Romeo And Juliet For Bairns kids review: Sugary and simplistic
This child-friendly take on Shakespeare’s classic is sentimental and rosy, but lacks substance when the tragic tale becomes overly sweet
Brooke Dunbar is an utterly charming storyteller. You get the impression she could find ways to pepper any tale with interesting, tactile, sensory props, little songs and sparkly diversions. That said, Romeo And Juliet is not an easy choice for a baby story (although Dunbar has also performed Macbeth For Bairns in previous years). At first glance, it’s a cosy yarn about two young people who fall in love. Dunbar introduces the tale with a smorgasbord of toys, while the audience of babies and tots sit on cushions, within touching distance of everything; fans with silk tails, ringing bowls and cuddly pizza slices.
But as the story unfolds you gradually begin wondering how Dunbar is going to tackle its darker material. The ending inevitably has to be glossed over and, despite the lovely sensory creativity, the source material feels just too complex and violent for the story itself to land with meaning.
Romeo And Juliet For Bairns, Scottish Storytelling Centre, until 23 August, times vary.