one4review | On 26, Aug 2026

My five-year-old thinks “this is the best show at the Fringe”, what more praise is needed? If you want to take your children to see something perfect for them in every way, this is it. The show is an incredibly relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for all; it’s really freeing for families to be in a space where the children weren’t expected to be quiet and sit straight but could get involved and were given instruments and mice/frogs to take part in the experience and be in the action with the performers, just brilliant.
There’s zero ‘forced participation’ with everything feeling either earned via fun interactive play or wanted by the children; they’re overly keen to get involved, and they do! There are props galore, with instruments handed out, hats and balls; the children aren’t just watching a show, they’re integral to it. We were team Frog and entrusted with one of the central characters and a frog guiro instrument (it makes frog noises; they loved it). We’re dancing one moment, gasping at the excellent storytelling the next and cheering as we’re trying to get the balls in the bucket! Joyful chaos.
So much praise must go to the three-person ensemble for their talent and care in making this performance just so magical for all the family. We have our two main performers who embody the frogs and mice; they’re incredibly warm and have such engaging energy, and they truly connect the room, which can’t be easy in a sea of toddlers. The third performer is the musician, using various instruments to help bring the story to life adds a wonderful layer of magic and creates a fantastic atmosphere!
This is a must-see show for parents and a simple masterclass in how to do children’s theatre right. It’s simple yet effective with an enormous heart. My five-year-old isn’t easy to please; is any? So “It’s just the best show” is really like giving it 20 stars? A pure joy and belongs on every parent’s itinerary.
*****
Reviewed by Matthew
14.15 to 15.00
Zoo Southside