REVIEWS
@Asian Art Fund Scotland
The well deserved winner of a "Keep It Fringe" Award for 2025, this sweet and cheerful children's show combined multiple theatrical genres from shadow puppetry to musical theatre to fable. We particularly liked the ambition and originality of the production (always great to see), the quality and energy of the performances and the musical numbers. Great to see good audience numbers too. We're looking forward to seeing Roarrr Theatre back at the Fringe soon.
@THEATRE WEEKLY
The distinctive feature of Here Comes Gudong is its sensory approach and the incorporation of intangible cultural heritage. This is an immersive puppet adventure offering a rich sensory experience.
This production also focuses on ecological consciousness. Is an intelligent approach to promote environmental protection awareness through such reflective methods, especially in productions aimed at children.
Here Comes Gudong is an engaging, imaginative puppetry adventure that offers a rich cross-cultural experience.
@ICI AWARD
Here Comes Gudong is more than a family theatre piece – it is the deeply personal achievement of an artist who transformed her lived experience as an immigrant mother into a cross-cultural artistic vision. Inspired by the bilingual imagination of raising a child, the work takes a uniquely Chinese onomatopoeia, “Gudong,” and reinvents it as a character that travels through myths and cultures. This act of turning a private curiosity into a universal story exemplifies personal courage, innovation, and artistic resilience.
By blending puppetry, shadow play, live-camera wizardry, and an intercultural soundscape, the production breaks new ground in children’s theatre. It not only entertains but also educates, fostering curiosity about cultural difference through sound and myth.
@REVIEWSJ
Here Comes Gudong involes a great deal of elements: acting, live puppetry, video, music, and sound design.
The performances are rather brilliant.
I went in not knowing quite what to expect, but I must admit, it is such a breath of fresh air to see such an undeniably fun show. Here Comes Gudong Cutesy, whimsical, and thoroughly enjoyable - for all ages. A show aimed at little ones has no business being this good.
@EDINBURGH FAMILY GUIDE
Beautifully handmade props, my 5 year- old boy really likes the show, we had so much fun！
@SOUND BEHIND CURTAINS
Here Comes Gudong! is a thoughtfully crafted sonic adventure infused with Eastern cultural elements, an experience that offers something for both children and adults.
The craftsmanship of the puppets is impressive. The use of animation smooths the transitions between scenes and props, making the flow of the story feel seamless.
The performers deliver exaggerated, expressive performances
Without a doubt, the music and sound design are the show’s strongest elements.
AUDIENCE SAY
What a lovely show for the little ones! The kids behind our seats exclaimed at the end: “We want more!”
This was a really interactive session with lots of singing, where toddlers and babies also participated.
The story is based on a Chinese book we didn't know about. In the end, my son wanted to get the book so he could read it to his dad.
This is the perfect show for babies and kids under 5. I've got to say, my son loved it and laughed when he found out who Gu Dong was.
The audience was invited onstage at the end to interact with the props and the cast. Lovely atmosphere. I hope it goes on tour and to other theatres.
@londondaysout_
The show "HERE COMES GU DONG" was so good, perfect for babies, toddlers, and little kids. They included audience the story and invited to the stage to play afterwards. Casts are very friendly. We had time to chat and take photos with them.
@hanna. desu
Totally impressed! This fun, beautiful, and surprisingly show captivated us all. The integration of the Chinese bird‘s legend within Gudong's sound adventure was especially brilliant. My daughters are huge fans now :)
@Rachel W
After seeing countless kids' shows, I asked my daughter for her absolute favourite. Her answer? Here Comes Gudong – the first Fringe show we caught this year! I loved it too: stunning sets, hilarious animal props, and a great story. Surely is the well-done production. Highly recommend!
@Ben S
My 5-year-old was completely captivated by 'Here Comes Gudong'! It's a treasure trove of whimsical, unexpected moments that kept him wide-eyed and giggling. The puppetry is adorably inventive, and the props are gorgeous. We also like the music and the source of “Gudong”!
@Amy Campbell
