Edinburgh Festival 2018: Our pick of shows for children

One of the things we love most about the Edinburgh Festivals is that there are countless shows, concerts, events, happenings, performances and everything in between, to cater literally to all shapes and sizes. Wonderfully, that includes kids too, so below we round-up some of the shows we think look just irresistible for that mini-theatregoer in your life.

Duckie

WOS favourite and cabaret star Le Gateau Chocolat presents his first work for children with this reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling. Set in an animal circus, with a message of tolerance and self-acceptance at its core, this sounds as important as it is glam. Age recommendation: 3 and up.

Summerhall, Main Hall, 1, 3 to 12 August, 2:00pm

The Gruffalo, the Witch and the Warthog with Julia Donaldson

Anyone with kids will know these stories off by heart, but take a break from the bedtime recitals and let the author herself recount your little'uns with in her brand new show featuring Room on the Broom, The Magic Paintbrush, The Ugly Five, Superworm, The Gruffalo and The Cook and the King. Featuring songs, puppetry and plenty of audience interaction. Age recommendation: 3 to 10.

Underbelly, George Square, 2 to 14, 16 to 27 August, 11:00am

The Amazing Bubble Man

Kids of all ages love bubbles, which is probably why this show from Louis Pearl has sold out at the Fringe for the last 11 years. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, this show for all ages promises to conjure 'shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement'. Age recommendation: 0 and up.

Underbelly, George Square, 2 to 27 August, 1:30pm

Dick and Dom: Dick v Dom

BAFTA-winning children's TV legends Dick and Dom make their Edinburgh Fringe debut with this stop on their UK tour. The pair split the audience in half to do battle with interactive games, songs and (of course) bogies! Age recommendation: 5 and up.

Underbelly, Bristo Square, McEwan Hall, 1 to 12 August, 1:00pm

Paddington Bear's First Concert

Thanks to the wonderful films, the country has fallen in love with Paddington Bear all over again. Now join him on his latest adventure, to his first concert featuring storytelling and a live orchestra. Age recommendation: 0 to 10.

Underbelly, Bristo Square, Cowbarn, 1 to 12, 14 to 26, 11:20am

Private Peaceful

In the year that we mark the centenary of the First World War, this adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's novel, about a soldier looking back on his life in the trenches in France, is a must-see for older children. Age recommendation: 8 and up.

Underbelly, Bristo Square, Cowbarn, 1 to 12, 14 to 27, 2:40pm

AnimAlphabet

This musical adventure features characters including Colin the Country Cockatoo, Hip-Hop Donkey and Geoff the Geordie Jazz Giraffe. It also has songs by Al and Sam from pop band The Hoosiers! Sounds like a hoot! Age recommendation: 0 to 10.

Pleasance Dome, KingDome, 1 to 12, 14 to 267, 10:40am

MamaBabaMe

This sensory piece from Starcatchers and Curious Seed sounds perfect for the really tiny ones. Billed as a 'dance, physical theatre and live music experience', it places the audience in a mini arena with soft boundary edges and features the soothing sounds of live cello as well as 'intimate lighting and set design', to explore the ever-evolving bond between parent and child. Age recommendation: 0 to 3.

Pleasance at EICC, Tinto, 1 to 5, 7 to 12, 14 to 17, times vary

The Lost Things

Another one for children aged eight and over, The Lost Things is staged in a unique dome structure and follows a boy who falls and finds himself in a new world of lost things. From multi award-winning company Tortoise in a Nutshell. Age recommendation: 8 and up.

Pleasance at EICC, The Bay, 4 to 12, 14 to 19, 11:30am and 3:00pm

Baby Loves Disco

For the last nine years this family dance party has sold out, so they must be doing something right. To celebrate their 10th anniversary at the Fringe, club DJs will mix the best floorfillers from the last decade. Featuring face-painting, dress-up, chill-out zone, selfie booth, crafts, healthy snacks, and… a licensed bar! Age recommendation: 0 to 6.

The Jam House, 5, 12, 18, 19, 25 August, 11:00am and 2:00pm

BambinO

However, if your little bubba is after a little more culture then may we suggest this five-star operatic adventure for six to 18 month-olds. BambinO reinvents opera for babies, allowing them to roam free and explore during the performance, interacting with singers, musicians and each other. Directed by Improbable's Phelim McDermott. Age recommendation: 0 to 2.

The Edinburgh Academy, Robertson Room, 7 to 12, 14 to 19 August, 10:00am and 11:30am

Read all our Edinburgh Festival coverage