one4review | On 11, Aug 2025

toooB at The Green, Pleasance Courtyard, is a tender, wordless encounter for the very youngest theatre-goers and the adults who shepherd them. Performed by co-director Tamsin Fessey, the piece follows a friendly, transformable being who arrives, looks around, and learns by touching, rolling, and inventing simple games. The setup is intentionally small-scale: low audience numbers, cushions on the floor, and a relaxed, baby-led atmosphere. Original music by Tom Ball folds around Fessey’s precise movement, while Verity Quinn’s design and Naomi Oppenheim’s costume keep the palette soft and inviting. At around 25 minutes, followed by a gentle 20-minute stay-and-play, it’s a considerate first step into theatre and dance for ages 6–24 months.

From the audience side, the experience feels calm, curious and unhurried. Without dialogue, little ones lock onto rhythm, shape and proximity: the performer’s shifting gestures, a glance that invites a response, and a small game that grows as confidence builds. The soundscape hums with warmth rather than volume, and the humour is feather-light, enough to coax smiles without overwhelming sensitive ears. Because seating is on cushions and numbers are capped, carers can settle in, adjust positions, or soothe as needed without anxiety. The show’s interactivity is always consent-based and optional; babies who want to watch from a distance are just as accommodated as those eager to wriggle forward.

The production’s strengths are its clarity of purpose, early-years expertise, and consistent craft across movement, design and score. The short running time is thoughtfully pitched to infant attention spans, and the post-show play sustains engagement without pressure. As a welcoming bridge into live performance, toooB excels. Slightly older ones (3-5) won’t have a bad time here, but the show is clear about its target demographic. For families at the Fringe looking for something gentle, sensory and sincerely playful, the show is an easy recommendation.

*****

Reviewed by Matthew

Pleasance Courtyard – The Green

Various Times (45 mins)

Until 25 Aug (not 13 or 20)