If you’re out and about in the early morning and afternoon you’ll often meet a completely different kind Fringe audience – with hordes of young excited happy faces lining up outside theatres, tents and venues around Edinburgh.
Tons of Fringe comics, circus acts and even cabaret stars put on special shows for kids alongside their adult offerings – so if you’re doing the Fringe family style you’ll be pleasantly surprised at some of the talent on offer.
Fringe favourite, gigantic idiot and master absurdist Garry Starr is doing his first show for kids with Monkeys Everywhere, at the Pleasance. Expect virtuoso physical comedy and crazy stunts.
Comic author and illustrator Olaf Falafel, frequently on the Best Jokes of the Fringe list, will be bringing sausage birds, bogies and truth-telling cheese to audiences from the ages of 3-13 at Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show So Far at Laughing Horse@ The Counting House as part of the Free Festival.
If you fancy introducing your kids to stand up, you could try Comedy Club 4 Kids at Assembly George Square Gardens, which features a changing line up of stand ups doing clean versions of their stuff for kids age six and above.
From Australia, The Greatest Magic Show returns in a funny, family-friendly circus themed show, where you get a free magic wand with every ticket. The same company is also putting on Circus – The Show, featuring some of the finest circus acts on the Fringe. You’ll find both shows at Assembly George Square Gardens, which is one of the most kid friendly venues – especially when the sun comes out.
Lovers of madcap science experiments and explosions might want to check out the irrepressible Doktor Kaboom at the Pleasance Courtyard.
For classic knockabout musical kids comedy try The Listies, who are part of the House of Oz group of shows at Assembly George Square. They are huge in Australia – and will have children and adults in the audience chortling with joy.
If your kids are really tiny and want to be a part of the action, you could pop along to Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall – a no holds barred disco for kids with a brilliant upbeat soundtrack guaranteed to get the whole family bopping about. Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret is also a treat – with top cabaret stars joining Monski Mouse on stage to demonstrate all the cool dance moves. You’ll find both shows at Assembly George Square Gardens in the beautiful Palais du Variété Spiegeltent.
Rambunctious types might also enjoy Trash Test Dummies Circus – wheelie bin themed high energy comedy circus at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows – which is suitable for all ages.
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Other returning favourites are the ever-popular Amazing Bubble Man at Underbelly Bristo Square and Children Are Stinky – another circus themed show at Assembly George Square
For a theatrical treat try The Smeds and the Smoos, an Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. You’ll find it in the majestic Grand in the Pleasance Courtyard.
Finally, for the really really tiny ones comes Bubba-licious – a show full of gentle light, colour and movement, this show at the Laughing Horse@The Pear Tree has been described as the “perfect show for babies and toddlers.”
Start them young and keep them coming back for more.
Find dates, times and prices of all shows at www.edfringe.com
