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PATRICK MONAHAN’S STORIES AND FABLES FOR KIDS WHO LIKE TO SIT AT TABLES Fringe stalwart ups the ante in lovely kids comedy ●●●●●
When asked to queue quietly for Patrick Monahan’s first show for kids, one young audience member groans, ‘It’s just like being at school.’ It’s a shame then that more teachers aren’t like Monahan, whose artful blend of comedy, storytelling and energetic dancing has children, parents and a smattering of lone adults riveted, instantly quelling any such complaints.
Under the guise of a 467-year-old Middle Eastern storyteller, Monahan – a half-Irish, half-Iranian Teesider – is in danger of swaying into negative stereotype territory, but he deftly avoids it through his effortlessly charming way of talking. And while there’s something a little incongruous about hearing a Geordie accent emanate from this sparkly turban-wearing, magic carpet-flying performer, it only adds to the comedy.
In between his storytelling, there is much audience interaction – which could present Monahan with a few problems on the odd day that shyer kids attend. However, he patiently asks questions in a way that’s gentle but far from patronising and teases out children’s confidence so skilfully that by the end, they’re all eager to be part of his big finale.
What’s more, the jokes aren’t too different in tone from his regular stand- up, which has always had a family-friendly air, and it’s testament to Monahan’s universal wit that eight-year-olds and 48-year-olds double over with laughter at the same punchlines. It all serves to create an atmosphere so convivial you wish more comedians performed for children – although there’s no need to take any along to enjoy this big-hearted show. (Yasmin Sulaiman) ■ Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 30 Aug (not 20), 1.30pm, £7–£8 (£6–£7).
DOCTOR AUSTIN & DOUG SAFETY’S TIME-TASTICAL TIME TALE It’s science Jim, but not as we know it ●●●●●
Time travel is a gift to fiction writers, but when it comes to the facts, even Dr Who had to resort to describing it as ‘a big ball of wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff’.
Dr Austin and Doug Safety have set themselves a hard task. Starting with wormholes and taking in entropy, cryogenics, Einstein and Tesla, the idea is to introduce a range of time travel methods and demonstrate them with experiments and a lot of liquid nitrogen. The experiments themselves range from spectacular to a bit iffy, with the audience having to abandon the principles of the scientific method and just take Safety’s word for it when one fails completely. Austin Low is great as the over-
enthusiastic lab assistant. He avoids being patronising, explains the science succinctly and keeps things moving with ad libs and crowd interaction. Doug MacDonald, with a PhD in astrophysics, obviously has the knowledge, but trips over conveying the basics.
As an introduction to science this is too scattershot, and for those already familiar with the concepts it’s too simplistic. Skip the learning part and go along expecting to enjoy a knockabout show with science tricks
and gags. (Suzanne Black) ■ Underbelly’s Hullabaloo, 0844 545 8252, until 31 Aug, 2.50pm, £8–£9 (£6–£7). can’t fail to stimulate little appetites. (Yasmin Sulaiman) ■ Pleasance Dome, 556 6550, until 31 Aug, 11.45am, £7.50–£8 (£5.50–£6).
ICE CREAM MAN AND THE JELLY INCIDENT Pies fight puddings in this chuckle- worthy children’s tale ●●●●●
With its healthy eating message and cheeky send-up of a celebrity chef, there’s an educational element to Ice Cream Man and the Jelly Incident that many parents will love. Yet it’s delivered with such fiercely imaginative silliness that children won’t fail to be captured either. Brothers Jonny and Davey Dimm
take us through a colourful, music-filled journey into the Foodiverse, where the planets Maincourse and Dessert are at war and their only salvation is the lost planet of Fruitopia. At times the story takes unnecessary twists and turns (Jonny has to explain where we are in the plot at a few points along the way) but many of the children are so engaged that there’s no shortage of volunteers to help out when called upon. Written by Dude! Where’s My Teddy
Bear? creators Jonny Berliner and Dave Labi, Ice Cream Man and the Jelly Incident may not go on to emulate the former’s far-reaching success but with its jaunty tunes and happy-go- lucky spirit, it’s an undeniably fun show. Be sure to pack some (healthy) snacks for after, as all the talk of food
THE LEGEND OF MAGNIFICENT MOON Interactive African tale ●●●●●
There’s a charming simplicity to this new show by Edinburgh-based Toto Tales, which you can’t help but warm to. Inspired by a traditional African tale, the story centres on two brothers – the Moon and the Sun – who love each other dearly, but find their friendship marred by a nasty streak of jealousy. Tired of hearing his sibling showered
with compliments, the Sun steals the Moon’s bright colours and hides them far away – leading to a journey under the ocean and through the forest as Moon endeavours to recover his beauty. Along the way he encounters a speaking cave, greedy octopus and suspiciously colourful bird . . .
There are no fancy theatrics here, just the most basic of props transformed into atmospheric works of art. Stepping in and out of the narrative, two storytellers enjoy a witty banter between each other and with the audience, regularly asking us to join in the fun. As with all Toto shows, we’re then invited to create our own work of art by delving into their box of craft goodies and making a vibrant moon to remember it by. (Kelly Apter) ■ The Zoo, 662 6892, until 31 Aug (not 23, 30), 11am, £6 (£4).
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on the importance of feeling at home. Using puppetry, music and vivid
storytelling, these imaginative performers transport the audience from their quirky home, into which we’re generously welcomed, to the various worlds that Twine travels through. Occasionally, the story loses its narrative thread in favour of concentrating on more eccentric turns, but this is made up for by the rich sensory details that pepper the action. When Twine finds himself tossed into a deep ocean, silky blues, violets and ultramarines erupt out of a basket in a mesmerising tangle on stage.
The ultimate result is a calming, dream-like atmosphere that proves this company understands what it takes to make a memorable and engaging children’s show that transcends age barriers. Highly recommended. (Yasmin Sulaiman) ■ Diverse Attractions, 225 8962, until 29 Aug (not 23), 11.45am, £5 (£3.50).
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