All the best shows for families and children
FRESH from celebrating its 75th anniversary last summer, the sheer variety of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe indicates the best is yet to come.
And that’s particularly apparent when you look at the ever-increasing number of shows that are either family-friendly or aimed squarely at children of all ages, from babes in arms to teens.
Fittingly, in the home city of Robert Louis Stevenson who created one of the most famous mad scientists of all time, Dr Jekyll, our very own bonkers boffin is back – and as wackily wonderful as ever.
Following a sold-out fortnight last year, Doktor Kaboom is returning for the full month with the world premiere of his new show The Wheel Of Even More Science.
Kids love the interactive nature of the crackpot Dok’s show as they spin the Wheel and choose what happens next – be it flying a home-made hovercraft, a firm favourite from last year’s show, or shrink-wrapping a teenage victim (er, I mean volunteer…).
Children can watch objects defy gravity, create gravity or try the hair-raising (literally!) electrical generator while other new experiments this year include ‘the can crusher’ plus a gigantic chemical reaction.
Every show is different so step right up and spin that wheel!
Doktor Kaboom is doing his thing at the Pleasance Courtyard – where I had much less fun 30 years ago sitting several Edinburgh Uni exams! – at 12pm, ideal if you’re enjoying a family day out at the Fringe and fancy a pre-lunch performance.
You’ve got time for a quick bite before heading over to Assembly, where another sure-fire family hit is The Greatest Magic Show!, on at 2.30pm in the Palais du Variete in George Square Gardens.
Hilarious and absolutely out of this world, with more whimsical wonders than ever before, comic magicians Justin Williams and Sam Hume will be hitting the stage with brand-new illusions direct from Las Vegas stage – put it this way, their prop builder worked with David Copperfield (the slightly creepy conjuror, not the Dickens fella).
Their ringmaster is played by the incomparable real-life Disney character, Magnus ‘Danger’ Magnus who will do everything he can to keep the chaotic magic show on track and as an added bonus, every child who attends the show will receive a free magic wand and have the chance to take a photo with the stars of the show after the performance.
Packed full of crazy circus stunts, mind-bending magic and hilarious humour that will leave you on the edge of your seat and splitting your sides for the entire hour, it isn’t hard to see why this magic show truly is the GREATEST!
Speaking of wands, HarryPotter-themed shows have been hugely popular in Edinburgh ever since JK Rowling created her world-famous boy wizard in the city, and this year the pick of the bunch is Barry Potter And The Magic Of Wizardry at The Space Symposium.
Award-winning character comedy magician Tim Motley knows just what it takes to create a hit Fringe show, having performed here no fewer than 20 times, and this August he promises real-live wizard magic.
You will experience the wonder of world-class wizardry in a realm of messenger owls, robed wizards and flying broomsticks while marvelling at mind-blowing mysteries involving cauldrons, goblets,scrolls and talking snakes – plus jokes!
Everyone likes being scared and kids are no exception, so slightly older weans may want to delve into Edinburgh’s altogether darker side with City Of Edinburgh Tours’ Children’s Underground Ghost Show or their Children’s Underground Vaults Tour.
Edinburgh is known as one of the most haunted places on the planet but just who haunts the city’s world-famous – and undeniably sinister – vaults?
For the Ghost Show you join Minging Annie from Auld Reekie’s spooky past to explore what it’s been like being trapped under Edinburgh’s city streets for more than 400 years, while the Vaults Tour takes you into these dimly-lit catacombs that were once the haunt of criminals, witches and Edinburgh’s infamous body-snatchers Burke and Hare.
Aimed at children from 5-12, both are great, ghoulish, ghostly fun!
Music and kids is a magical combination and slightly older children will have a blast at The Beatbox Collective: What’s Your Sound? at Assembly George Square Studios.
Featuring a team of the UK’s top vocal artists who, individually, have won almost every beatbox competition on the planet these international touring and world-champion beatboxers use their trademark mind-blowing sound, energy and vocal dexterity to create a polyphonic masterclass that will leave you buzzing.
They’re returning to Edinburgh with a show that promises “72 new sounds, twice the interaction, 30 per cent more music and 100% fresh vocal wizardry” but if you like your beatboxing served with a slice of comedy, you might want to check out The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show Strikes Back! instead.
It’s an “all-new, action-packed hoopla” (no, me neither but I’m 53 and not exactly “down” wiv da kidz’ jargon…) from beatbox/comedy duo Hobbit and Jarred Christmas who guarantee lots of LOLs and interactive fun for the entire family (OK, maybe not the cats and dogs!).
As a Primary Teacher, I’ve seen first-hand how much children love Roger McGough’s writing, and in Roger McGough’s Money-Go-Round the renowned poet brings to life his witty and mischievous children’s book to the Assembly Rooms in a vibrant new musical adaptation.
The mighty McGough uses his magical way with words to delight audiences of all ages as the tale follows the trail of Mr Toad’s coin in this “beginner’s guide to the mysteries of economics” (see entertaining and educational – something I’d love to be!).
For the complete opposite, however, you can’t beat Olaf Falafel’s Super Stupid Show (20% More Stupider) for an hour of kid’s comedy at the Pleasance. You can also find Olaf Falafel at the Laughing Horse at the Pear Tree with his show: Look What Fell Out Of My Head.
Comedian and children’s author Olaf Falafel (I’m not convinced that’s his real name) promises truth-telling cheese, fishing, ducks, bumbags, sausages and maybe some drawing in this family-friendly frivolity that “will leave you feeling a lot less intelligent than when you walked in”.
Actually, I think he copied that last bit from my most recent Head Teacher’s assessment…
Tickets for all of these shows can be found at https://tickets.edfringe.com
