When it comes to a children’s Fringe show, the sweet spot is hard to hit: keep the kids engaged, make it easy for parents, and still deliver something magical. Moon Dragon at the LifeCare Centre in Stockbridge manages all three with charm and ease.
This enchanting show for under-6s is a gentle, immersive puppet adventure that truly understands its young audience. At its heart is Bertie, a curious dragon who sets off on a magical journey, meeting a range of vibrant, whimsical creatures along the way. The puppets are bursting with colour and character, captivating even the most distracted toddlers. Bertie even gently ventures into the audience, ensuring every child gets a close-up moment and feels part of the story.
Each scene is accompanied by a sweet song, performed by the show’s creator Rachel Huggins, whose joy is infectious. With a run time of just 40 minutes, the pacing is perfect for little attention spans, passing by in a flurry of light, song, and dragon-scale magic.
What sets Moon Dragon apart is its clever structure and sensory approach. Once the doors open, children are welcomed in with their own goodie bag full of props such as a cape, shaker, glow stick, and more—all of which are used throughout the performance to deepen the engagement. It’s Baby Sensory meets fantasy storytelling, with the props entertaining the preschoolers and babies alike. A particularly magical moment sees a starry sheet wafted over the audience, creating a mesmerising scene that captures everyone’s gaze.
The show’s setup is equally thoughtful: a spacious floor area for sitting, chairs behind, plenty of room for buggies, and a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes movement and mid-show exits. Parents of toddlers and babies will appreciate how easy it is to walk around or sneak out if needed—no pressure, no judgement. It’s as close to stress-free as a Fringe show for little ones can get.
With its engaging puppetry, interactive design, and low-pressure vibe, Moon Dragon is a pocket of Fringe magic where imaginations soar and families can relax.
