Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret promises a relaxed, baby-friendly cabaret for ages 0–5, with families invited to settle on a pillow-strewn floor. The idea is charming, but in practice, the space is too cramped for comfort, a big space with too many people. The quieter children were overwhelmed. Toddlers need room to wriggle, crawl, and dance; here, many had little space to do any of those things. Seating at the back offers some relief, though it also leaves families detached from the action.

Monski is joined by Lewis on guitar and a lively puppeteer who starts with a buzzing bee puppet brings welcome silliness. The show moves through around 50 minutes of sing-alongs, clap-alongs and dance-alongs, with props worked into the mix. The familiar numbers land best: “The Wheels on the Bus”, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It” all draw a strong response. Less successful is the middle stretch, where more adult material slows the pace and feels pitched above the youngest children. The puppets help pull focus back, but overcrowding again gets in the way, with many children unable to get close enough to fully engage. The action rap is a bright exception, finally getting the room on its feet.

At 50 minutes, the show is too long for a preschool crowd. Energy is highest when the material is simple, familiar and physical; it dips sharply whenever the focus drifts from that formula.

There is warmth, colour, and plenty of goodwill here, but Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret needs a tighter running time, a clearer focus on its youngest audience and, above all, more room to move. A charming concept with plenty of energy, but overcrowding and an overlong running time prevent it from hitting all the right notes for its younger audience. 

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Three Stars.

Playing at:-  Assembly George Square Gardens – Palais du Variété  until 28th August

Tickets and further information can be found following the link below

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/monski-mouse-s-baby-cabare