This is New York-based Batsu!’s fourth year at the Fringe, with Ganba their first family show. Set in the ‘Batsu Dojo’ (a black stage with a backdrop of paper panels) and based heavily around ninja history, it’s the right kind of show for today’s Japan-obsessed kids. Comedy protagonist Steve, a ninja in training, throws out references to Pokémon, KPop Demon Hunters (even though it’s based on a Korean story) and Squid Game (also Korean), instantly winning over most kids in the audience. While a smattering of toilet humour and slapstick elicits titters from both children and adults.

Mariko Iwasa’s authoritative Sensei Mariko drives the show, commanding participants through a series of games and martial arts-based moves to battle the malevolent force of Batsu. Diligent shinobis Yurika Ono and Rina Maejima show off katana skills, flips and dance moves while Steve Zegers (who plays Deshi Steve) injects the big comedy. The games, while hugely enjoyed by volunteer kids and adults alike, take a while to set up, leading to a dip in pace and wandering attention. There are clear winners and losers, but participants all go home with a small prize. 

A slow starter, it’s only in the final 20 minutes when the audience are on their feet copying Sensei Mariko’s moves that it really feels like the interactive experience that was promised. There’s a cursory nod to a moral at the end (teamwork being the way to overcome Batsu), but it feels somewhat tacked-on and unnecessary. After all, we’re here for super-cool ninja moves and Pokémon references. 

Batsu! Presents Ganba!!, Underbelly Bristo Square, until 16 August, 11.05am; picture: Soho Creative Studio. 

Related articles

• Badgers theatre review: True crime uncovered
• Bryn Woz: Smut comedy review – Seductive, unblushing gags
• Ifrah Qureshi: 48 Flaws Of Power comedy review – One to watch