Festival

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HITLIST STICK MAN LIVE ON STAGE! All singing, all dancing show based on Julia Donaldson’s hugely popular picture book. Best of all, it’s inside the giant inflatable cow what more could a child want? Udderbelly’s Pasture, 0844 545 8252, until 29 Aug, 11.15am, £10–£11 (£9–£10).

The King’s Got Donkey’s Ears Andy Lawrence of Theatre of Widdershins returns with this five-star puppet show from 2006. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 556 9579, until 28 Aug, 1pm, £8.50 (36.50). Bagpuss Perfect for parents who remember the saggy old cloth cat the first time around, and for kiddies encountering him for the first time. Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 28 Aug, 12pm, £12–£14 (£8).

The Incredible Book Eating Boy Oliver Jeffers’ storybook is brought to life in a space accommodating just two people. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 29 Aug, every 6 mins between 10.20am and 2.14pm, £4.

Snow Play Have fun in the snow in August, at Tim and Light Beautiful puppetry and innovative

this charming show filled with fluffy white stuff and lots of interactive fun, with some lovely comic touches. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 29 Aug, 11.20am, £8 (£6). staging combine as 13- year-old Tim and his cat go on a mysterious and touching journey. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 29 Aug, 12.30pm, £8–£9 (£7–£8).

One Thousand Paper Cranes The poignant yet funny tale of a friendship between two young girls, set in a sea of origami. Highly recommended. Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 27 Aug, 1.10pm, £10 (£8).

Mirazozo An inflatable oasis of calm for some, a giant place of giddy exploration for others, this beautiful structure is filled with natural light and colour. Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 29 Aug, 9.30am-8pm, £5.

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A children’s TV writer before he turned to stand- up, IAN BILLINGS has written for some giants of television Sylvester McCoy, Timmy Mallett, the Chuckle Brothers. Taking time out from his daily comedy show, Ian Billings: Dumbs Up!, he answers our brief Fringe Q&A

What inspired you to do stand-up comedy for kids? The money! I earned £1 last year and I’m still wondering where to invest it. Also the sheer joy of being surrounded by gigglesome, joyous hoots of delight at something I’ve invented.

What’s the most awkward/funny thing that’s happened to you at one of your Fringe shows? During Edinburgh 2007, one child said to his mother, very loudly during my show: ‘Why is he saying all this out loud?’. Clearly he didn’t object to my jokes as long I kept them to myself! What do you hope kids and their accompanying adults will take away from your Fringe show? A sense of mischief, wonder and ridiculousness. And one of my free bookmarks.

Who would be at your fantasy comedy dinner party (living or dead)? Me (in charge of croutons), comedy poet, Chris White (napkin folding), Stan Laurel (soup and nuts), Spike Milligan (battered pudding) and Barry Cryer (sorbet and crackers). Ian Billings: Dumbs Up!, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 29 Aug, 11.15am, £8–£9 (£7–£8).

25 Aug–22 Sep 2011 THE LIST 43

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