What is ‘Gudong’? You may wonder when you see this title of a new children’s show, Here Comes Gudong, by Roarrrr Theatre, which has just finished its run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
It’s a sutprising sound in the forest, something Explorer Monkey and her mythical friends have to find.
In the video version I’ve been sent, it isn’t easy to see the detail of the many props and costumes, but I could still pick up the charm, the journey, and the music.
Mashing up Chinese and British folklore in a tale appropriate for those over the age of three, Here Comes Gudong is magical, playful, and full of invention.
The puppets (operated by Mary Emma He, Aidan Harris, Sunny Jie Liu, and Mingyu Ding – who also looks after the music and sound design) are wonderfully brought to life and each given a different characterisation.
With animation, a variety of sound effects, and expressive movements that can be caught from the back row, this show really does deserve its recent 2005 ‘Keep It Fringe’ award.
The children watching seemed engrossed in the story, also getting involved with suggestions when invited to do so.
The monkey, fox, and turtle head through locations including woodland, water, and even the sky. It’s a lively journey that benefits a lot from the sound to create links and inserts to help along the narrative.
At 46 minutes, this journey to find the ‘gudong’ sound never falters and has the effect of constant physical movement.
Children’s shows can often rise or fall on the skill and enthusiasm of the performers, and here Mary He’s monkey and her friends engage with style and flair with the story.
The limits of the tiny stage at Symposium Hall are met head on by finding other ways to scale up the journey.
3.5 stars.
Read my interview with Roarrr Theatre about Here Comes Gudong.
Although the show has finished its Edinburgh run, you can see it in London for one performance at the Lyric Hammersmith Studio on the 4 Oct: tickets here.