The Edinburgh Fringe is a festival for the whole family. Among the more than 2,000 shows scheduled in 2008, there's a good selection of children's theatre, puppetry, kids comedy, dance workshops and more for children - from tots to teens - to enjoy with or without their parents in tow. So strap on those
Simpson's backpacks, pack up the
Barbie wheelie bags and head for Edinburgh for great family fun. Here are some of the highlights:
- Amazing - You Can Juggle Now! San Francisco's Comedy on the Square performers Frisco Fred, Big Al Catraz and Jay Alexander perform comedy juggling and teach you how. At The Zoo, August 1-25.
- Animal Olympics Performance poet Francesca Beard introduce Dragon, Rabbit, Tiger, Monkey and all the stars of the Chinese zodiac in an olympic talent show. The Scotsman called it "brilliant". For ages 5+, the Assembly@George Street, to August 25.
- The Comedy Cartoon Story Free standup for kids. Author/ cartoonist/comedian Phil Sheppard relates The Princess Has to Pee, Lollipopman, and other stories. At the Laughing Horse@Edinburgh City Football Club, August 5-11.
- Comedy Club for Kids Neopolitan Theatre presents a real comedy club "without the rude bits", for kids 6+. "Surprisingly funny," says the Guardian. At The Bongo Club to August 25.
- Dr. Bunhead's Crash Test Jelly Babies Live science for kids. The Daily Telegraph called it, "silly, crazy, dirty, dangerous and magnificent". From Brainiac's most explosive TV scientist. For ages 7+. At Musical Theatre@George Square, August 7-11 and 21-25.
- The Golden Voyage of Sinbad Adventures of Sinbad and his cheeky brother, Binbag. At C, August 4-25.
- The Greatest Bubble Show on Earth Giant bubbles, square bubbles, peole in bubbles - all kinds of bubbl-ology. At C too, August 3-11 and 13-25.
- How Does the Kanga-Roo? Can Bruce the kangaroo become the most famous animal Down Under? A bonza bonanza of koalas, kookaburras and crocs. At C, August 3-25.
- Ian Billings Out of His Mind Wonkers, bonkers kids comedian in world premier. At Gilded Balloon Teviot, August 3, 5-10, 12-24.
- I Can't Sleep by David O'Doherty David and Maeve are going to sleep but the audience is keeping them awake. Comedy for 5 to 8-year olds. At Assembly@George Street, August 3-10 and 12-25.
- The Mozart Question Paolo Levi is the greatest violinist in the world, but he refuses to play Mozart. Why? New dramatisation of Michael Morpurgo’s stpru travels from the beauty of Venice to the horrors of the Nazi gas chambers. World premier for kids 8+. At Assembly@George Street, August 3-10, 12-25.
- The Man Who Planted Trees Storytelling masterpiece is child and parent friendly. A Fringe sell-out in 2007, with "the best dog puppet ever." At Scottish Storytelling Centre, August 2-3, 5-10, 12-17, 19-24.
- Mr. Fizzywigg's Story Factory Kids spin the wheel of silly voices, dip into the massive box of zany hats, write and star in Mr. Fizzywigg's storytelling show. At Sweet Grassmarket, August 3-10, 12-17, 19-25.
- Rapunzel - May the Force Be With You Rapunzel "Star Wars"-style. Interactive theatre for kids 4-12. At Spotlites@The Merchants' Hall , August 3-17
- Russian Play Music, games, dressing up. Wild Russian fun for kids 3+, at C, August 13-25.
- Seeds, Reeds and Tales of the Unexpected, Poet and children's author Carol Ann Duffy and musican John Sampson. An afternoon of poetry and contemporary wind music in the heart of the Botanics. At Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Lecture Theatre, August 19-25.
- Silly Billy Bum Breath Strikes Back Sell-out comedy kids sketch show. Five days only, at Gilded Balloon Teviot, August 16-17, 19, 23-24.
- Visualise Reloaded Technoclowns with wordless wonders, live science with mischievous physical theatre. World Premier at Venue 13, August 3-10, 12-24.
- The Wind Tamer 10-year-old battles to lift the family curse. PR Morrison story adapted by Newbury Youth Theatre. At Quaker Meeting House August 4-9.
- Treasure Island the Musical Swashbuckling adventure from B.G. Touring, for kids 6-14. At Augustine's August 4-8.
- We All Fall Down Sell-out, double Fringe First award winners En Masse Theatre in a darkly comic musical "for fearless families" about the plague of 1665. Suitable for kids 8+. At Underbelly, August 3-11, 13-24.
If You're Heading for Edinburgh...
