The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is set to run over two full weekends next month, and we’re delighted to be the festival’s official transport partner, helping families travel to and from shows from across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
The 2022 programme – which runs from 7 – 15 May – offers a rich mix of artforms, featuring circus for babies, acrobatic painting, classical music fused with theatre, and productions that incorporate beautiful video projections and soundtracks. While the works are diverse in artform and age range, there are common themes that speak to the complex experiences children are dealing with during the pandemic.
Many productions explore isolation, touch and human connection, while others invite us to reflect on bodies that are different from the norm, and the possibilities, challenges and beauty within this. The theme of mental health and peer pressure also features strongly throughout the programme.
For full programme and booking information, go to http://www.imaginate.org.uk/festival. Tickets can be booked online or by phoning 0131 226 0019.
Travel with Lothian
We’ve made it easier than ever to help you plan your travel to see shows in this year’s programme. Details of performances, locations and our services can all be found below.
Remember, if your child has a valid Young Scot NEC or NEC, they can travel for free under the Scottish Government’s Young Persons’ (Under 22) Free Bus Travel initiative. Contactless is also accepted on all our services.
Little Top
Age: 0 – 18 mths
Duration: 40 min (+ 10 min playtime)
Venue: Assembly Roxy
Dates: Sunday 8 May at 1000 & 1300; Monday 9 May at 1000 & 1300; Tuesday 10 May at 1000 & 1300;
Wednesday 11 May at 1000 & 1300.
Contains flashing lights, non-verbal
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We Touch, We Play, We Dance
Age: 4 mths – 1 year or 1-3 years
Duration: 45 min
Venue: Lyra
Dates: Thursday 12 May at 1030 & 1330; Friday 13 May at 1030 & 1330; Saturday 14 May at 1030* & 1330; Sunday 15 May at 1030* & 1330. * A gentler performance for 4 mths – 1 year.
Non-verbal
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Hermit
Age: 2 – 6 years
Duration: 35 min (+ 10 min playtime)
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Dates: Tuesday 10 May at 1000, 1145 & 1400; Wednesday 11 May at 1000, 1145 & 1400; Thursday 12 May at 1000, 1145 & 1400.
Non-verbal
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Light!
Age: 3 – 7 years
Duration: 30 min (+ 20 min playtime)
Venue: The Studio
Dates: Friday 13 May at 0930 & 1100; Saturday 14 May at 1030 & 1330; Sunday 15 May at 1030 & 1330.
Non-verbal
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Plock!
Age: 4 – 9 years
Duration: 55 min
Venue: Southside Community Centre
Dates: Sunday 8 May at 1045 & 1345; Monday 9 May at 1045 & 1345; Tuesday 1045 & 1345; Wednesday 11 May 1045 & 1345.
Non-verbal
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Whirlygig
Age: 6 – 11 years
Duration: 50 min
Venue: The Brunton
Dates: Tuesday 10 May at 1030 & 1330; Wednesday 11 May at 1030 & 1330; Thursday 12 May at 1030 & 1330; Friday 13 May at 1030 & 1900.
Non-verbal
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Family Portrait
Age: 6 – 11 years
Duration: 35 min
Venue: Traverse Theatre 2
Dates: Friday 13 May at 1500, 1600, 1800 & 1900; Saturday 14 May at 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600 & 1700.
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Little Murmur
Age: 7 – 14 years
Duration: 35 min
Venue: Assembly Roxy
Dates: Thursday 12 May at 0930, 1100 & 1315; Friday 13 May at 0930, 1100 & 1530; Saturday 14 May at 1400 & 1530*; Sunday 15 May at 1400 & 1530.
* BSL interpretation by Jamie Rae.
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Birdboy
Age: 8 – 15 years
Duration: 40 min
Venue: Traverse Theatre 1
Dates: Thursday 12 May at 1330 & 1900; Friday 13 May at 1030 & 1345; Saturday 14 May at 1400 & 1900.
Flashing lights effects.
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Sound Symphony
Age: 8 years + (ASN)
A performance specially created for children with Autism Spectrum Condition. For special schools only.
Venue: Institut Francais d’Ecosse
Dates: Monday 9 May at 1030 & 1330; Tuesday 10 May at 1030 & 1330; Wednesday 11 May at 1030 & 1330; Thursday 12 May at 1030 & 1330.
The Hope River Girls
Age: 10 – 15 years
Duration: 50 min
Venue: The Studio
Dates: Monday 9 May at 1330 & 1900; Tuesday 10 May at 1030 & 1330; Wednesday 11 May at 1330 & 1900; Thursday 12 May at 0945.
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I Am Tiger
Age: 12 – 16 years
Duration: 50 min
Venue: Traverse Theatre 1
Dates: Monday 9 May at 1345 & 1845; Tuesday 10 May at 1345 & 1900*; Wednesday 11 May at 0945.
* BSL interpretation by Amy Chesnik.