Fringe review: BABY SHARK AND THE MYSTERY OF THE SPHINX, Gilded Balloon Patter House
In 2015, the novelty comedy song ‘Baby Shark’ was used in virtually every pantomime and by the end of the season, we were sick of singing “Baby shark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo” but it was a joy to see young audiences doing all of the actions with their slightly embarrassed parents! Ten years on, is it too soon to revisit the song in Edinburgh Fringe show, Baby Shark and the Mystery of the Sphinx? We went along for an early morning Fringe show at Gilded Balloon Patter House to find out.
An American family led by the father Chris, an accomplished violinist, stages and narrates the show with his three sons. It uses that irritatingly repetitive song as a springboard for a new story of the Sphinx (played by 11 year old Altair) trying to find his family with the help of Baby Shark (played by 9 year old Arden).
What makes this show stand out are two unexpected elements. Firstly, the continual projected cartoon images that set the scene taking us to Egypt, under the seas and into the clouds where the adventurers meet different mystical characters (all played by 9 year old Eldar). Secondly, are the magic tricks performed by Eldar. They may be simple tricks but there is a joy in seeing a young performer confidently perform magic and engage the young audience.
The use of a simple bubble machine also enthralls the under 5's in the audience, drawing them out of their seats as the bubbles settled on the floor. There was some interference on the personal microphones but the kids did not notice.
There are subtle subliminal messages for the young audience too. What has 4 legs, then 2 legs, then three? We do crawling, walking, and using a stick as we age, and a message that we are all loved by someone.
This is an utterly charming 35-minute show and every one of the kids joined in on stage for a reprise of THE song with actions. It is hard to attach a star rating to a show like this, which is a first experience of performing for young rising stars and of live theatre for small children. Only they can truly assess this show and judging by their engagement and attention It simply has to be a five star show (if you are under 5 years old).
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Nick Wayne