EDINBURGH 2018: Pick Of The Programme - Family Shows

That time of year is upon us again! With over 3,000 shows in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme, it can be overwhelming choosing what to see, so we've selected our top picks from the family section.

Paddington Bear's First Concert

Join Paddington Bear on his adventures as he leaves home, meets his new family and enjoys his first concert - not without causing his fair share of mayhem, of course!

The charming tales of everyone's favourite bear come to life with storytelling, narration and a live orchestra. An enchanting children's concert that appeals to all who love this curious and cheeky bear - from the same team that brought you Peter Rabbit in 2017.

Michael Morpugro's Kensuke's Kingdom

Off on the adventure of a lifetime, Michael, his parents and their faithful dog Stella set sail around the world. Then, the night before his 12th birthday, disaster strikes. Washed overboard, Michael finds himself stranded on an island in the Pacific. But he is not alone...

Stuart Paterson 'master of children's theatre' (Scotsman) brings Morpurgo's 'dazzling adventure' (Times) to life in this captivating adaptation with enchanting storytelling, puppetry, music and a voiceover kindly recorded by Jenny Agutter! Join Michael, Stella, a buffoonery of orangutans and Japanese war survivor Kensuke in their fight to protect the Kingdom.

The Greatest Goat Of All Time

World premiere of this fresh, funny, fantastical story starring award-winning comedian, singer and dancer Charlie Baker (Harry Hill's Tea Time, Dog Ate My Homework, Doctor Who) and BAFTA-winning CBBC Class Dismissed actress Sam Battersea. Live clip-clop hip-hop soundtrack accompanies our hero on her journey from 0-100% confidence with her magically tuneful farmyard friend. Jokes! Songs! A goat! (plastic). Smiles! (Not plastic)

Denim: The Denim Juniors

Five pop princesses celebrate the power of being yourself. This drag pop concert for kids glows with stunning costumes and live music from animated classics to party hits. Denim is the place to scream, dream, and become a queen.

David Baddiel's AniMalcolm

Malcolm doesn't like animals, which is a problem because his family love them. Their house is full of pets. The only bright spot on the horizon is the Year Six school trip. And there he is, on the bus, heading to... oh no. A farm... full of animals!

After an adventure unlike any other, Malcolm begins to understand animals more deeply than anyone. But will he end up the same as before? A vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny musical, combining physical theatre and outstanding storytelling style to bring Baddiel's magical and wonderfully comic bestseller to the stage.

Brainiac Live!

Strap on your safety goggles. Due to popular demand, science's greatest and most volatile live show arrives with a vengeance. The West End and international touring favourite celebrates its 10th anniversary year with its first appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

More mischievous than ever before, Brainiac Live! will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful. Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all of those things on stage that you're too scared to do at home!

The Bear

The Bear by Raymond Briggs, adapted by Pins and Needles Productions. One night when she's fast asleep, an enormous white bear climbs into Tilly's bedroom. It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly's not scared.

With dazzling puppetry, delicious music and dozens of laughs, The Bear is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. So bring a bear and join Tilly and her great big white friend on a wild and magical adventure.

Arr We There Yet?

A rip-roaring and swashbuckling adventure in which Three Sailors hit the high seas in search of treasure! A scallywag pirate, a muscular sailor and a chef with a seafood allergy make for a hopeless crew as they fight for the title of Captain aboard the ship. These acrobatic pirates turn ship life upside down! Walking the plank becomes the high-flying teeterboard, cooking for the crew involves juggling knives and steering the ship spinning upside down in the roue cyr!

Kika's Birthday

Kika, a little French mouse, is going to be five years old! Her family has planned a birthday surprise, with friends, songs and a grasshopper band. But who is that with a twitchy tail and shining eyes watching them closely? It's that bright orange cat. Will she join the party, make some new friends and share some birthday cake, or does she have something else in mind? A delightful, interactive story with puppetry, for children aged 4+ and their families.

The Amazing Bubble Man

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. An Edinburgh Fringe favourite, he has sold out there for the last 11 years. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Read Natalie's picks for Comedy, Theatre, Cabaret and Musicals, and read about access at the Festival

To view the full Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme head to www.edfringe.com

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