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THE SONGBIRD Glasgow’s Giant Productions makes its Fringe debut with this interactive tone poem about an exotic
songbird captured by a ruthless logger. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Botanic Gardens, and performed by a pianist, cellist and two actors, the story is told through ‘sound poetry’ – a specially developed language of sound, accessible to all – and ‘sensory performance techniques’. Be prepared to see, hear and feel. ■ Royal Botanic Garden, 226 0000, 19–28 Aug (not 24), 4.30pm (plus 1.30pm on 20–22 & 26–28), £9.
5QUESTIONS
Paul Nathan – magician extraordinaire and disliker of little ones, takes a break from The I Hate Children Children’s Show to answer our Q&A. 5 reasons people should come and see your show. The show is hilarious
for kids and adults;
everyone learns how to do a trick and there are tricks and videos available after the show; we have an arrangement with Dr Ana Aguirregabiria, one of Britain’s top child psychologists, for discount sessions for children traumatised by the show; single mothers can win a date with Paul; you get discount tickets to Devil in the Deck, which is a much better show. 4 things you hope to see/do in Edinburgh while you’re here? The Tattoo – I’ve done it before and it’s fantastic; buy a kilt – a nice one, not a cheap tourist kilt that looks like a schoolgirl outfit, but a really nice kilt with matching shoes and handbag; whisky tasting – I just wrote a book about absinthe, so I’ve been doing a lot of exploring in the world of alcohol; get enough sleep. I never do that when I’m at this festival – there’s just so much to do and see. But this time will be different, I swear. 3 things you wish you’d known as a child? Toilet training; how to cheat at cards (so much lunch money passed me by); that we are all a little bit odd and that is what makes us so wonderful. My mom used to tell me that but I didn’t really understand until I was much older. 2 words to sum up the Paul Nathan style? Funny; unconventional; not good at counting. 1 magical thing that happens in the I Hate Children Children’s Show? There is nothing more magical than the laughter of a child, and sharing laughter with your children is the most magical thing of all. That’s what this show is all about. Not watching your kids laugh but genuinely laughing with them. On your death bed, you’ll remember the time shared at this show as the one true highlight of your existence – or your money back. (Interview by Kelly Apter) ■ The I Hate Children Children’s Show, Zoo Roxy, 662 6892, until 30 Aug, noon, £5.
Hitlist FESTIVAL KIDS *
✽✽ Twinkle Twonkle The team who brought you The Gruffalo returns with another engaging story. This time they’ve turned their telescope to outer space and the Big Bang, all wrapped up in your favourite nursery rhymes. See review, page 58. Pleasance Dome, 556 6550, until 30 Aug (not 18 & 25), 2pm, £8.50–£9.50 (£7.50–£8.50). ✽✽ Stick Man Julia Donaldson’s picture book about the unfortunate wooden fellow whose morning jog goes pear- shaped, turned into a lively stage show with music and song. See review, page 58. Udderbelly’s Pasture, 08445 458 252, until 30 Aug (not 16), 12.30pm, £10–£11 (£8–£9). ✽✽ The Mole Who Knew it Was None of His Business Poo, poo and more poo (all of the animal variety, mercifully) in this Fringe favourite filled with cracking characters and silly songs. See review, page 59. C, 0845 260 1234, until 30 Aug, 10am, £6.50–£8.50 (£5.50–£7.50). ✽✽ Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play The 2D heroes leap off the small screen and onto the stage in this imaginative adaptation of Lauren Child’s cute sibling duo. See review, page 58. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 18 Aug, 10am & 11.30am, £10–£11. ✽✽ Just Macbeth Enjoy the Bard without straining your brain, as Australian theatre company Bell Shakespeare use modern references, marshmallows and bare bums to get the story across. See review, page 59. Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, until 29 Aug (not 17), 11.45am, £8.50–£9.50 (£7.50–£8.50). ✽✽ The Emperor’s Quest An ancient Chinese folktale with a modern twist. Arrive early and help create the set for the show! See review, page 58. C, 0845 260 1234, until 30 Aug, 11.15am, £6.50–£8.50 (£4.50–£6.50). 12–19 Aug 2010 THE LIST 57