Children's review: Crabbit

Published on Thursday 27 August 2009 18:59

CRABBIT! – THE MUSICAL

GILDED BALLOON TEVIOT (VENUE 14)

AS A former owner of a pet crayfish, I am ideally placed to enjoy this new children's musical adventure, which follows the underwater escapades of a crustacean and his sea-dwelling friends.

Based on the 'Michelle' books by Edinburgh author Julie Hegarty, we see how Crabbit, a leather-clad bully of a crab, realises the error of his ways, as his cousin Hermie, a smaller hermit crab, learns to stand up for himself. Helping them on their way are Michelle, a bubbly scallop, and Stella, a rather camp starfish who loves dance, aerobics … and Crabbit.

The underwater landscape is beautifully captured, in particular the Finding Nemo-styled creatures whose spectacular costumes never cease to dazzle. At times the performances could do with more energy and polish, but the songs are catchy and the narrative's anti-bullying message is conveyed in a non-patronising, dramatic way, as is the theme of being kind to animals. There is also an understated nod towards same-sex relationships. While there are harrowing moments (Crabbit being attacked with pliers and a hammer), the audience of five to eight year-olds are kept on the edge of their seats. Everything turns out all right in the end, but this show is not afraid of depicting the struggle to get there.

SALLY STOTT

Until 31 August. Today 12:15pm.