This week’s underage entertainment
MUM AND THE MONSTER
It’s no coincidence that Mum‘s dancing with the monster, here. Tall Stories' tender tale of family harmonies played by three actors and their violin, accordion and clarinet has a modern day theme of clash, disharmony and convergence with a new melody. See review.
I C Venue, 0870 707 5
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STAND—UP FOR KIDS FINDING THE LITTLEST FUNNY BONES
The younger generation lox es a right good laugh as rr‘ucn as the rest of us old fogies. And. nine times Out of ten, it's the kids who have to patiently explain the punchline to siov. coach mums and dads. But there's always been a shortage of cut- and-Out comedy shows for children. Ul‘I.i now that is: this
year's Fringe programme boasts a trio of jOKOFS [JCT‘IOHT‘IHQ eshecially for young folk.
James Campbell has been described as 'the only stand-up comedian for children in Britain'. a reputation he may wish to modify on reading the rest of this article. Yet. his unique brand of Surreal stand-up deals with the things that kids care about. from Christmas to teachers. from fire drills to why we have eyebrows, The untlagging Campbell is bringing two shows to the Assembly Rcoiits: an early afternoon show for younger audiences. and an evening's 'llSlgill into creating gags for the sohlt:sticate<l underage sense of humour.
Evenone secretly Knox-rs that Kids are Best. but comedian John Ryan isn't afraid to cone right out and say it. His energetic Linchtin‘e shov. changes daily to allow audience participation in his silly. stcries. catchy ditties and fierce con‘petitiOns.
And finally. Perrier-runner Tommy Tiernan needs no introduction to regular Fringe comedy fans. although his latest st; rid-up S'TQW. Original Stories for Children. marks a ntagzcal chapter in its arread‘;. rr.‘_.:ticoloured career. Undoubtedly. if these hilarzous. bizarre taies are delivered with the passion and dynait‘is'n that character ses Tiernar‘s adult stand-up. yOunger audiences are ir‘ fer a ‘eas‘. o‘ fun, iAllan Radcliffei I Jarr‘es Carma: 's Corned» 4 Kids, Assembly Roarr‘is. 226 2426. unti/ 25 Aug. ’,-.':"::;,'77. 537—68 «5550—22650»: Kids are Best}. 556 6556. Pegasa'ce. uritr/ 26 Aug (not 73/. 72.45pm. 33.504 Torr‘rr‘. Original" Stories for Children. 3 St George's Wes: 22:”: 7048. 72-27 Aug, noon' 77Aug. 7.01pm. 56 V'
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FESTIVAL KIDS Top tips for little people
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I Tommy Tiernan’s Original Stories for Children Perrier award—winning comedian and actor turns his tongue on the wee folk. St George '3 West Church. 225 7048, 12—27 Aug. noon; 7? Aug. 7.00pm, £6 (F4). I Not Now, Bernard and other Monster Stories It's tough being a kid. sometimes yOu just want to roar. See reView. C Venue. Chambers Street, 0870 707 5 705. until 24 Aug (not 70), 72.300m. £6.50 (f5.5(%f4.50).
I The Wind in the Willows The world of Mole. Ratty and Badger will never be the same again after animators from Spitting Image got their hands on the piece — an impressive leap for the Creatures of the riverbanks and Wild Woods. C Venue, 0870 707 5705. until 24 Aug (not 70 8.19), 10.30am. £6.50 (£4.50~E5.50).
I Rumplestiltskin at the Fairytale Laundry Allie Cohen hangs up her socks and turns them into a bright new tale featuring that strange little guy. Rumplestiltskin. Come and check them out among the piles of laundry. Assembly Rooms, 226 2428, until 24 Aug (not Mon), 7 7am. £6 (£4).
I Mum and the Monster Tall Stories. famous for their celebrated version of The Gruffa/o, take another picture book and conjure it onto stage with characteristic charm. See review. C too, 0870 707 5705, until 24 Aug (not 7 0), 4.20pm, £36.50 (84.50—55.50)
I Alan Ayckbourn in Conversation The great bard of our domestic times, Ayckbourn shares his years of playwriting wisdom with a younger crowd. He is joined today by artistic director of the Royal Lyceum. Mark Thomson to chat and answer your questions. Charlotte Square, 624 5050, 70 Aug, 5pm, £3. 50
.1 Aug 224,11 THE LIST FESTIVAL GUIDE 51