This was kiddo show number six of Fringe 2024 for me and my 17-month-old daughter. I had high hopes as some friends had been last weekend but I’d missed the opportunity to nab a ticket, then noticed the whole run had sold out! When I got the chance to take my little one today I made sure to listen to a friend’s advice and sit right down at the front to get the best view.
Since the show is part of the Free Fringe there is tiered pricing for tickets which makes it very attractive to parents trying to save some cash when having to pay for parent/s and your babe/s.
It’s also a well known and loved show which sold out Ed Fringe in 2022 and 2023 and won Best Kids Show in Adelaide Fringe in 2023 so, of course, it was going to be a popular pick.
The vibe
You get a good feeling for this show from the outset because the performers make you welcome from the minute you step into the venue.
Then the fun really starts… come close, sing-a-long, pop some bubbles and stare in wonder when caterpillars, sharks, butterflies, frogs and teddy bears pay a visit to The Pear Tree.
The show itself
No need for high wire performers here when you can delight every child, and adult, in the room with bubbles, a pupating caterpillar and some Australian dad joke chuckles.
First we were lead into the venue by colourfully dressed, cheerful, smiling performers. Then invited to cosy up to the front of the stage and everyone was officially welcomed with a Native Australian Aboriginal Welcome song called Wanjoo.
From then it was hit after hit of songs to delight your infant including Twinkle Twinkle, I’m a Little Teapot, Baby Shark… I know there may be some parents groaning at the ‘same oh, same oh’ but these songs were interspersed with puppetry, dancing butterflies, floating balloon sharks, juggling, shadow puppetry, signing, jokes, projections, full on bubbles and topped off with a brilliant balloon rave party.
Everyone in the place (not just the kids) was transfixed by the expressive performers. They’ve totally nailed the storytelling, sing-a-long, sensory feast which you truly hope for when booking a show at the Fringe and it’s all done with the simplest of materials. (Bravo from this mum)
And remember those balloons? Well, every kids gets to take a balloon home with them at the end of the show and adults are invited to give a top up donation to the performers, if they wish.
Overall
I can’t fault this brilliant, well thought through and evolved kiddie production. Every element has the children’s entertainment as the goal and it seems the writers and performers know what works and perform it with gusto.
Not easy when doing two shows a day for the run of the Fringe. Thirty minutes were filled two the brim with simple and effective laughs, singing and hi-jinks and everyone left smiling. I couldn’t ask for more for my daughter (nor me).
Bubba-licious
Summary
Just the sweetest, most welcoming, wholesome, bamboozling-at-times, engaging, fun fest for little’uns. A show which used the simplest techniques of puppetry, signing, singing, bubbles and balloons so effectively to create a jam packed 30 min show which left you exhausted but also keen for more.
Written by Danielle Gordon
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