Kids Critics: Grow

What happens in the show?

Babies and little kids are drawn into a simple story about a beginner gardener minding her friend’s allotment for a few days and trying to grow flowers. We meet a tiny robin and bumblebee, someone gets on the wrong end of a garden hosepipe (because taps and water are always hilarious and fascinating, obvs) and the weather keeps us guessing (a strong Edinburgh theme). All the wee ones get handed things to smell and shake, there are songs to learn and singalong to, packets of seeds to take home, plus a relaxed mini arts and craft session for decorating plant pots at the end.

What did you like most about the show?

It’s a gentle, playful, interactive show co-written by Scots-Indian writer Niall Moorjani with Diana Redgrave and Vickie Holden. Nothing too frantic or zany happens, the children were kept enthralled and the entry level intro to plant appreciation for the very young was cute.

Was there anything you didn’t like?

It’s quite a small room, with kids on laps and some adults cross legged on the floor so leave any bags behind and go early for a comfy spot.

What did your grown-up think?

Loved it. Wholesome content that Alvie immediately got into, not a crazy ticket price either. Plus the Storytelling Centre is an excellent space for letting toddlers play for a bit while grown ups get a coffee too. Bonus.

Would you tell your friends to go?

Deffo. It’s part sensory play session, part sweet storytime with songs.