Festival Kids

kids@list.co.uk

As this young man will no doubt testify. there's nothing quite like standing inside a giant bubble. Experience this. and many other eye- popping shenanigans. when the Amazing Bubble Man dips his assortment of objects into washing up liquid and starts blowing. Perfect for tiny tots who need a

spectacle to keep them engaged.

and older ones

who appreciate a fog-filled square bubble when

they see one.

African folktales, sing-a-Iong songs and a poorly crocodile all feature in Mara Menzies' show, Koko the Crocodile. But right now, she’s answering our five questions

5 reasons people should see Koko the Crocodile

To listen to and take part in not one. but two exciting stories; to meet the best. glittery eyed. real live crocodile (well almost) ever: to discover how crocodiles clean their teeth and how the hyena got his laugh: to make something beautiful and save the enVironinent with our eco-art workshop:

and to have an absolutely brilliant morning with lots to talk about ()\.'(}l' lunch.

4 things you love most about African storytelling

The chance to share little known but fantastic stories. The way it brings people together. The fact that the same story can affect people in different ways. Bringing rich African cultures to life.

3 things all good children’s theatre should do

Throw the script away. Encourageimagination. Engage with the audience. 2 things you enjoy most about performing for children

Their utter honesty. You must always expect the unexpected.

1 word to sum up the Mara Menzies style

Exuberlicious.

I Koko The Crocodile. The Zoo. 662 (5892. until 25 Aug met if. 2-1;. 1 lam.

£6 (£4).

Hit

FESTIVAL KIDS

* Potted Pirates Fast-paced comedic action from the team behind Potted Potter. bringing you nautical silliness and audience participation on the high seas. See review. page 43. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550. until 25 Aug, 3pm,

£9—£ i 0 (£8—£9).

=l= Visualise Reloaded The ‘Science Made Simple' team are back to live up to their name. and give you a few laughs at the same time. See review. page 42. Venue 13, 07074 207373. until 24 Aug, Noon (74- 76 Aug) 8. 2. 75pm (7 7—24 Aug), £8 (£5).

* Cloudcuckooland More musical instruments than you can shake a stick at, and more bird poo than the world can cope with in this fast, funny environmental musical. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 25 Aug, 72.50pm, £8.50 (£7).

* Three Billy Goats Gruff & Other Furry Tails The talented man behind last year's Elves and the Shoemaker returns with more beautifully crafted puppets and charming silliness. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 556 9579, until 23 Aug (not 77), 77am, £7.50 (£5).

=l< Heartbreak Soup This energetic. yet tender look at a young boy waiting for a heart transplant might have parents blubbing at the end. but there are plenty of laughs along the way. See review. page 43. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 2—25 Aug (not 73 8 74). 77.30am, £7.50 (£6).

* Painting Music Workshop A colourful way to introduce children (and grown— ups) to music appreciation. Pick up a paintbrush. listen to the live playing and get creative. See review, page 42. Sweet ECA, 0870 2470736, Lint/I25 Aug, 72.50pm, £3 (£5.50).

' ." »\;.ti .008 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 39