Review: All New Crazy Puppet Magic Show, Fringe 2026

Leigh Milne’s All New Crazy Puppet Magic Show is exactly the kind of colourful, silly and interactive entertainment that young children can get completely swept up in. Combining puppetry, magic, silly humour and lots of audience participation, the show has a lovely energy that keeps the children involved rather than simply sitting and watching.

Puppets, Magic & Mayhem

The puppets are definitely the stars of the show, with Elvis, Flash, Chester and Otto each having their own completely unique voices and personalities. This made the characters really memorable and, judging by the audience, very funny too. There were lots of children absolutely belly laughing at the puppets, with the room filled with the kind of proper, infectious laughter you want to hear at a children’s show.

There was plenty for the children to get involved with too, including opportunities to come up on stage and become part of the action. The audience participation worked particularly well because it made the show feel much more personal and unpredictable. You could see the children getting excited when they realised they might be called up or have a chance to join in.

It had a lovely, relaxed feel to it and, although it was definitely a little amateur in places, that actually added to its charm rather than taking away from the experience. There was something very endearing about the homemade, playful quality of the production. It didn’t feel overly polished or rehearsed, and instead had a really warm, enthusiastic quality that suited the younger audience.

A big hit with the little ones

The show was completely sold out, and it’s easy to see why. There was a great atmosphere in the room, with lots of young children laughing, shouting out and getting involved with what was happening on stage. The puppets in particular were a huge hit, with their different voices and silly personalities giving the children plenty to laugh about.

My little boy really enjoyed the show and was laughing at some of the funniest moments. I think the combination of puppets, magic and audience participation worked really well for him because there was always something happening to keep his attention. It wasn’t just about watching a story unfold; the children were made to feel like they were part of the show.

The different puppets each brought something different, too. Elvis, Flash, Chester and Otto all have their own distinctive voices, which made it easy for the children to recognise them and get attached to the characters. Some of the reactions from the audience were brilliant, with children absolutely cracking up at the puppets and their antics.

It’s not the most polished children’s production we’ve seen at the Fringe, but I actually think that is part of what makes it so enjoyable. There’s a real sense that it’s made with genuine enthusiasm and a love of entertaining children. Rather than feeling like a huge professional production, it feels more intimate and accessible, which works particularly well for younger children.

The audience participation was definitely one of its biggest strengths. The children weren’t expected to sit quietly for an hour; they were encouraged to respond, laugh, shout out and get involved. For younger children, especially those around three and upwards, that makes a big difference.

Overall

A really fun, cheerful and family-friendly Fringe show that kept my little boy entertained from start to finish. The combination of magic, puppets, silly humour and audience participation makes it a great option for younger children, and the atmosphere was lovely, with lots of children genuinely laughing out loud throughout.

The puppets were the highlight for me, particularly because Elvis, Flash, Chester and Otto all have such different voices and personalities. Watching the children belly laughing at them was probably the best indication of how much fun they were having.

It is a little amateur around the edges, but in a genuinely endearing way. Rather than feeling like a negative, it gives the show a warm and slightly chaotic charm that fits perfectly with its young audience. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly what makes it work.

With a completely sold-out audience, plenty of laughter and lots of children eager to get involved, All New Crazy Puppet Magic Show is a lovely choice for a family Fringe outing. It’s silly, interactive and full of personality, and most importantly, the children seemed to absolutely love it.