Festival Kids list.co.uk/festival
music@list.co.uk Hitlist FESTIVAL KIDS *
DUDE! WHERE’S MY TEDDY BEAR? Back in 2003, this rock’n’roll musical was one of the most popular children’s shows on the Fringe. Having played at numerous venues since – including the Glastonbury Festival – Dude is back for another slice of Fringe fun. Young Max has lost his teddy bear, and goes on an adventurous quest to find him, encountering some colourful characters along the way. Parents and children be warned though – you’ll be singing these catchy songs for weeks, months and quite possibly years to come. ■ Pleasance Dome, 556 6550, until 31 Aug (not 17), 10.30am, £7.50–£8 (£5.50–£6). 5QUESTIONS
✽✽ Andy and Mike’s . . . Big Box of Bananas This comedic hour from CBeebies presenter, Andy Day and his equally daft pal Mike is packed to the rafters with silliness. Merriment and mayhem for all the family. See review, page 50. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 23 Aug, 12.50pm, £8 (£6). ✽✽ Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom Another triumph for the Theatre of Widdershins, as they deliver a fun take on the popular tale. Featuring beautiful sets and puppets. See review, page 51. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 556 9579, 7-30 Aug (not 17 & 24), 11am, £7.50 (£5). ✽✽ Room on the Broom The team that brought you The Gruffalo have surpassed themselves with this lively adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s picture book. Highly recommended. See review, page 50. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 31 Aug (not 19 & 20), 2.30pm, £8.50–£9.80 (£7.50–£8.50). ✽✽ Giraffes Can’t Dance Bandy legged and uncoordinated, Gerald the giraffe was the outcast of the jungle – until he learned to dance to his own tune. Imaginative storytelling and song, with large-scale puppets from Blunderbus Theatre. See review, page 50. The Space @ Royal College of Surgeons, 0845 508 8515, until 29 Aug (not 16), 10.35am (9 & 23, 2.35pm), £7 (£6). ✽✽ It Was a Dark and Stormy Night An old fashioned yarn for modern audiences, as storytellers Danya Miller and Louise Coigley bring Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s tale to life. See review, page 51. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 556 9579, until Aug 14, 1pm; then at Valvona & Crolla, 556 7800, Aug 15 & 21-22, 10.30am, Aug 16-20, 1pm, £7.50 (£5). For venue addresses see index page 88.
Glasgow-born Carol Ann Duffy may be a tad busy being Britain’s Poet Laureate at the moment, but she still found time to answer our 5 Questions 5 things that inspire you the most My daughter, Ella, who is just 14. Meeting other poets and reading poetry in general. My lovely friends. Travelling (preferably by train!) and spending time in different places. Spending time in Ireland and in Italy when I can. 4 reasons why people should go and see your Fringe show, The Princess’ Blankets To see and hear the amazing talents of musician John Sampson. To listen to new poems and a whole new fairytale. To go to an event as a family. To find out what makes the Princess stop feeling so cold! 3 best things about poetry You can learn it by heart. It can make you laugh or cry. It can change the way you see things. 2 words that best describe your writing style Very good. 1 word that sums up how you feel about performing at the Fringe Excited! ■ Scottish Storytelling Centre, 556 9579, 15–24 Aug, 1pm, £7.50 (£5).
13–20 Aug 2009 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 49