Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#51): Henry Cheng, DIC DIC CHANG CHANG PLAYGROUND

4 Jul

Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we delve into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect. Today, we’re joined by Henry Cheng to chat about their show, Dic Dic Chang Chang Playground.

Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

Dic Dic Chang Chang Playground is a lively, interactive adventure that introduces children and families to Cantonese opera. The story follows two young guardians, Captain Dic Dic and Chang Chang, as they protect their magical Cantonese Opera Land from the Boring King, a puppet villain determined to make everything dull. Inspired by the rich traditions of Cantonese opera, the show blends gesture, song, symbolic staging, and audience interaction to make this cultural treasure accessible and engaging for young minds.

The show is inspired by the mission of the One Table Two Chairs Charitable Foundation, which aims to preserve and revitalise Cantonese opera for new generations. Additionally, it reflects the values that earned the show the Award for Arts Promotion and Education from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC).

What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

After a successful run at the Fringe in 2024, where the show won the Asia Art Special Award Runner-Up at the Asian Art Awards, and its recognition with the Award for Arts Promotion and Education from HKADC, we wanted to share this vibrant production with even more audiences. The Fringe provides an unparalleled platform to celebrate creativity and cultural diversity, making it the perfect stage to highlight the vibrancy and significance of Cantonese opera.

As Professor Yuen Siu Fai, the Artistic Director of the Foundation, puts it: "This production is not just an introduction to Cantonese opera but a celebration of its creativity and cultural significance."

How would you describe your show in three words?

Playful, Educational, Vibrant

What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

We hope audiences leave with a deeper appreciation for the creativity and cultural significance of Cantonese opera. By blending storytelling, music, and audience participation, Dic Dic Chang Chang Playground aims to inspire young minds and foster curiosity about this treasured art form. More importantly, it’s about showing that learning about a cultural tradition can be fun, interactive, and accessible to all.

What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Embrace the diversity of performances and keep an open mind! The Fringe is a celebration of creativity, so make time to explore different genres and cultures. Stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the journey!

Where and when can people see your show?

The show will run from 1–9 August 2025 at Theatre 3, theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall (Venue 53). Performances take place from 13:10 to 13:50, and tickets are priced at £10.00 (£8.00 concession).

For more information and tickets, visit www.thespaceuk.com or call 0131 510 2384.