EDINBURGH 2026: Review: MAMA G: THE MAGIC BOOKMARK, Gilded Balloon
Mama G: The Magic Bookmark runs at Edfringe until 31 August
Mama G: The Magic Bookmark is a panto-esque book themed adventure hosted by Mama G. Opening with a fairly spectacular song about all the books she likes, it's clear this is aimed at both children and their nostalgic parents with additions such as Happy Families and Sweet Valley High.
There’s a strong narrative here as Book Worm has stolen all of the books out of the library and is replacing them with books only Worm agrees with and features heavily in. It’s a fun caper for the wee ones and a political commentary on censorship for the grown-ups.
Our mission is to find three books that Worm hasn’t yet removed and to tell the stories inside them because reading books about lots of different things inspires kindness and makes you empathetic. It’s a very interactive show and Mama G is the ultimate dame. Everyone gets involved in the singalongs and kids can volunteer to go on stage to help with additional tasks. There are the classic panto call and responses and there’s a lot of fun to be had.
There’s a video background that plays out during our adventures and hats off to the tech Dylan for the show because there’s a lot going on between that and the audio tracks. It’s mostly a slick production but Mama G forgetting one of her props in the dressing room also adds to the charm of the show.
She’s a fantastic host, warm and funny and the little ones are completely captivated. The stories we find are all about inclusivity and being yourself. It’s such gentle storytelling but with huge impact.
The overall themes of Mama G: The Magic Bookmark are that books teach us things and show us the perspective of others and to be who you are. This is such a beautiful show with a wonderful host and really heartwarming message behind it.
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