Little Howard's Big Show review

Queuing up outside the theatre I realised I felt a bit out of place. I was the only person who was neither with a child or a child... Quickly I whipped out my pen and pad, which I had no intentions of using, just to show that I was there on a professional basis. My heart did begin to sink a little, as I thought I may be in for one of 'those' kids' shows.

But Little Howard's Big Show is brilliant. Howard Read and his digitally animated friend pepper the show with fantastic physical humour. The screen is incorporated with great interactive sections, making the show feel unique for the occasion.

The risk was that the dynamic may not be enough to pull through a whole hour, but the variety was fantastic, with additional characters and a hilarious piece involving a member of the audience included. Throughout the show I had a genuine feeling of there being multiple characters on stage - without question I accepted Little Howard as a separate entity. Although simple, the character of Little Howard is perfect.

The only moments which didn't fly for me were the 'winks' to the adults, with references the children don't get, and where the act nearly says a rude word. Although this is common in family shows, these moments aren't particularly funny and just feel patronising to the younger members of the audience. They're entirely un-needed, because the physical and verbal silliness is so well done. Incorporating a great premise, with clever running jokes and a great flow to the show, you really can't ask for much more.

Just to be clear: it isn't only children that will enjoy this show. It's silly, it's clever, original and unlike anything else you'll see on the Fringe. Recommended to anyone, this is a show which deserves to be selling far more tickets.

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Little Howard's Big Show listing