The wonderful folks at Dragon Song Productions have opened the Fringe for 2026, and were kind enough to let me in the door of the LifeCare Centre in Stockbridge for their very first performance. It’s thanks to them, therefore, that theQR.co.uk can lay claim to the first official review of this year’s August madness: this one.
Dragon Tales completes a quartet of shows written and developed by creative director Rachel Huggins. Set in a library overseen by Huggins in star-spangled storyteller’s garb, this distinctly literary adventure begins when she opens her book to read a tale of dragons – only to find that Chapter 4 is missing, along with its unidentified glowing mythical creature.
Helping induct us into tje search are some nice references to the wider world of kids’ literature – think The Gruffalo or Michael Rosen’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – which plug into a long tradition of rhythmic storytelling. This is definitely a show directed towards little-ones, but adults attending can play a deductive game that might be a little beyond those in their first years of life. If I tell you the show is being brought to you by the letters D, O, G, R, A, and N – you can busy yourself trying to spot them in the story. They are all there, though at least one is an -amusing—stretch.
Performance, Puppets & Interactive Magic
Finding that missing chapter involves train-enthusiast foxes, a glamorous octopus, and a delightful collection of songs accompanied by pianist Jon Beales. Jane Philips’ puppets are suitably charming, but it’s the voice-acting that sets this production apart—Huggins has a rich, dynamic voice for storytelling and leads a compact performance team with sympathetic talents. Complimenting the story and songs are ample invitations for audience activity, aided and abetted by silver backpacks full of useful items, be it hig-vis jackets when venturing into train tunnels with foxes, or moralle-boosting tambourines.
“Finding that missing chapter involves train-enthusiast foxes, a glamorous octopus, and a delightful collection of songs accompanied by pianist Jon Beales.“
(Ear defense is a good idea if your child is sensitive to high-pitched noises, particularly when the tambourines come out!).
The most impressive moment comes when the grown-ups present are recruited to help uphold an impromptu tent in the centre of the auditorium. It’s a lovely, visible celebration of the titular dragon’s ultimate moment of self-acceptance, after we first meet her alone, full of self-doubt, and even without a name. It’s ambitious to attempt such audience-inclusive moments of theatricality, and it pays off.
Opening Night Pacing & Final Verdict
I think maybe on opening night (morning) the team were a little adrenaline-fuelled, with the show coming in about 10 minutes quicker than the advertised 45. The result was a tad too little space for quieter story development between the lively, puppet-based fun. When that impressive tent went up, for example, some kids were too busy with their tambourines or light-up wands to fully take it in. Just a little more build-up, and expectation of restored attention between numbers, would, I believe, be worthwhile.
Such minor opening-night pacing hiccups aside, Dragon Tales is a charming slice of morning theatre that sets a warm, joyous bar for family viewing at this year’s Fringe. Huggins and her team have delivered a gentle, captivating, and fun start to the August madness – one well worth bringing the munchkins along to experience.
Show details
Venue: Venue 524: LifeCare Centre, 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB (Google Maps)
Date(s): Mon 03 Aug to Sun 30 Aug (24 shows)
Time(s): Multiple show times, 10:00am (45 mins) (16 shows), 2:00pm (45 mins) (4 shows), 3:30pm (45 mins) (4 shows)
Age recommendation: 0+
Price: From £10
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