Festival KIDS
E N R O H T A L L U E V E T S
LITTLE HOWARD’S BIG SHOW FOR KIDS A thrilling conclusion to a tech-savvy children’s show
T here’s an intriguing mix of the hi-tech and old-school about geeky comic Howard Read and his cheeky sidekick, Little Howard. Since arriving on the comedy scene over a decade ago, Read has been known for his work with screens, laptops and animation, creating a niche for himself on the Fringe as a groundbreaking, tech-savvy children’s entertainer. And with Little Howard’s Big Show for Kids, the trademark bells and whistles are firmly in place, but Read is smart enough to realise that sometimes a good old- fashioned ‘it’s behind you’ moment or a silly fight scene is just what the audience demands. Making an immediate connection with his crowd, Big Howard reveals his crippling fear of spiders, just as we meet a particularly leggy (animated) arachnid. But help is at hand with a bit of audience participation spider- squishing: the first of several intricate slices
of technology during the hour.
There are moments just for grown-ups, and one of them is singled out to have his face used on screen. Once there, he plays a grumpy government inspector, probing accusations of the show being ‘clinically unfunny’. Should Big Howard fail to convince the bureaucrat of his comedic talents, a long spell in jail awaits the pair. It’s all enormous fun, and there’s a stirring finale when Read’s animated pal finally achieves his ambition of performing the ‘Thriller’ video. But as this is Little Howard, he might have cracked the make-up and choreography, but can’t stop himself getting the words wrong. (Brian Donaldson)
Underbelly, Bristo Square, 08445 545 8252, until 26 Aug, 2.45pm, £10–£12 (£9–£10). ●●●●●
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HITLIST THE BEST FILM RELEASES & EVENTS
✽ Sam Rose in the Shadows A poignant yet uplifting look at sadness, using excellent puppetry, physical theatre and music. See review, page 114. Bedlam Theatre, 225 9893, until 24 Aug, 12pm, £9 (£7).
✽ The Adventure Follow the signs, help solve the clues and rescue the missing scientist in this interactive adventure that’s utterly unique. See review, page 114. Pleasance Up The Hill, 556 1513, until 25 Aug, 11am, 2pm & 5pm, £12 (£9).
✽ Little Howard’s Big Show for Kids Comedian Howard Read continues to bring in the laughs with his animated side- kick. See review, left. Underbelly, Bristo Square, 08445 545 8252, until 26 Aug, 2.45pm, £10–£12 (£9–£10).
✽ Innocence Scottish Dance Theatre’s engaging introduction to contemporary
dance for little ones, inspired by the vivid imagination of William Blake. Summerhall, 0845 874 3001, until 25 Aug, 11am, £7 (£5); family £20.
✽ 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.
Summerhall, 0845 874 3001, until 25 Aug, 12.10pm, £8 (£6).
✽ Handmade Tales Energetic storytelling with live music from this impressive young
company that entertains grown-ups as much as children. Zoo Southside, 662 6892, until 26 Aug (not 14), 11.50am, £8 (£6).
22 Aug–19 Sep 2013 THE LIST 113