KIDS
CLASSIC ADAPTATION THE SELFISH GIANT Edinburgh Festival Theatre Studio, until Tue 24 Dec ●●●●●
It may sometimes feel as if Scotland only has one season, but this theatrical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s short story, The Selfish Giant, reminds us that spring does actually exist. It tells of a giant who lives in a castle in the Scottish Highlands, whose selfishness causes him to build a high wall around his beautiful green garden to keep out all the animals who like to play there.
Wilde’s story made waves earlier this year in Clio Barnard’s broad social-realist film adaptation, to which Wee Stories’ version for children (staged in other forms by this company on more than one occasion before, in case claims of cashing-in might be levelled) bears no
resemblance. Nor does it contain much of the overt religious content of the original. Instead, there are echoes of A Christmas Carol in co- adapters Andy Cannon and Iain Johnstone’s taut morality tale of a greedy giant whose attitude and behaviour bring him loneliness.
It’s inventively staged for a low budget, with Johnstone’s giant (he also directs) winningly presented as a galoot filled with comedy panto meanness, engaging in plenty of call-and-response dialogue and animal impressions with the primary school-aged audience. The transforming castle set makes a little go a long way, and the two female dancers who complete the cast bring vividly amusing life to the changing of the seasons as the giant’s garden becomes a snowy waste. It’s a small-scale show, but its heart is giant-sized. (David Pollock)
Go-Round, 32–34 Nithsdale Road, Strathbungo, 07983 588675. Kids can enjoy exploring imaginative play through music and movement. FREE All Night Long Sat 21 Dec, noon–4pm. Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, 287 0500. An afternoon of crafts and song in celebration of the Winter Solstice. Christmas Time Sun 22 Dec, 10am–2pm. £7.95 per child, plus one accompanying adult for free (additional adults are charged regular admission). Glasgow Science Centre, 50 Pacific Quay, 420 5000. A fusion of Santa and science in this exploration of the starry sky. Ages 3–5 years. FREE Decorate the Decades Mon 23 & Tue 24 Dec, 1.30–4pm. Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, 287 2660. Create a Christmas bauble inspired by vintage toys. Glasgow Kids Comedy Club Sun 5 Jan, 3pm. £4. The Stand, 333 Woodlands Road, 0844 335 8879. Live comedy for younger fans, particularly those aged 8–12. 90 THE LIST 12 Dec 2013–23 Jan 2014
Toddler Tuesdays Mon 6 Jan, 10.30–11.15am. £3 per child; accompanying adults free; £20 for a year of sessions. The Tall Ship at Riverside, 150 Pointhouse Place, 357 3699. Songs, rhymes, puppets, music, games and imaginative play for ages 1–4. Film Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert Fri 27 Dec, 6.30pm. £25–£55. The SSE Hydro, Exhibition Way, 248 3000. Selections from Walt Disney’s animated feature, played alongside live accompaniment from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Music
✽ The RSNO Christmas Concert: The Snowman Sat
21 Dec, 2pm & 6pm. £12.50–£35. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, 353 8000. A family- friendly concert of carols and seasonal tunes, including a screening of The Snowman with live accompaniment.
✽ FREE The Kelvingrove Family Ceilidh Mon 30 Dec, 2–4pm.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Argyle Street, 276 9599. Dance away some of the last remaining hours of the year to the sounds of the Gunna Sound Ceilidh Band.
Theatre & Dance Peter Panto and the Incredible Stinkerbell Until Sat Jan 4, times vary. £8–£18. Tron Theatre, 63 Trongate, 552 4267. See review, page 122. Red Riding Hood Until Mon 23 Dec (not Sun), 2pm & 7pm. £13 (£5–£6). Platform, The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Road, Easterhouse, 276 9696. A Christmassy take on the tale of
the little girl with the red coat. Ages 5+. The Singing Kettle: Christmas Wishing Well Thu 12 & Fri 13 Dec, 10.30am & 1.30pm & 5pm. Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec, noon & 3pm. £12–£13 (family £44–£48). Braehead Arena, King’s Inch Road, 0844 499 1700. Join the group as they search Kettle Village Square for the magical wishing well. Frida and Frosty Until Mon 30 Dec, times vary. £7.50 (family £24). Scottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sheriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, 552 3988. Based on the story of Frosty the Snowman, this festive show is suitable for the whole family, especially ages 3–7.
✽ Red Shoes Thu 12, Wed 18 & Thu 19 Dec, 10.30am & 1.30pm. Fri 13 Dec, 1.30pm & 7pm. Sat 14 &
FOR EVEN MORE KIDS LISTINGS GO TO LIST.CO.UK/KIDS