Pekku
★★★★☆ Sweet and playful
Zoo Southside (Venue 82): Fri 1 – Sat 9 Aug 2025
Review by Sophie Good
Pekku, a witty and entertaining camping caper perfectly targeted at children aged 3-6, arrives in Edinburgh for its UK and European premiere, with just nine performances at Zoo Southside.
Red Bridge Arts celebrate their 10th anniversary by making a return to the Scottish stage with the show as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase. Created as a co-production with Japan’s ROHM Theatre, Kyoto and Ricca Ricca Festival, the one-person show has been entertaining children in Japan for the past two summers.
Andy Manley in Pekku. Pic Mihaela Bodlovic
Pekku is devised by Scottish children’s theatre artists, Andy Manley (performer), Ian Cameron (director) and Shona Reppe (designer) – the team behind such crowd-pleasers as White, Stick by Me and Black Beauty.
It’s a non-verbal show with a huge dose of carefully colour-coordinated costumes, set, props and even snacks. All visually satisfying and easy to follow, although plenty happens across the show’s 45 minute.
thwarted
The protagonist arrives with his tent and accessories to enjoy some time in the great outdoors. An alternative title could be Mr Bean Goes Camping as we follow Manley’s various attempts to achieve some peace and quiet which are thwarted by some pesky birds, represented by pegs.
The stagecraft appears simple but in fact it’s a complex weaving together of surprising events and Will Calderbank’s sound effects, which keep both adult and little ones entertained.
Andy Manley in Pekku. Pic Mihaela Bodlovic
The age range of 3-6 years is spot on. Younger ones might get frustrated and older ones might crave more story or words. But for pre-schoolers and beyond it is highly entertaining. Those who got a cushion on the floor were seen rolling about in hysterics.
The whole team involved, with Elle Taylor on lighting design, really know their stuff. With Pekku just the latest in their stream of hits, they seem to have found a universal magic formula for creating brilliant and captivating children’s theatre – which entertains but also has a sweet message at its heart.
Running time: 45 minutes (no interval).
Zoo Southside (Main House), 117 Nicolson Street EH8 9ER (Venue 82).
Friday 1 – Saturday 9 August 2025.
Daily: 11am.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Book here on EdFest.com.*
*affiliate link.
Red Bridge Arts website: redbridgearts.co.uk
Facebook: @RedBridgeArt
Instagram: @redbridgeart
Andy Manley in Pekku. Pic Mihaela Bodlovic
ENDS
