OUR PICK OF THE IMAGINATE FESTIVAL
If you are planning a family trip this May to the Scottish Capital, there is nothing more exciting for children and young people than their own unique festival of theatre with the Bank of Scotland Imaginate Festival.
The festival, which celebrates its 22nd anniversary this May, grows each year to offer a diverse programme aiming to promote and develop the performing arts for children and young people.
Between the 9th and 15th of May, the festival will present about 15 shows per day at 7 venues across Edinburgh. Locals in other areas of Scotland will also be able to see some of the festival offerings as some of the shows take part in the festival on tour programme. The festival offers a diverse range of theatre for children ranging from under 5 up to17.
Why not start your journey with one of the opening shows: OOPS A DAISY, an original and funny dance representation that will keep the youngest ones (age 0-4) captivated and entertained. With the majority of shows lasting less than an hour and some designed for small audiences, the conditions are ideal to capture children’s attention.
In another genre, POTATO NEEDS A BATH is an imaginative play performed by Festival returning and acclaimed artist Shona Reppe. The story is set around fruits, vegetables and music, and makes an ideal show for young children (age 3-5) and their parents to enjoy and laugh along to.
Imaginate Festival will also feature fantastic adaptations of famous writers’ work, such as MISS OPHELIA, a Dutch tale adapted from Michal Ende’s (Never Ending Story) masterpiece. It is a great way to discover classic tales early and specially adapted for young audiences: 6 years old and over. If Grimm’s tales are already part of your family’s library, children between 7 and 10 will be mesmerised by the famous GOLDEN GOOSE, brought to life by world class puppetry from Germany.
Of the 16 shows presented this year, 9 are Scottish, 3 are from the rest of the UK and the others come from all around the world including Germany, Holland, Belgium and Canada. This means even more originality and variety and an immense choice of shows to choose from.
One of the most original shows this year is CIRCUS INCOGNITUS, performed by Canadian artist Jamie Adkins. His acrobatics and jokes have already obtained rave reviews in The New York Times and are now coming to Edinburgh. Be prepared to be dazzled.
And if you are also travelling with teenagers, there will be something for them too. THE DARK is a moody piece looking at the love and fear of the unknown. The performance engages the audience across several locations during the 90 minute performance. Young adults will be able to relate to the story of Nicky, a character seeking answers for questions that cross every teenager’s mind. If you are not running to an equally good show straight afterwards, we encourage you to stay and engage in a post-show discussion with the writer and the cast.
With a remarkable range of performances and adaptations for young audiences acclaimed all over Europe and over the Atlantic, Edinburgh is proud to count the Imaginate Festival as one of its prestigious cultural events. So why not join in? The journey starts here...
