Needing a break from comedy for adults, I ventured into Frogs in Bogs, a kids theatre show from Welsh company Familia Theatre. It felt odd to be in a queue with so many people who didn’t reach my waist, but the energy was viscerally enthusiastic in a way that adults mostly try to hide (or are struggling to maintain halfway through the Fringe.)
We are greeted by two enthusiastic performers, both wearing brightly-coloured boiler suits and miner’s helmets. They introduce themselves as escapee frogs Turner and Constable (a reference for the adults) on the run in the sewers after a wrongful conviction, and now for hire for all your clog-related problems. Things are energetic from the off, with our two frogs (‘no duct too dingy, no drain too dripping’) dancing, jumping and chatting to the audience as they investigate a contamination crime. Even as a non-parent, the most successful kids shows are always those where the performers make the effort to include everyone, and the frogs left no stone unturned in keeping the all the children (and adults) involved and onboard, as well as teaching them several dances. The frogs have various poo-related foes to contend with, brought to life by inventive puppetry and energetic performances; these turn out to have surprising depth and a broader message which is well-realised and provokes appropriate disgust from the children.
While Frogs in Bogs was very much not aimed at my demographic, it was great to see something so wholesomely enthusiastic and passionate, shot through with Welsh language and accents.
Frogs in Bogs is on at The Green in Pleasance Courtyard until 31st August (1.30pm)