Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall @ Palazzo Spiegeltent

Review by Vonny Moyes | 15 Aug 2014

The children's programme at the Edinburgh Fringe has exploded in recent years – but with most shows still favouring a traditional performer/spectator dynamic, how do you cater to the little folks who have far more important things to do than sit still? Enter Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall. Housed in the George Square Palazzo Spiegeltent, wee people can get their boogie on in one of the Fringe's coolest venues, in a safe, fun environment.  What better way to test it than with four-year-old twin boys and their seven-year-old sister in hand?

 The show begins with a guided warm-up from Monski, the enthusiastic, polka-dot clad DJ – it's a somewhat gentle start for eager little padawans desperate to throw some shapes. This lasts a little too long for the older kids, and seems to pander to the soflty-softly school of parenting – when the disco is only an hour long, you want to squeeze out as many ill-advised knee-slides as possible. And let’s face it; when there’s dancing to be done, warm hamstrings are last on the agenda. 

When things kick off, the music is great. A mix of action-happy kid songs, old-timey jives and a smattering of 80s cool for the muso parents in the room. If you think you’ll get away without crawling on all fours to Lovecats by The Cure, while two giddy kids cling to your back, you better find another disco.  Things are helped along by Monski’s two preppy helpers, who work the room nudging begrudging move-busters into life with an arsenal of moves straight out of Grease’s hand-jive scene.  Each song is sandwiched by a short break and a gentle explanation from Mouse, which in this short Fringe environment eats further into the fleeting timeslot.

 When you’re high on dancing, it’s pretty impossible to feel anything other than awesome. Unless you’re a four-year old boy with a penchant for break-dancing on the living room floor, who’s suddenly developed an aversion to being a badass. Three out of four is a democratic majority, so a good time was officially had.  

It’s a fun hour, and will keep the little folks happy – especially with a bubblegum pink balloon and a vinylstyle sticker as reward. Though billed as under-fives, the youngest disco-goers are likely to get the most out of it. 

Heidi's review: “I loved Monski Mouse. The songs were great fun and I really enjoyed all the dance moves, but I wish it lasted longer and had more songs I knew.”

Monski Mouse's Baby Disco@ Palazzo Spiegeltent, Assembly, George Square, 1-3, 7-9, 14-17 Aug, 11am, £6