Edinburgh international children’s festival review

Various venues, Edinburgh
From a gentle exploration of tubes and spheres to a forthright examination of climate change, immersive puppetry and minimalist narrators, this is mesmerising for families and children alike

Not too long ago, theatre for babies sounded like a crazy indulgence. Now, the Edinburgh international children’s festival says it could sell out its shows for the under-twos several times over. Watching a performance such as Univers, you can see why. It is not only the babies who are mesmerised, it is the toddlers and adults, too.

Staged by Barcelona’s Engruna Teatre, and part of the festival’s mini-Catalonian season, it is a gentle exploration of tubes and spheres, delicately performed by two dancers, Anna Farriol and Maria Ballús, who also sing in accompaniment to Jordi Sala’s live ambient score. On an open studio stage, they discover gold nuggets that tumble in and out of turquoise containers, while above them, orbs are illuminated and dangly lampshades spin. As the objects roll and tumble in the direction of the audience, so the children become ever more engaged with the action.