Festival KIDS
THE MAGICAL PLAYROOM Charming story from children’s TV presenter
T o the uninitiated, Cerrie Burnell is the woman from CBeebies whose disabled arm caused a stir in 2009. She is also possibly the perfect children’s presenter. It’s difficult to think of anyone currently on TV more capable of creating wonder and enchantment through nothing more than personality and a love of what they are doing.
In keeping with her BBC roots, this is less a show and more a Jackanory-style exercise in storytelling, with a simplistic set of a child’s bedroom, stuffed toys and a single prop to indicate each different character (a scarf for the mother, a pair of sunglasses for the gran). The story itself, written by Burnell, is an autobiographical tale of a young girl who wants to play and be a ballet dancer like her mother, but without wearing the prosthetic arm that her family and doctor want. One
night in hospital, she finds a key to the magical playroom. To begin with, this is about addressing head-on the issues of physical disability. A child’s voice asks the most obvious questions: Why is your arm like that? How do you get dressed? By the time the toys come to life, however, and tell their parables, it has become much more universal in its themes and is about having the courage to stand up for who you are.
While lacking the pomp that characterises so many children’s shows, this is a golden opportunity for kids to spend an enchanting and heartfelt hour with a real TV star. (Gordon Eldrett)
Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 18 Aug (not 14), 11am, £9.50. ●●●●●
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HITLIST THE BEST KIDS STUFF
✽ Romeo and Juliet Looking to introduce your offspring to the Bard while being
thoroughly entertained yourself? This superb new production has it all – laughter, tears and absolute clarity. See review, page 65. Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 18 Aug, 11.20am, £9–£10 (£7–£8).
✽ l’Apres-midi d’un Foehn Prepare to be captivated as this beautiful show
from France turns the humble carrier bag into a dancing star. See review, page 65. Summerhall, 0845 874 3001, until 25 Aug (not 11, 12, 17, 18, 22), 2pm & 5pm, £10 (£7).
✽ Titus Great acting with a poignant
and funny storyline, this tale of hope in difficult circumstances will capture older children and adults in equal measure. See review, page 65. Summerhall, 0845 874 3000, until 25 Aug (not 16, 19), 12.10pm, £8 (£6).
✽ Handmade Tales Energetic storytelling with live music from this impressive young company that entertains grown-ups as much as children. See review, page 64. Zoo
Southside, 662 6892, until 26 Aug (not 14), 11.50am, £8 (£6).
✽ The I Hate Children Children how It’w s Children’s Show It’s h more, magic and so much more, athan, courtesy of Paul Nathan, the meanest man on the Fringe (with a heart of gold). 64. See review, page 64. rd, 556 Pleasance Courtyard, 556 11.50am, 6550, until 26 Aug, 11.50am, £8–£10 (£7–£9).
8–15 Aug 2013 THE LIST FESTIVAL 63
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