Festival
{KIDS} LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVAL
BAGPUSS Nostalgic parents, prepare to be captivated all over again by the saggy old cloth cat, while your young ’uns enjoy this five-star show just on its merit. See review, page 64. ■ Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 28 Aug (not 15), 12pm, £12–£14 (£8).
L A V I T S E F
Mr Benn Tall Stories bring the ’70s costume changer to the stage in a show full of catchy songs. See review, page 63. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 18 Aug (not 6), 11.30am, £8.50–£9.50 (£7.50–£8.50). Stick Man Live on Stage! Last year’s all-singing, all-dancing show based on Julia Donaldson’s popular book returns. Udderbelly’s Pasture, 0844 545 8252, until 29 Aug (not 15), 11.15am, £10–£11 (£9–£10).
The Man Who Planted Trees Another chance to see this charming puppet version of Jean Giono’s tale – with possibly the Fringe’s funniest dog. Storytelling Centre, 556 9579, until 21 Aug, 3pm, £8.50 (£6.50).
One Thousand Paper Cranes The poignant yet
funny true-life tale of a friendship between two young girls, set in a sea of origami. Highly recommended. Assembly George Square, until 27 Aug, 1.10pm, £10 (£8). 62 THE LIST 11–18 Aug 2011
The King’s Got Donkey’s Ears Puppeteer Andy Lawrence of Theatre of Widdershins creates some of the most intricate sets you’ll ever see. Go! Scottish Storytelling Centre, 556 9579, until 28 Aug, 1pm, £8.50 (£6.50).
The Amazing Bubble Show Back for yet another Fringe, the Bubbleman’s popularity shows no sign of waning. Especially good for tinies. C too, 0845 260 1234, until 29 Aug (not 15), 12.05pm & 1.05pm, £7.50- £9.50 (£6.50-£8.50).
James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids The original and best when it comes to children’s stand-up, entertaining young (6+) and old alike. Assembly George Square, 623 3030, 11–14 Aug, 2.30pm, £7.
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Q A&
Co-founder of Tall Stories, and currently presenting Brilliant Books for Kids at the Fringe, TOBY MITCHELL tells us about his book choices.
What was your favourite story book as a child? I had many favourites, but there are two that stick out: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster is like a modern-day Alice in Wonderland, full of clever word-play and ways of seeing the world in entirely new ways. And Rebecca’s World by Terry Nation (creator of the Daleks) is about a young girl from Earth who has a fantastical adventure on a strange planet.
Which book do you most enjoy reading to your own child now? Apart from any and every Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler book, our favourite right now is Emily Brown and the Thing by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton. Emily Brown and her toy rabbit Stanley try to get friendly monster the Thing to sleep – just like an adult does with a child.
What three books should every under ten have on their book shelf? Winnie the Pooh, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice in Wonderland – to be read in that order – plus the two from question one! Who would be at your fantasy children’s author dinner party? Lewis Carroll, AA Milne and Roald Dahl (for the books above); and then CS Lewis and Philip Pullman – because they would have the most fascinating discussion about religion and children’s literature. ■ Brilliant Books for Kids, Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 28 Aug (not 22–25), 1.45pm, £5 (£4).