Words: Elodie Marriott

5 stars

Deserving winner of the Best Kids Show at the Fringe, Monkeys Everywhere includes everything that youngsters love. Whether that’s mischievous jeep-riding animals, slapstick gymnastics or poo gags – this show has it all. So why is it that for the entire hour, the children’s hysterical giggles are entirely drowned out by the uncontrollable laughter of their parents? 

Under pressure to finish writing his show’s finale, Starr attempts to calm his ‘monkey mind’ and focus on the task. But despite constant reprimands from the Prime Minister of Theatre who inquires about his progress by telephone, there is always something more exciting to do. Starr’s lively and eccentric antics include a faeces-throwing showdown where he teasingly pleads with the hurler: “Don’t throw it at the audience!”

Garry Starr has set the standard for family entertainment. His playful asides go straight over young heads to tickle adult funny bones. His his physical comedy superbly satisfies childlike sensibilities. There’s plenty of audience participation. His attention to the crowd is unmatched, enthusiastically interacting with every child… and every parent. Monkeys Everywhere is immensely silly and more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

“Was that too much,” he asks with a cheeky glint in his eyes. No, it was terrific. Five gold stars for Garry Starr.

Monkeys Everywhere
Pleasance Courtyard- Forth
11:30
Aug 17-20 22-25