’ Wedding is also at the Fringe this year) present a very different anthology of the prolific writer’s work. Performed in person by Donaldson with her husband Malcolm, sister Mary and actors Joanna Hutt and James Huntington, the stories are read and acted out with warmth and humour. Donaldson is a better storyteller than a performer, but in her have-a-go attitude – and particularly that of Malcolm, a kind of eager comedy foil who seems unafraid of mucking in – the piece finds much of its heart. The moveable library around them proves versatile as a set, and the different tone and style of each story holds the interest of a full tent.
Jack and the Flumflum Tree and What the Ladybird Heard feature, as well as the cheery musical version of A Squash and a Squeeze and an interactive Zog. The finale of The Gruffalo is the big hit, inevitably, with most children eagerly joining in with his tale. (David Pollock) ■ Underbelly George Square, 0844 545 8252, until 31 Aug, 11.30am, £10–£11 (£9–£10).
64 THE LIST FESTIVAL 20–31 Aug 2015
ALI MCGREGOR’S JAZZAMATAZZ! Jazz beats and family-friendly tunes ●●●●● THE OVERCOAT Clever digital fun from South Korean ●●●●●
Before McGregor has even taken to the stage, little ones are scurrying around the floor, hips swaying to the jazz beats of her superb backing band. On arrival, dressed up to the nines, the Australian vocalist introduces her two side-kicks for the hour – a dance duo, there to encourage everyone to join in. A child not wanting their parent to go to work will be a recognisable scenario for many in the audience. But when young Jenny tugs on her father’s overcoat as he walks out the door, something magical starts to happen. A loose thread pulls away, and as she sits there playing with it, an adventure unfolds.
Giving children their first flavour of cabaret, The canvas tent, built by Jenny and her father
McGregor works her way through a series of family- friendly songs. Playgroup standards like ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’ are given a jazzy flavour, while a cover of Bjork’s ‘It’s Oh So Quiet’ has children pretending to sleep then leaping back up excitedly for the chorus. before he leaves, becomes the backdrop for a series of clever projections. As the little girl’s vivid imagination runs wild, she finds herself escaping a spider, swimming under the ocean, bouncing on top of a wave and trying to escape a colourful woolly monster.
If you’ve ever been to a toddler group or pre- What at first seems lo-fi, homespun and lacking
school music class, you’ll recognise the dynamic here straight away. Some parents concentrate on their children, dancing by their side and following McGregor’s instructions. Others grab the opportunity for adult company, chatting to friends while the children are occupied. It makes for a strange atmosphere, but in the centre of it all is McGregor with her beautiful voice and witty charm. Those who make the most of her are the clear winners. (Kelly Apter) ■ Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 30 Aug (not 24 & 25), 11.10am, £6–8.
direction soon becomes a touching, funny and highly imaginative show which entertains everyone, young and not-so young. South Korean outfit Brush Theatre LLC is the team behind popular 2014 show, Brush (which has returned for this year’s Fringe) and The Overcoat builds on their reputation for using visual art to theatrical effect. Before the show starts , Jenny and her father tie a small piece of thread around all our wrists – a gentle reminder of a charming show. (Kelly Apter) ■ Summerhall, 560 1581, until 30 Aug, 9.45am, £9 (£5).