On The Edge Festival, a world festival of theatre for young audiences runs until Saturday the 9th of July bringing with it all sorts of dramatic inspiration for every developing drama fan from bouncing babes to teens and every age in between. To help you select from the bright crop of theatrical talent from across the globe, we offer up our selection of the top 5 productions. For more information see our feature here

Also see our preview of THE HAMILTON COMPLEX Tue 5 Jul & Wed 6 Jul here

REINRÄUMRAUS. Thu 7 Jul – Sat 9 Jul, mac Birmingham
For children already aspiring to become the next great chefs this play uses the enchanting aid of puppets, pots and pans which will take over the mac with its crazy kitchen. The puppeteer and actress Myriam Rossbach will attempt to lure song and dance from her puppets and of course, the kitchen utensils. Recommended for ages 2 – 4 years.

BRUSH. Sun 3 Jul – Tue 5 Jul, mac Birmingham
We like to think of Brush by Brush Theatre as a live action animation, in which the characters get brought to life with every stroke. Coming to Birmingham from Korea, this home-made and Eco-Friendly production is sure to put a smile on all little terror’s faces. Recommended for ages 2 – 8 years

BOING! Sun 3 Jul – Tue 5 Jul, mac Birmingham
Also running on these days is our personal pick from the festival Boing, from The Travelling Light Theatre Company, reminiscent of the feeling before Christmas day, this tell the story of the brothers who can’t sleep on the night of Christmas eve, so using their imagination and excitement they transform their bedroom into a playhouse. Recommended for ages 2 – 12 years

THE BROKE ‘N’ BEAT COLLECTIVE. Mon 4 Jul – Wed 6 Jul, The Old Rep
For the teenager theatre-goer the dead cert pick of the bunch takes the shape of The Broke ‘n’ Beat Collective by 20 Stories High and Theatre-Rights. This 70 minute fusion of hip pop and puppetry somehow promises to perfectly encapsulate what it is to be a teenager in the United Kingdom today. Recommended for age 13+

A FEAST OF BONES. Thu 7 Jul – Sat 9 Jul, Birmingham Repertory Theatre
This dark musical fable from Theatre Lovett, Ireland has received resoundingly excellent reviews. Set in the shadows of World War One and set in a fine French Restaurant expect greed, fear, cunning and revenge and some bitter twists… Recommended for age 9+