Paperbelle, Assembly Royal Botanic Garden
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Children are hard to please, easily distracted and unforgivingly restless when something doesn't fully captivate their attention. A festival of culture such as the Fringe has the potential to be a parent's worst nightmare, were it not for the legion of children's theatre companies hoping to entertain the young ones.
One company that manages this with ease is Frozen Charlotte, whose production Paperbelle is a stimulating audio-visual experience for toddlers. The set – made entirely from paper – acts literally as a canvas during the 40-minute performance. Stanley Pattison acts alone as Eric, whose companion Paperbelle is a 5in stick figure drawn on a piece of paper. When their black-and-white world becomes imbued with colour, their initial fright is gradually replaced with curiosity, and then acceptance.
Pattison's energy and enthusiasm is infectious – the children are enthralled by him and the way Paperbelle has him running around in circles. For such a playful concept, the show is startlingly creative and tells a touching story.
Ends August 27
The Curious Scrapbook of Josephine Bean, Traverse @ Scottish Book Trust
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For slightly older audiences, Shona Reppe combines elements of comedy and mystery in The Curious Scrapbook of Josephine Bean. Reppe's character, Dr Patricia Baker, is a woefully inadequate scrapologist – someone who studies and analyses scrapbooks, of course. Blundering from one false lead to the next, her haplessness is endearing, and the audience very quickly becomes curious about the story behind the scrapbook.
Despite the multitude of props, it's Reppe's wit which carries the show – perfectly timed and delivered.
However, what does become jarring is that so many of the gags seem tailored for the accompanying adults in the audience.
While it's by no means a bad thing to throw in some references for the grown-ups, it becomes a problem when the kids become visibly less engaged.
Ends August 26
The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk, Traverse @ Scottish Book Trust
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One show that is successful in entertaining both adults and children is the Catherine Wheels' Ballad of Pondlife McGurk. Its story is one so relatable that it transcends generational gaps – whether you're nine or ninety, you will be able to identify with one of the characters.
Andy Manley is an incredibly talented performer and effortlessly captures his audience's attention, relying only on his incredible storytelling abilities.
Rob Evans' story, directed by Gill Robertson, is of a primary school friendship between Martin (a new student from Birmingham) and Simon (the class outcast and resident oddball).
Both ostracised by the popular crowd, they form the type of bond that only boys on the cusp of puberty can. Together they create comics, build dens and explore, letting their imaginations run wild. Their friendship becomes tentative after a disastrous school trip and football try-outs, when Martin is picked for the team.
As he begins to spend time with the popular pupils, he becomes increasingly embarrassed by his friendship with Simon, who is sneered at by the likes of bully Sharon McGuiness. .
Manley is exceptional throughout – he portrays a vivid image of school bullies, peer pressure and innocent friendships gone awry. The themes will resonate regardless of your age, striking a chord with children experiencing the same thing, or evoking bitter memories for those whose past is tainted with childhood betrayal.
Ends August 26
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