Scottish Storytelling Centre
Macbeth for Bairns pulls out all the stops for an action-packed playful, sensory retelling of the Scottish Play for little ones.
Performer Brooke Dunbar took the time to learn the names of all of the little ones coming to see Macbeth for Bairns, which was an excellent start. She has a great set up with lots and lots of sensory props to help her tell the story, which she has cleverly adapted to keep the essence of Shakespeare without going too deep into the scary bits (war, death, blood, ghosts etc.) There’s mushroom hats to go in the witches potion, light up crystal balls, squishy tomatoes to feast on, fluffy owls, a fairy light ghost, shiny crowns for everyone and much, much more !
The show also pulls the adults into the storytelling, assuming roles by reading lines cleverly written onto props and dressing up as the trees of Birnam Wood.
The atmosphere was relaxed and the show very much interactive, which was great for engaging audience of all ages. Boyo was (as ever) the littlest at 8 months, and he loved the sensory elements and munching on the props, the biggest was 5 and they were more engaged in the story as well as being encouraged to help out. I really appreciated the effort made to make a baby show that told a grown-up story as well.
Extra kudos to Brooke for adapting to her audience and speedily editing out a crow puppet when one of the kids found it too scary- toddlers are a tough crowd!
(Written by Debs Hahn )
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