Review: Family Storytime - The Lion and the Mouse

By Sean Greenhorn*

Children's theatre is a unique offshoot of normative theatrical practice. The dependency on conventional narrative delivery is lessened and the performance instead employs a looseness that allows for, say, the introduction of a rapping explorer in comically over-sized glasses. Scottish Youth Theatre's Family Storytime shows are aimed at children aged between 3 and 7. At such a young age it goes without saying that much of the traditional ways of consuming theatre -sit quietly in the your assigned seat- has not yet been engrained onto their psyche (although this reviewer finds them better behaved than a lot of adult theatre audiences...). The gang over at Family Story Time realise this and not only do they offer a colourful, engaging and easy to follow story but they present the children with opportunity after opportunity to get involved in the story.

This current season of Family Storytime are all based around the timeless fables of Aesop (each season is based around a different theme; we have recently had fairy tales, rare tales etc.). Aesop's fables survived for two connected reasons; their brevity and their strong morals. This makes them perfect fodder for the Family Storytime treatment; in this weeks tale The Lion and the Mouse they spend 20 minutes of their 45/50 minute show  simply taking a tour of the 'safari'. The children were -of course- on board the bus the entire time. It is telling that it is the product of a Youth Theatre; that inherently understands what children want, which is simply to run around and make noise. What better opportunity to do this than by encouraging them to pretend to be monkeys?

A constant musical rhythm is maintained throughout the entire show that keeps the involved in the changing plot, although they may have to stay pretending to be those monkeys, they have got to get back on that bus, as the song (and the show) must continue. This is maintained throughout the entire performance; sure, the songs change but the beat is constant. At moments were there was a threat of disengagement from their audience, the performers are well trained and canny enough to realise this and engage with them on a one-to-one level. For instance, one child who did not involve himself with any of the interactive elements was asked (along with several of the other children, he was not singled out) what animal he was. His response to this was 'An evolved ape' which, whilst being a particularly smart answer, nonetheless demonstrates an involvement with the text on display. Family Storytime is an innovative and engaging way to introduce children to theatre, with 5/10 minutes at the end of every performance dedicated to the children storming the stage and 'playing' (in the theatrical sense, perhaps?) with the props. Each and every show not only presents a fun story for kids to enjoy but also encourages imaginative thought and, importantly, an introduction to the art of performance.     

Sean is a member of SYT's Young Reviewers group. A group of young people who study theatre and they are passionate about performing arts for children and young people. If you want to take part or to find out more, you can email kyriakosv@scottishyouththeatre.org.

We've asked a Greek to write about the Aesop's Fables.

This Family Storytime Season is Aesop's Fables season. Although we thought that we knew every single story, we realised that we didn't know that much about this weekend's the North Wind and the Sun. For this reason, we had a Greek friend of ours to write this post and tell what the story is all about and who is Aesop anyway.


Being Greek you learn about Aesop before you even learn to speak. The first thing you must remember is that every character in Aesop's stories symbolises an idea or a human attribute. The fox is cunning, the tortoise is steady and determined, the ants are hard-working. Aesop very cleverly used animals instead of people, in order to engage audiences and actually help them learn. He was in fact the first storyteller.

Now, this weekend's story, the North Wind and the Sun, is a story about persuasion and force. This time however, we don't have animals as characters. In the story, the Wind and the Sun fight about who is stronger. Seeing no other way of resolving this problem, they decide to try their power upon a poor traveller. What follows is a hard battle between cold and heat, between force and persuasion. The story gives many opportunities for fun and games, but at the same time it has a very useful message about all the things we can achieve with persuasion. 

Scottish Youth Theatre's storytellers have a unique way to transform stories to a fun and engaging family activity. You know, Aesop's fables were never meant to be in books. Their true purpose was to be performed by a storyteller.     

The North Wind and the Sun, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May, 10:30 and 12:30.

Review: Family Storytime - The Mice in Council

By Sophie Charlotte Thomas*

As soon as I arrived at Scottish Youth Theatre, I could feel the energy and excitement bubbling from all the little children outside the Edwin Morgan Studio. I couldn’t help but wonder how their energy would be contained throughout the production.

As soon as the doors swung open and two enthusiastic storytellers burst out welcoming the audience, my previous concern disappeared. Each child was captivated by the actors’ animated voices and faces. As we were led into the studio, which can only be described as a treasure trove of colourful props and costumes, the children were instantly drawn into this imaginary world

The simple story of Mr Higgins, his cat and some mischievous mice who liked swimming in soup (a past time which I suspect will not feature in this year’s Olympic Games) was jam-packed with opportunities for audience participation: catchy songs, little actions, the chance to help the mice solve their problems and even swim in soup alongside their mousey friends.

