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The Terrible Infants
  • By Pete Shaw
  • |
  • 7th Aug 2007
  • |
  • ★★★★★

The Terrible Infants is billed as a children's show, and I'm a gnarly old hack, just the wrong side of 40. So I wasn't expecting a great deal whilst queuing in the Edinburgh drizzle at the Pleasance Courtyard. I couldn't have been more surprised by the treat that was in store.

Created by Oliver Lansley, The Terrible Infants is a series of tall tales told through verse, live music, puppetry and physical theatre with a stunning and beautiful attention to detail. There's Tum, the boy who eats his mum; Linena, the material girl made of cloth; Manky Mingus who doesn't pay enough attention to personal hygiene; Thingummyboy, who no one ever notices, and Tilly and her terrible tail, which grew longer every time she told another tall story. You can easily imagine these working their way into the fabric of fairy tales past down to the next generation. Simply excellent.

Sam Wyer's design is a visual feast. It's all has a very Tim Burton feel to it, like a exquisitely illustrated children's book. There is a magnificent precision to the execution of everything on stage, be it prop, performance or gesture. A professional, and highly talented cast, bring these stories to life. I loved it so much I didn't want it to end.

Reviews by Pete Shaw

London Palladium

Hello, Dolly!

★★★★
Prince of Wales Theatre

The Book of Mormon

★★★★★
Novello Theatre

MAMMA MIA!

★★★★
The Stage Door Theatre

Marry Me a Little

★★★★★
Apollo Victoria Theatre

Wicked

★★★★
Apollo Victoria Theatre

Wicked

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Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
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The Blurb

Award-winning theatre company Les Enfants Terribles present the twisted tales of Tum, Tilly, Thingummyboy and friends in a fantastic fusion of puppetry, live music and performance. 'Genius'
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