PARTICIPATION ROUND-UP
Three ways to join in the fun
Exposing children to the world of theatre can be a challenging task. Unless otherwise engaged by the performers, a child’s loud requests for sweets, the toilet or, most embarrassingly, ‘home’ can be off-putting for all concerned. Which is why it’s refreshing to find three shows at this year’s Fringe which actively encourage your little ones to get involved.
Despite a healthy male presence in the professional world, inevitably Flamenco for Kids (000 ) attracts mainly girls, the lure of pretty dresses, fans and clicky heels being too good to resist. Featuring guitarist Ricardo Garcia and a female dancer and presenter, the show is friendly, informal and fun. Taught a smattering of Spanish on arrival, we are encouraged to call out ‘ola’ and ‘ole’ at appropriate moments, before clapping along to Garcia’s rhythms. Then it’s time for all willing participants (adults included) to climb onstage, play the castanets, maracas or guitar and learn a short routine. Great fun for those onstage, and proud parents in the audience, but the 15-minute rehearsal is potentially tedious for those too timid to get involved.
As with most things in life, the more you put into
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Scottish Ceilidh For Kids (0000 ) the more you get out. Three musicians and a caller take you through a selection of ceilidh standards - Gay Gordon, Dashing White Sergeant - plus a few fun ones just for kids. Mercifully, the dances are interspersed with songs, providing much needed respite for all. The great thing about this show is that everyone can get involved, parents included, without fear of looking foolish - because everyone was getting it wrong.
Rather disappointingly, Paint With Lynn (00 ) does little more than the title suggests. Walking between tables, providing paper, materials, encouragement and the odd funny line, Lynn tries to keep everyone happy. Over-run with little ones for the early morning show (the Fringe programme says it’s suitable for ages 1+) she is unable to give any real tuition, which, at £5.50 a ticket, makes for a rather costly crayoning session. Apparently, the noon show (not mentioned in the Fringe programme) is virtually empty, so budding artists are advised to head along then. (Kelly Apter)
I Flamenco For Kids. C. 0870 70] 510:3. 26—25) Aug. 10am, £6.50 (£4.50-5.‘:3.:30,i.' Paint With Lynn. C Electric. 0870 701 510:3, until 25) Aug, 70.45am at noon. 515.50; Scottish Ceilidh for Kids. the Bongo Club. 557 2827, 26—28 Aug. 3pm, 18/513).
HEAVEN EYES Modern imagining of Hansel and Gretel 0000
David Almond's contemporary fable focuses on three teenagers — January. Erin and Mouse -- who reside in the sinister Whitegates Children's Home. The institution is presided over by a disembodied passiveaggressive veice. reminiscent of Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo 's Nest. The trio escape down the ‘muddy wet' on a raft made of old doors. eventually washing up on the Black lvtiddens. where they encounter 'Grampa'. an eccentric former warehouseman and his mysterious charge Heaven Eyes. While Mouse helps Grampa collect. log and display the treasures he finds on the bottom of the river. Erin becomes smitten With Heaven Eyes. and January‘s suspiCionof the pair grows. This modern imagining of the Hansel and Gretel myth is a darkly imaginative exploration of the children's displacement. which benefits from energetic performances and an atmospheric use of music and screened images. lAllan Radcliffe) I Please/ice Courtyard, 556‘ 6550. until 29 Aug. 7 pm. l.‘750—£8.50 (£6457).
kids@list.co.uk
Hit
FESTIVAL KIDS
‘The trouble with children is they’re not returnable’ — Quentin Crisp
>2= The Singing Harp Four individual stories from this charming New York storytelling company, fusing masks. puppetry and divine live harp music. Cheap and thoroughly Cheerful. Quaker Meeting House, 220 6709, until 27 Aug. times vary, £5 (£3.50).
=E= Nicole et Martin Three wonderful shows, one beautiful venue. Catch this talented musical storytelling duo before they head back to France. The White Tent, George Square Gardens, 662 8740, until 26 Aug, times vary, £7.50 (£5—£6). =E= Philip Pullman’s I Was a Rat Entertaining and energetic stage adaptation of Pullman's fairytale-inspired novel. C, 0870 701 5705, until 29 Aug, 77am, £7.50 (£5.50—£6. 50).
>3: The Snow Dragon Billie the Goat is a selfish little kid. until the mountain wolves teach him a lesson. Fantastic storytelling and catchy tunes from the team behind The Gruffa/o. perfect for ages 3+. C too, 0870 7075105, until 29 Aug, 2pm, C 7 .50
(£5. 50—£6. 50).
:2: Flipped to the Funny Side Puppets, banter and inventive carpentry from this small but perfectly formed show. The Stand, 558 7272, until 28 Aug, 2.30pm, £4—£5 (£3—£4).
:3: Dr Bunhead The man who has single-handedly turned science into the coolest subject in school. Expect explosions. silliness and mess, all perfectly shaped round the primary curriculum. P/easance Courtyard. 556 6550, until 28 Aug. 72.75pm, £9 (£7).
For venue addresses, please see the Fringe programme, log on to www.edfringe.com or call the venue number.