Evil Baba Yaga is the stuff of nightmares (and Slavic folklore), and now she menaces the stage in ‘Hag’. She enjoys nothing more than kidnapping and cannibalising children, and is portrayed as a cross between a Glaswegian washerwoman and what looks like a decomposing dragon. Although aided by some puppetry, the character never quite creates the fear it is meant to. Nevertheless, the cast are talented, especially Tom McCall and Theone Rashleigh, who play multiple parts and practically shape-shift with each character change. Additionally, the story manages to provide family fun along with enough intellectual stimulation to keep the adults tuned in. Something with which to entice the older kids onto the Fringe trail.

Underbelly Cowgate, until 25 Aug (not 13), 3.30pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Melissa Steel]