Every feather, chalk drawing, hat, and teapot has a purpose in this hour of playful clowning. Pitched at all ages, but popular with those with children around the five year mark. Carrington opens his box of tricks to the most challenging of attention spans. And catches them.
You don’t have to be a kid to see this, but access to your inner child is an utter advantage. There’s juggling, an immense soundtrack of cues and songs, props galore, and so many things to wear on heads. Channelling the absurdity of young imaginations, the key here in Carrington’s kids’ show is not necessarily wild feats but instead wonderful whims. A ball of red yarn and a well known hook conjures Mission Impossible, present-wrapping becomes a competition, and a toothbrush can be found in any number of corners.
Carrington enlists several Mums and Dads to help on stage, always with a silent nod to consent, generating a warm and familial vibe. The whole show is non verbal, crossing international lines as well as age ones. Some props are a tad tricky to see from the back, specifically chalk boards written or drawn on closer to the ground, but with smaller people standing up and craning for a better view there’s not much harm done.
‘Out Of The Box’ is back for its second year at the Fringe, with word of mouth already selling out the first few days’ shows, and it’s not a surprise. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a little playtime with Darryl J Carrington?
Darryl J Carrington: Out of the Box, 13.20, The Wee Coo at Underbelly, George Square, 5-31 August (not 18th)
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/darryl-j-carrington-out-of-the-box
