Festival Kids list.co.uk/festival

VISUALISE RELOADED There are an awful lot of confusingly big words in the world of science which is why these guys don’t use any at all. Instead, Science Made Simple blends physical theatre with live science demonstrations, projected images and music to create a fascinating and exciting introduction to the laws of physics. A huge hit at previous Fringes, garnering five-star reviews and being shortlisted for a Total Theatre Award, the Visualise Reloaded team is back to do it all again. Suitable for anyone of any age and any scientific ability that’s curious about how the world works. Venue 13, 0707 420 1313, 21 & 22 Aug, 10.15am; 23–30 Aug, 1.15pm, £8 (£5).

music@list.co.uk Hitlist FESTIVAL KIDS *

✽✽ Wind in the Willows Cambridge University adapts Kenneth Grahame’s well-loved tale. Quirky characters, interesting sets and the unique use of bread products mark this out as one to watch. See review, page 44. Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 31 Aug, 12.30pm, £7–£8 (£5–£6). ✽✽ Baby Loves Disco The popular clubbing event for ages 7 and under returns. Dance your socks off, enjoy the bubble machine or relax in the chill out zone. Corn Exchange, 443 0404, 23 Aug, 2pm, £8. ✽✽ Lighter Than Air Hilarious balloon antics that entertain and amuse all-comers, regardless of age. See review, page 44. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 30 Aug (not 24), 11.30am, £8–£9 (£6.50–£7.50). ✽✽ Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom Andy Lawrence gives the fairytale a gentle shake, using his trademark sets and puppets. Highly recommended. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 556 9579, until 30 Aug (not 24), 11am, £7.50 (£5). ✽✽ Room on the Broom Arguably the best show yet from Tall Stories. Catchy tunes and great acting abound in this lively re-telling of Julia Donaldson’s picture book. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 31 Aug (not 20), 2.30pm, £8.50–£9.80 (£7.50–£8.50). ✽✽ Patrick Monahan’s Stories and Fables For Kids That Like To Sit At Tables Stand-up comedian Monahan turns his hand to children’s storytelling, with superb results. See review, page 45. Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 30 Aug (not 20), 1.30pm, £7–£8 (£6–£7). ✽✽ Giraffes Can’t Dance Imaginative storytelling and song, with large-scale puppets from Blunderbus Theatre company. The Space @ Royal College of Surgeons, 0845 508 8515, until 29 Aug, 10.35am (23 Aug 2.35pm), £7 (£6). For venue addresses see index page 80.

5QUESTIONS

With two high-speed shows on the go, David and John, stars of Potted Potter and Potted Pirates whizz through our 5 Questions 5 reasons why people should see your shows They’re funny; interactive; action packed; have music; and are themed (one has all the Harry Potter books in 70 minutes, the other has everything you need to know about pirates!) 4 best things about being part of a duo Not being alone on stage; being able to play off each other; working with your friend; not getting the blame if something goes wrong! 3 things you enjoy most about playing the Fringe? Meeting up with friends from all over the world; feeling part of the excitement and buzz that is the biggest arts festival in the world; the lovely feedback from audiences that have seen the shows. 2 other shows that you’ve enjoyed so far this year? Room on The Broom; and Bec Hill’s If You Can Read This My Cape Fell Off Superhero stand up! 1 word that sums up the David & John style? Potted. (Kelly Apter) Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 31 Aug, 12.30pm (Potted Pirates), 4.15 pm (Potted Potter), £9–£10 (£8–£9).

20–27 Aug 2009 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 43