It's a little tricky to find the venue, Underbelly's Clover theatre [you have to head to the back of McEwan Hall]. But once you get to the theatre, it is a standard black box theatre with a bare stage. I was very aware that I was the only adult in the audience who didn't have a child with them. It's almost like a show in and of itself to see little tiny humans sit down and not be completey aware of why they are here or what it is all about. The room was filled with whispers from adults telling little ones how they need to be quiet during the show and give a big clap at the end mixed with the excited outbursts of children who are just excited to be doing anything [ah, those were the days].
The show starts a little abruptly with performer Gemma Sharp entering from the back of the audience. However, I noticed how the shock of this entrance managed to bring a hush across the room, with not a single parent needing to shush their child for the start of the show.
The show was incredibly charming. I couldn't help but have a big smile on my face as I was being lovingly bombarded with facts about the ocean and all the beautiful creatures that live in it. The kids get into the show straight away, literaly jumping at the opportunity to answer the Sharp's questions.
When the Whale puppet was produced, you could literally feel the childhood wonder fill the room, mouths agape as the creature spoke to them and wiggled its tail.
The story is a timeless children's story, our protataganist is just a little bit different than everyone else, so decides to go off alone on a big journey to find someone who is like them. Along the way, they meet lots of creatures who just so happen to be a litle bit different too, helping them to realise that maybe it's not so strange to be who you are. Of course, there is a happy ending, but I shan't be spoiling anything.
The show is dripping in creativity. I was blown away by the use of an umbrella and fairy lights to replicate a jelly fish, the theatre suddenly becoming an ocean full of jellyfish as the audience sang and moved the jellyfish about. I also found myself becoming a child again when the moray eel puppet came out. My eyes widened, my jaw dropped, and I let out an audible, "Wooooowww!" I felt like a child again, and it reminded me of the magic of theatre.
I have a split rating for this show.
For an adult going along, this gets 4 stars from me. However, this is not a show intended for adults, this is children's theatre, and from the reactions I saw all around me, and from my inner child, this show gets 5 stars and a well-deserved Fantastic Fringe Award!
Go see this show, borrow a child from friend's and family if you need an excuse to go, and enjoy a wonderful hour of theatre.
☆☆☆☆☆
Most importantly though, no matter how big or small you are, have a fantastic fringe!
Love,
Tony x
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