The experience was fully interactive for every child and the adults were provided with great amusement from some of the hilarious comments made by the children. Like when asked if they knew what a council is, one of the children wittingly replied “East Renfrewshire is a council right?”. The story allowed the children to think and learn without even being aware of it.

The performance itself was exciting, simple and, frankly, full of fun. The actors were full of enthusiasm. Each performer had incredible improvisation skills, reacting and responding to everything the children said. The simplicity of the performance made it accessible to children of all ages.

The story was the perfect length and the children were transported to this imaginary world, which becomes evident from just looking at their faces and listening to their laughter. The children’s imagination was stretched and explored and the imaginary wall usually found in a theatre performance was completely broken down. They even had the chance to play with the amazing collection of props and costumes on the stage. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce children to theatre from a very early age and it is a fun family activity. I just can’t wait to take my baby niece to her very first Family Storytime at Scottish Youth Theatre!

*Sophie is a member of SYT's Young Reviewers group. A group of young people who study theatre and they are passionate about performing arts for children and young people. If you want to take part or to find out more, you can email kyriakosv@scottishyouththeatre.org.

Summer Festival 2012 - Twisted Shakespeare - APPLY NOW!

SF11 guest blog number 9. Rory Beaton

Hiya pals,
I'm Rory Beaton and I play Tod in "Prom Night of the Living Dead." Obviously today I am the guest blogger (the best blogger yet!). Yesterday was a day off for "Prom Nighters" after working from last sunday right through until Saturday doing our technical and dress rehearsals. Tod is a comic-book-hero-mad lad. He is also the valedictorian for his year and also a trend setter in style!

We open tonight at the Tron Theatre, which I'm extremely excited about! The whole cast and crew have worked extremely hard on the show and we hope that you enjoy what you see on stage! It has been discussed that a film about my rather exciting(!) life should be made and it is indeed rumoured that Alan Carr will be playing the role of me. I can confirm that sadly these rumours are false and there is no film to be made about me; sad, sad times! Hope to see everyone at "Prom Night"!
Over and out,
Rory B :) x

SF11 guest blog number 9. Kenneth Watt

Hello! (Or should I say "Huzzah!" - an in-show joke),

I'm Kenneth and I play a rather manic and enthusiastic Duke of Edinburgh leader in the three week devised show, "Zombiism", which the 20-strong cast has written and put together over the past week and a bit.

Today has been very productive and stressful - but as Tom and Andrew, our directors, remind us, pain, spit and sweat are our friends - so a lot has been achieved in preperation for our first full run which will start in around twenty minute's time!

The show will involve the audience as Duke of Edinburgh award participants who will be taken through various rooms and settings in the SYT building. Without revealing too much about the storyline, anyone seeing it will experience promenade theatre as never seen before as well as a very unique set - one exciting part is that the audience will be housed in sleeping bags/on logs/camping stools in the camping scene.

So, if you want to be part of an "unforgettable experience," get your tickets for Zombiism now!

Oh yeh - if I was to be played by someone in a movie about me, I'd go for Craig Roberts. He's Welsh, which gives a crackin' accent, and he plays the protaganist in the film of the book "Submarine" which portrays a nerdy, weird teenager: me!

SF11 guest blog no. 9 - Jamie Morrison

Well, I'm Jamie, I'm playing Tom in 'Born Bad?' Tom is the older brother of Grace and as the show progresses you see him gradually break away from the rest of his family.

This is my third Summer Festival and I'm really enjoying it, this year I'm working with Fraser which is a first and I'm liking the change and it's been a great four weeks. I've met loads of new people this year which has been brilliant and of course I've got to see everyone from years before who I haven't seen in ages.

Today we have been doing our Technical Rehearsal, which has been, very, very tiring. We started teching at about three and so far we've made it to the third scene! It's great to be on the stage with all the set out and in our costumes and with the completed sound track.
Hmm, who would play me in a movie of my life? Well, I don't think that would be a very interesting movie, but I'm told that currently I look like Draco Malfoy or Christopher Eccleston which would be quite funny to see.
Well, I'd better go and get into costume and onstage before it's too late, I don't really want to anger Kenny or Fraser or Jayne!
I'll see you at the showings of 'Born Bad?' in the Brian Cox Studio Theatre!