Float kids review: Trippy and soothing
A relaxing experience babies that gently explores sound and movement
You can feel the calm descend, the further you go into the heart of this insulated conference suite where Float takes place. The lights are dipped to ocean blue, cushions and beanbags are scattered around, some with babies crawling on them, some with parents sprawled out. Many of the babies are gathered around the centre of this space, where a large glass cylinder of water stands, catching chiming droplets from a tap above. Early-years theatre specialists Starcatchers have built this show from the ground up, thinking carefully about how the very littlest audience members (even those only just getting stuck into tummy time) might experience theatre. What will capture their attention, delighting, soothing and mesmerising them?
It’s testament to the show’s success that, over the course of an hour, there are precious few screaming fits. Not that it would matter if there were. The piece is designed for you to come and go over a three-hour period, with a cycle of five water-themed episodes running three times, to allow for feeds, naps and breaks. It’s even twin friendly (not always a given in baby shows), with company members on hand to shepherd you around the space. ‘I held one crying twin for a mum last week,’ says the company member who shows us in. The cast gently explore sound and movement, making bubble noises or swaying in sequinned capes. At one point, a performer climbs in the water cylinder and swirls her hair around. A sparkly glove becomes an octopus. Not only soothing for babies, it’s like a trippy spa for sleep-deprived parents.
Float, Pleasance EICC, until 22 August, 1pm.