The Edinburgh Fringe programme offers something for all ages and each year I aim to preview a show that would be appropriate for families. For 2025, I heard about ‘The Bear Child’ which is created by Chinese theatre company Beijing Baxun Cultural Media Co. Ltd. This non-verbal piece uses physical expression, movement and body language to ‘portray the joys and chaos of family life’, and the subject matter seemed really relatable for children and parents alike. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ask director Zhenchao Ma some questions about the show, which is heading to theSpaceUK for a week this Fringe.
What can you tell me about the inspiration for ‘The Bear Child’?
It all began one night after bath time. I’d just tucked my daughter into bed and stepped away briefly. When I returned, she had torn up an entire roll of toilet paper and was gleefully tossing the pieces into the air and creating her own private snowfall. Her room had become a winter wonderland. I couldn’t help but join in. We played for ages before she fell sound asleep, likely still dreaming of snowball fights. That sense of wild imagination and shared joy became the starting point for The Bear Child.
How have you approached visualising the narrative, given that the show is a non-verbal piece of theatre?
I wanted the story to speak to every child, regardless of age, language, or background. By removing words, we return to the most instinctive form of storytelling: physical expression. Like the early ways children communicate with their parents, we use gesture, movement, and emotion to tell the story. Every action on stage mirrors a child’s real-life behaviour. They are the heart of this story, and we simply follow their lead.
‘The Bear Child’ explores parent-child connections. How are you ensuring that the show appeals to both parents and children?
The Bear Child holds up a mirror to family life. Parents will see the mischief, the mess, the “tiny catastrophes” that unfold daily, and they’ll recognise the love, frustration, and humour that come with raising a child. The show captures the emotional tug-of-war: the joy of play, the fatigue of parenting, the way chaos turns to laughter. It’s a space where both kids and grown-ups can recognise themselves.
How are you exploring childlike imagination and young perspectives in the work?
In a child’s world, cardboard boxes become trains, shredded paper becomes snow, and bedsheets transform into masterpieces. The home becomes a universe of possibilities. Through play, children reimagine the world around them and in our show, we try to do the same. It’s a chance for everyone to revisit that boundless creativity.
What do you hope families take away from the performance?
I hope they feel seen. That they sit together in the theatre and think, “Yes, that’s us. We do that too.” And maybe, when they get home, they play just a little bit longer before bedtime.
What are you most looking forward to, taking the show to this year’s Fringe?
I’m hoping it becomes a joyful gathering for families: a summer treat to celebrate the beautiful, messy magic of parenting. A moment to laugh together, breathe together, and remember what it’s like to see the world through a child’s eyes.
Imaginative family theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe
‘The Bear Child’ sounds like a brilliant option for families and with a morning start time, it means you can start your schedule early and spread shows throughout the day. I also really like the way Zhenchao describes the show as a celebration of the ‘beautiful, messy magic of parenting’; I’m sure a lot of parents can relate to this! You can catch ‘The Bear Child’ at the Fleming Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall from 11th to 16th August. Performances start daily at 9:20am and tickets can be purchased via the festival’s website.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
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