Environmentally themed theatre for kids is thriving at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe
This year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe has something truly special sprouting from the family programme — a blossoming of children’s shows that place the environment, climate and nature right at their heart.
From forests filled with stories to junk that jingles with rhythm, artists are creating magical, age-appropriate adventures that help children connect with the natural world, while gently introducing big ideas about sustainability, rewilding, and responsibility. Assembly Festival is leading the charge this Fringe season with several imaginative, inspiring shows that speak to children’s growing awareness of the planet — without
losing any of the joy, silliness or wonder of family theatre.
Here are just a few of the highlights from Assembly Festival’s programme:
The Box Show
An explosion of rhythm, movement and imagination, The Box Show turns wheelie bins, cardboard boxes and plastic bags into a spectacular musical playground. This high-energy performance is not just about getting kids up and dancing — it’s also a brilliant exploration of creativity, sustainability and our relationship with ‘stuff’. Expect junk-fuelled funk, recycled rhythms and lots of laughs.
We wanted to show kids that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand,” says
Odeed Prior, Performer and Creator of The Box Show. “So much of what we throw
away has the potential to become something magical — a drum, a prop, even a
character. It’s about celebrating imagination, while encouraging children to think about
waste in a fun, hands-on way.”
The Box Show is showing at 13:50 from 30 July – 24 August at Assembly George Square, Gordon Aikman Theatre.
The Truth About Trees
When Alfie discovers that paper can hold the story of the tree it came from, he begins to listen more closely — and soon realises he’s the only one who can hear the trees’ stories.
Told through actors, puppets, shadows and storytelling, The Truth About Trees is a heart warming tale about nature, stories and standing up for what you believe in. It’s a gentle call to action that encourages children to notice, care and speak up for the world around them.
The Truth About Trees at 11:50 from 31 July – 24 August at Assembly George Square, The Crate.
Hello Birds
Specifically designed for babies aged 0–36 months, Hello Birds is a gentle sensory journey into the lives of our feathered friends. With puppetry, song and baby-safe props, little ones are invited to feed birds, build nests and sing along.
It’s a beautiful introduction to the natural world, helping the very youngest audiences engage with the creatures they see in their gardens and parks.
Hello Birds is showing at 11.30 from 31 July – 17 August at Assembly George Square, The Box.
Taiwan Season: Whale, Where are you Going?
Dive into a magical, multisensory journey with Whale, Where Are You Going?, a poetic tale for young audiences that follows the mysterious migration of a whale across oceans and through changing landscapes.
Using puppetry, projection and sound, this gentle and imaginative production explores themes of nature, connection, and wonder. A perfect introduction to environmental storytelling for families, this show invites us to listen deeply, both to nature, and to one another.
Taiwan Season: Whale, Where are you Going is showing at 10:10 from 31 July – 24 August at Assembly Roxy, Downstairs.
MOJO and Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show
This riotous, big-hearted magic show is full of slapstick, illusions and chaotic fun — but also has a powerful message tucked up its sleeve. When the forests of HappyVale are threatened, it’s up to unlikely heroes Mojo and Jimmy to save the day.
This is a brilliant blend of entertainment and environmental awareness, reminding children that even small acts can make a big difference.
Mojo & Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show is showing at 13:25, from 30 July – 24 August at Assembly George Square Studios, Studio Three.
As the climate crisis continues to dominate global headlines, it’s heartening to see artists creating work that speaks directly to young audiences — not with fear, but with hope, humour and imagination. These shows don’t just entertain; they open the door to big conversations, planting seeds of awareness that can grow into lifelong care for the planet.
For info: This post was Guest written by Catherine on behalf of Assembly. On this occasion, we did not receive a fee – but do often review shows at the Assembly with gifted press tickets. You can get tickets to all shows mentioned here at the Assembly Festival.
