Assembly
Fringe favourite Monski Mouse returns with two shows this year, including Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret, which does what it says on the tin: a glitzy 10am singalong in Assembly’s spiegeltent, packed with pimped nursery rhyme classics and fun renditions of well-known pop songs, sometimes re-purposed with new words. A laid back Monski sings and compares, accompanied by guitarist Lewis and third cast member Jen, who produces various glittering props that keep babies entranced.
There’s a nice balance between sitting back and singing along and plenty of opportunities for toddlers to be on their feet (throughout, in our case). There are also quiet moments of wonder. After a singalong ‘Zoom Zoom Zoom’ a change of lighting transports us into space for a rendition of ‘Walking on the Moon’ complete with slow dancing led by an astronaut in a shiny silver helmet.
Plenty of mats and cushions create a laid-back comfortable environment with lots of space for very young children. My two-and-a-half year-old was one of the older kids on the day we went but with action-filled versions of such favourite as ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ and ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ – plus a couple of rounds of Sleeping Bunnies thrown in – Monski puts on a show for babies and toddlers alike.
(Written by Becky Brewis)
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