Festival ‘ .-
kids@list.co.uk
RUSSIAN PLAY coco
These happy looking ladies are even jollier in the flesh. Journeying all the way from Russia, they deliver a joy-filled hour of song, dance and a whole lot of audience participation. Dressed in beautiful national costumes, the seven female performers talk us through a number of traditional Russian games, including an amusing take on musical chairs and a dance designed to make you look as silly as possible. Charming and gentle to the core, this show won’t be for everyone - but if you feel like absorbing yourself in another culture for an hour, Russian Play is fun for both adults and children alike. (Kelly Apter) I C. 0845 260 I272, until 25 Aug, 77am, £6.50--£‘8.50 (53450—1650).
KOKO THE CROCODILE A little touch of Africa 0000
Mara Menzies is fairly new to the storytelling game, but has taken to it like a duck to water. Or rather, like a crocodile to a riverbank - much like the wriggling, paw-waving one that appears in her charming new show. Based on Menzies’ recently published picture book of the same name, Koko the Crocodile is a traditional African tale about a poorly reptile looking for medical advice. Told to locate and eat a monkey’s liver, he sets off downstream to an island populated by primates. But fear not, the monkeys are far too clever to give up a vital organ.
Enlisting the help of fellow-storyteller ‘Mama Africa’ and two cute-as-a-button young girls, Menzies fills the tale with inspired theatrical touches, while Koko’s companion piece, ‘How the Hyena Got Its Laugh’, features Menzies dressed up in an array of innovative hand-made costumes. Both Menzies and Mama Africa build a lovely rapport with their young audience, from toddlers upwards, all of whom they invite onto the stage at the end of the show (along with accompanying adults) to get creative with a monkey mask. Using tiny bits of material, pencils and glue, we all make a colourful reminder of the show to take home, although if this is anything to go by, Menzies herself will be back next year with bigger and better things to remember her by. (Kelly Apter)
I The Zoo, 662 6892. until 25 Aug, 1 lam, E6 (£4).
llil .
FESTIVAL les
=i= The Echo Chamber and We All Fall Down Two top notch shows from En Masse Theatre. Journey down into the dark, damp vaults beneath Edinburgh‘s Old Town in The Echo Chamber or learn about the colourful characters in two plague-ridden villages in We All Fall Down. Either way you’ll be entertained. The Echo Chamber, Underbelly ’3 Baby Bel/y, 0844 545 8252, until 24 Aug,
7 0.45am, EQ—EI 0 (£6-E 7); We All Fall Down, Underbelly, 0844 5458252, until 24 Aug, 4. 75pm, 29—2 7 0 (£6—E 7).
=§< Potted Pirates Fast-paced comedic action from the team behind Potted Potter, bringing you nautical silliness and audience participation on the high seas. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 25 Aug, 3pm. 29—5 70 (LB—£9).
ti: Cloudcuckooland More instruments than you can shake a stick at. and more bird poo than the world can cope with in this fast, funny environmental musical. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 25 Aug, 72.50pm, £850 (£37).
=i< Three Billy Goats Gruff 8: Other Furry Tails The talented man behind last year’s Elves and the Shoemaker returns with more beautifully crafted puppets and charming silliness. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 556 95 79, until 23 Aug, 77am, 87.50 (535).
2% Misterstourworm and the Kelpie’s Gift Backed by a beautiful new soundtrack, this Scottish myth of monsters and heroes is brought to life by two dynamic stOrytellers. Musical Theatre @ George Square Theatre, 662 8740, until 25 Aug. 70.30am, £6.50 (£5.50).
* The Greatest Bubble Show On Earth The Amazing Bubble Man does things with soapy water you never thought possible. Great for little ones who enjoy a spectacle and anyone who fancies standing inside a giant bubble. C too, 0845 2607234, until 25 Aug,
72. 70pm, $650—$850 (24.50—27.50).
21 Aug-4 Sep 2008 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 91