one4review | On 17, Aug 2025

There’s a beautifully cheerful chaos in this kitchen as a second Signor Baffo (Josh Burton) rides his bike onto the stage and rings his little bell. We get a call and hear that Signor Figaro (the head chef of this kitchen) is not coming and Baffo is suddenly in charge. The show works on a to-do list of various things Baffo must do, and this is the spine of the show, but really the focus is joyous mayhem!

What is easily one of the best children’s shows at the Fringe? Signor Baffo takes us through a series of set pieces, naughty veggies, a runner-bean ‘race’, an inventive rocking classic for sausage rolls and a spaghetti sequence, which, although utter chaos with children trying to hold extremely long ‘spaghetti’ while others throw meatballs, is a pure joy to watch. We see a child volunteer their shoe before demanding it back and watch Baffo trying to navigate the ever-demanding children who are actively swept up in all the madness. What’s brilliant about this showcase of talent is whether it’s invoking a famous TV chef or getting the sleep hen to lay an egg for pancakes, the kitchen is a communal playground where all are welcome, and Burton works hard (extremely hard) to make sure every child gets their chance to play.

Burton is a master at keeping little ones engaged; there are clear rules (sit still, be quiet, hands up), and the children are so captivated by him they all immediately jump to command. There’s a brilliant call-and-response (“Service!” / “Yes, chef!”) and constant praise for his little helpers. There’s a great improvisational energy, and Burton bounces and riffs off audience comments and callouts wonderfully. Shyer children are invited and supported but never pushed; we learn that mistakes are a normal part of life, as is getting back up again. There’s lots for parents too, with a Hannibal Lector reference I never thought I’d see in a children’s show; it flies over their heads but lands just right for us.

I can’t praise this show enough; child-centric humour, elastic physical comedy, nimble crowd work – there’s mime, songs, mishaps galore, and the show moves at such a pace that when he takes his final cream-covered bow, I think we all just leave wanting more. A show perfect for a family outing that brings joy served with the right amount of joy, kindness and anarchy for all.

*****

Reviewed by Matthew

Assembly Rooms – Bijou

11.05 (55mins)

Until 17 Aug