Kids
HITLIST THE BEST KIDS’ STUFF
I S W E L Y N O T
Imaginate An international line-up of theatre not to be missed, catering for everyone from babies to teenagers. Shows from Switzerland, Australia, Italy and Holland rub shoulders with talent from our own shores. See preview, page 73. Various venues, Edinburgh, Mon 7–Mon 14 May.
The Magical World of Mackintosh A day of hands- on activities, storytelling and living history, bringing back to life Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife. See preview, page 76. Scotland Street School Museum, Glasgow, Sat 19 May.
RSNO’s More Monster Music From the brass section to the strings, there’s so much to explore in your average orchestra, and this specially tailored concert by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra gives wee ones aged 3–5 an insight into the magic of the big sound. Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, Thu 24 May.
The Gruffalo It’s over a decade since this fantastic stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s picture book first hit the stage. But when you’ve got a never- ending supply of young fans coming up through the ranks, why stop touring? King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Thu 10–Sat 12 May.
Introduction to Body Percussion Forget musical instruments, there are all kinds of sounds you can make just with your own body. Especially when a performer from the hit show Stomp is showing you how. For ages 8–14. Dance Base, Edinburgh, Sun 20 May.
Edinburgh Toddle Waddle This should make for a cutesome sight – hundreds of toddlers walking across the Meadows to raise money for the Meningitis Trust. If you feel like joining them, or donating to the cause, email edinburghwaddle@hotmail.co.uk Bruntsfield Links, Edinburgh, Sat 28 Apr
74 THE LIST 26 Apr–24 May 2012
Events are listed by city, then type. Submit listings at least 16 days before publication to kids@list.co.uk. Listings are compiled by Laura Ennor. ✽✽ Indicates Hitlist entry
GLASGOW Activities & Fun FREE Tots at Scotland Street Fri 27 Apr, 11am. Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, 287 0500. Interactive play session for ages 2–4. Dr Sketchy For Kids Sat 28 Apr, 11am. £5 per child + adult. The Glasgow Art Club, 185 Bath Street, 248 5210. Super cool life drawing classes for creative kids. Ages 5–12. FREE Saturday Art Club Saturdays, 10.30am–12.30pm. Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square, 287 3050. Art activities for ages 3–11. FREE Play Station Saturdays, 11am–1.30pm. Platform, The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Road, Easterhouse, 276 9696. Make up stories and invent characters before a fun art session. Ages 5–11. FREE Save the Frogs Day Sat 28 Apr, 11.30am–2.30pm. Festival Park, Govan Road, 287 8118. Learn more about the amphibians living around the park. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Back to School with Miss Baxter Sat 28 Apr, 2pm. £2 (under 16s £1.50). Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, 287 0500. Experience a day at school during WWII. Ages 5+. FREE GI Family Open Days Sun 29 Apr & 6 May, noon–3pm. Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, 0845 330 3501. Family tours of the gallery and drop-in art workshops. Ages 6–12. FREE Wee Wednesdays Wed 2 May, 2pm. Burrell Collection, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, 287 2550. An exciting workshop based on the museum displays. For under fives and their parents/carers. FREE May the 4th be with You: Star Wars Characters Invade Hamleys Fri 4 May–Sun 6 May, 11am–4pm. Hamleys Toy Store, St Enoch Centre, 227 3040. Meet a host of Star Wars characters and take part in a weapon making workshop. FREE Monster Madness Sat 5 May, 12.30pm & 3.30pm. Mitchell Library, North Street, 287 2999. Monstrous activities for kids aged 3–8. FREE Are We There Yet? Sat 5 May, 1pm. Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road, 276 9300. Choose your mode of transport and drive, pedal or sail around the collections. Ages 3–5. Parkour Saturdays 5, 12 & 19 May, 1.30pm & 3pm. £4. Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, 0845 330 3501. A chance for youngsters to get (safely) free running. Ages 8–11 from 1.30pm and 12–18 from 3pm. FREE Natural Adventure Sun 6 May, 10am. Robroyston Park, 763 1863. Explore the weirder side of nature by learning how to make a smelly cocktail or surprise a fairy. FREE I Am The Architect, This Is Not Happening, This Is Unacceptable: Family Education Day Mon 7 May, 10am (ages 7–9) & 1.30pm (ages 10–12). House for an Art Lover, Bellahouston Park, 10 Dumbreck Road, 353 4776. Artist Henry Coombes leads kids’ workshops,
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WEEKLY CLASS AERIAL FOR KIDS Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh, Thursdays
Two teenage girls are hanging from a bar, their legs twisted around a rope, heads upside down. This may not sound like the most comfortable of positions, but the smile on their faces suggest they’re having a ball – and they are. As is the young boy who then shimmies up a ‘silk’ (a long sheet hanging from the ceiling) and looks triumphantly down at the watching parents. It’s end of term at All of Nothing aerial company, and mums and dads
are beaming proudly at the heights their young progeny are willing to scale, and the twists and turns they perform without a care in the world for gravity’s pull.
Founded by dancer Jennifer Paterson, All or Nothing is dedicated to
showing just how fun, and beneficial, aerial work can be. ‘It’s a very good way of keeping active, while at the same time being a creative art form,’ says Paterson. ‘Aerial develops co-ordination, strength, flexibility and a confidence in yourself as well as others. You have to trust yourself to hold on up high and turn upside down in several different ways, and also trust other people in the group when you’re working together. But above all, it’s fun.’
Running two different classes tailored for primary and secondary school aged children, Paterson and her team have an endlessly encouraging and supportive style. No special skills are required, and pretty much anyone can give it a go.
‘All you need is a good attitude,’ says Paterson. ‘We ask that you’re fit and healthy, but the strength and fitness also comes with taking part. The classes are small, and you get a lot of one-to-one tutor time. We also adapt what is being taught so people achieve something according to their own skill level.’ (Kelly Apter)