FESTIVAL KIDS LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVAL
S E E E D F R I N G E . C O M F O R M O R E
I N F O
5 QUESTIONS
Purves Puppets tell us about their 26 years on the Fringe 1 This is your 26th year on the Fringe – what keeps you coming back? There’s a special holiday atmos- phere unique to Edinburgh, and families are already excited when they arrive. Even the kids have often seen a lot of theatre. They expect – and they get – the best.
2 What do you think are the key ingredients for a great kids show? A really original idea, but one where everybody says “Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?”. Plus you need action-packed adventure, fun and music that gets eve- ryone going. The plot should always be on the move.
3 What has been your best experience at the Edinburgh Fringe to date? When we looked into the audi- ence to discover Lenny Henry laughing his head off at our show, and meeting him after- wards. 4 Why should people come and see your two Fringe shows, Pips and Panda Meet the Three Bears and Nessie the Loch Ness Monster? Because our style is really unique. Not only pup- pets but computer animation are combined in our spectacular shows. Lots of puppeteers sit on stage and illustrate their stories with puppets, but we perform complete plays and you don’t see a single human until the play finishes. Both stories are espe- cially written for their age group: 1–6 and 5–100!
5 What three words sum up Purves Puppets? Giant- sized, Scottish and Original. ■ Pips and Panda Meet the Three Bears and Nessie the Loch Ness Monster, Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall, 01899 220631, until 18 August (not 12), times vary, £8.
✽ HITLIST HORRIBLE HISTORIES Learning about Scottish history has never been so much fun. From Burke and Hare to Robert the Bruce, this excellent theatre show will leave you entertained and entirely more knowledgeable ■ Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 26 Aug (not 13 & 20), 12pm (except 4 Aug, 2pm), £10.50–£11.50 (9.50–£10.50).
Andy and Mike’s Tick Tock Time Machine Join the duo on an adventure into the past and future, in this fast- paced show. See review on page 67. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 19 Aug, 11am, £9–£9.50 (£8–£9). Dr Brown Brown Brown Brown Brown and his Singing Tiger An hour of madcap physical comedy. See review, page 67. Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 26 Aug (not 13, 20), 12.45pm, £8 (£7).
The I Hate Children Children’s Show Paul Nathan may hate children, but they love him. Find out why in this fun show. See review, page 65. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 27 Aug, 12.15pm, £8–£9 (£7–£8).
Mil’s Trills Music and Stories Fun music and song
show catering for the younger end of the spectrum and their grown-ups. See review, page 67. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 12 Aug, 10.30am (0–2 yrs), 11.45am (3–5 yrs), £5 (£3). 64 THE LIST 9–16 Aug 2012
The Snail and the Whale A father and daughter storytell- ing session comes alive in this imaginative adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s picture book. See review, page 65. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 26 Aug, 3pm, £8.50–£9.50 (£7.50–£8.50). The Elves and the Shoemaker Beautifully crafted puppets and witty storytell- ing from Fringe children’s favourites, the Theatre of Widdershins. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 556 9579, until 26 Aug (not 15), 1pm, £8.50 (£6.50).
Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Did you see Stick Man in 2010? Then you’ll know what to expect from this team, who know their way around a Julia Donaldson adapta- tion. Underbelly, 0844 545 8252, until 27 Aug (not 9), 11.15am, £10–£11 (£9–£10).