The Spencer Jones Experimental Kids Show kids review: Spontaneous, genuine joy
The absurdist-in-chief tries out a children’s show that aims to entertain both young ‘uns and their parents
Fringe stalwart Spencer Jones has taken a turn towards family-friendly comedy this year, with a fast-paced, prop-based show aimed squarely at a primary school-age audience. There’s something hugely likeable about Jones’ shambolic stage prowling and massive grin. He quickly brings even the quietest of kids out of their shell, while the tiny extroverts and sideways thinkers in the crowd immediately recognise one of their own. When the two come together, it creates moments of spontaneity that are genuinely joyful and unpredictable, both sides working each other out as they add another layer of laughter to the joke.
The premise, such as it exists, is that this is simply a kids’ version of his adult show; story-free, with nothing parents wouldn’t want wee ones to see. A fair description, but you sometimes feel he’s going from bit to bit to see what sticks. That means the energy can dip when some jokes fly over the head of bairns who really do not care about covid, for example, even as the gag elicits a groan of appreciation from the adults. A through-line more directed to the audience’s worldview would build the laughs right through the set. But overall this is an enjoyably daft hour of anarchically silly fun that kids will love.
The Spencer Jones Experimental Kids Show, Pleasance Courtyard, until 16 August, 11am; picture: Johnny Ruff.