Fringe kids' shows you must see

Written by Helen Fowler

Two more tips for kids' shows at the Fringe: Alice in Wonderland from Uncontained Arts and Scamp Theatre's Stick Man Live on Stage. Stick Man is playing in E4 Udderbelly, the upturned purple cow that has taken up residence in Bristo Square.

If you've read Julia Donaldson's book, you'll know the story: Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and Stick children three. But trouble ensues when a dog wants to play with him. A swan builds a nest with him. He even ends up on fire.

There's wonderful acting from the trio of performers, but what makes the show is the music. Featuring more musical instruments that you could, well, shake a stick at, the soundtrack had us tapping our feet. Like Donaldson's well-loved books, Stick Man Live on Stage had grown-ups and children equally entranced. A musical, comic treat. Udderbelly Pasture, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL, T 08445 458252, www.underbelly.co.uk Duration: one hour Suitability: three plus.

Alice in Wonderland takes place in the Edinburgh University Student Union. Like Stick Man it also features a trio of talented, enerrgetic actors. Alice's adventures begin when she abandons her grassy bank to follow a white rabbit underground. Here she meets all manner of strange and wonderful people, taking tea with the Mad Hatter and playing croquet with the Queen of Hearts. Fast-paced and funny. And a better version of Alice than some of the recent filmic offerings. Gilded Balloon Teviot, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL, T: 0131 622 6552 Runs12-30 August, 13.00, duration: one hour. Suitability: three plus.