BATSU! Gamba takes its cue from Japanese batsu game shows, where mistakes bring penalties and comedy emerges from chaos. With a simple paper-screen backdrop, this younger-audience version feels very sedate. We enter the Dojo ready to embrace the madness and awaken our inner ninja.

Instead, we get musical statues with a twist or, in this case, a sword, some disco dancing with glow bracelets, and a hula-hoop challenge. The aim of this is to pass the hoop from one end of a line to the other without anyone letting go of hands.

There is, as expected, a subplot: we must train to defeat the evil spirit of Batsu. These games are meant to prepare the junior ninjas for battle, led by the authoritative Sensei Marika and two highly skilled ninjas, Yurika Ono and Rina Maejima, who showcase their katana skills, flips and dancing.

Then there is Steve! A trainee ninja who can never quite get it right and brings both the humour and warmth to the show.

The children and their parents clearly arrived ready to join in, but audience participation was limited until the final 20 minutes. With the theatre only a third full, the atmosphere may also have been less energetic than intended.

The cast do, however, make sure every child has a chance to take part, not just those who raise their hands first.

Overall, BATSU! Gamba offers flashes of fun and audience involvement, but its slower build-up and restrained chaos mean it never quite delivers the wild, high-energy experience its premise promises.

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Three Stars.

Playing at Friesian in Underbelly, Bristo Square until 16^th August 2026.

Tickets and further information can be found following the link below

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/batsu-presents-ganba