The Imaginate Edinburgh International Children’s Festival showcases Scottish and International companies with an exciting programme of circus, dance, theatre, storytelling and music. Each production is aimed at a specific age range, from babies to young teens: visual delights, stories on the natural environment, cultural adventures and the simple joy of play.
Now in its 35th year, the Imaginate Festival 2025 presents a diverse range of engaging, innovative and inspiring shows from seven countries with a Spotlight on Flanders, a small region with a big reputation for quality and risk-taking in theatre for young audience.
Grown Ups is presented by Compagnie Barbarie & Bronks from Belgium:
Grown-ups work. On their computers. Yet what do grown-ups really do? When the children are at school, what do they do all day long? ‘Grown-ups’ shows how adults deal with problems that get over their heads. How often they fail to make the right decision, consciously or unconsciously. But above all, ‘Grown Ups’ is an ode to theatre.
On an almost empty stage, with a curtained cubicle at the back, we observe duck tape, then a snake-like coil of cable, and most bizarrely, two or three oranges rolling across the floor. Gradually, one by one, each of the performers wander silently across the stage, carrying a ladder, an electric drill, focussed in deep concentration. Just an occasional whistle while they work like the seven dwarfs. A spot of essential DIY to keep the home decorated, safe and tidy is what grown ups seem to do when the children are in bed.
But then things go slightly - in fact seriously - awry when water starts dripping from the high ceiling far out of reach. The four women gather to observe the problem, puzzled and concerned about how to fix it. This is reminiscent of the age old joke, how many people – stereotype, nationality - does it take to change a light bulb. Q. How many Germans does it take to change a lightbulb? A. One, we're very efficient.
So, back to solving the leak: one character finds a glass to catch the water, while another sets up two step ladders and finds several bamboo sticks with a cloth draped over the end to try and prevent the drip. With acrobatic skill and a series of rather dangerous balancing manoeuvres, struggling to hold the poles in place, it evolves into a mad, manic mash up of clowning, slapstick and mime.
There’s little dialogue at first, just like a typical Laurel & Hardy sketch which often involved disastrous DIY jobs or moving furniture with hilarious results. It’s only when the actors suddenly notice the audience that they realise they are on stage, and feel that they must entertain us and perform a real drama. Breaking the fourth wall, they ask us why we are here and one enthusiastic child is clearly loving the silly antics and shouts back ‘to watch you!’.
For a show aimed at children, aged 4 – 12, what is so innovative is that aside from the clowning about, the loose narrative ventures into the theatrical world of Anton Chekhov. With the use of masks and a peasant scarf, we are transported to a sunny garden in The Cherry Orchard, and a snippet of garbled ‘Russian’ is all part of an affectionate send-up. Even the character Firs, the butler, left behind and forgotten at the end of the play, is echoed in a scene when one of the women is left abandoned and trapped at the top of a ladder.
With imaginative flair, this Belgian company presents a cool and contemporary style of Commedia dell'arte based on the humorous shows performed in Italy from the 16th century. Music, dance, witty jokes and all kinds of trickery contributed to the comic effects, while masks and props enabled characterisation and theatricality; Arlecchino held two sticks which made a loud noise when clashed together, coining the word "slapstick."
Scottish Variety Theatre and the timeless appeal of Pantomime owes its legacy to Commedia dell’arte in the manner of improvisation, wit and speed to develop a storyline and characters with farcical clowning around.
Following the classic Italian tradition, Compagnie Barbarie and Bronks present their own highly disciplined dramatic art with delightful virtuosity and a strong sense of ensemble playing.
In this beautifully choreographed performance, the timing is impeccable taking us on a slow journey which made the ensuing Laurel & Hardy-esque scenario so utterly hilarious.
Blending clowning, slapstick and gentle Chekhovian humour, this entertaining show is aimed at children. However, this very silly, surreal, comedic style of theatre would equally appeal to the Grown-Ups. You will laugh your socks off - pure magic.
Showtimes:
This performance took place on 26th May, 2025
https://www.imaginate.org.uk/festival/
https://www.compagniebarbarie.be/en/