In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with writer and director Vasthy Mompoint about Vasthy & Friends: Sing, Dance, Play!
What can you tell me about your show?
Vasthy & Friends: Sing, Dance, Play! is a joyful, interactive family musical for ages 2–7 (all ages welcome). It’s a morning dance party filled with live music, movement, bubbles, big feelings, and a multicultural “around the world” celebration—designed to be inclusive, sensory-aware, and neurodivergent-friendly. It was created by myself, Leanne Gadow, and Mason Granger.
Vasthy & Friends: Sing, Dance, Play! is a joyful, interactive family musical for ages 2–7 (all ages welcome). It’s a morning dance party filled with live music, movement, bubbles, big feelings, and a multicultural “around the world” celebration—designed to be inclusive, sensory-aware, and neurodivergent-friendly. It was created by myself, Leanne Gadow, and Mason Granger.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Mr Rogers meets Broadway—warm, wholesome, and heart-led, with big musical theatre energy and lots of audience participation. Kiddos aren’t expected to sit still; we want kids to be kids—wiggles welcome, voices welcome, big feelings welcome.
Mr Rogers meets Broadway—warm, wholesome, and heart-led, with big musical theatre energy and lots of audience participation. Kiddos aren’t expected to sit still; we want kids to be kids—wiggles welcome, voices welcome, big feelings welcome.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
During the pandemic, I wanted to create something that gave families routine, relief, and joy—while also keeping theatre artists creating. It started with friends from Broadway making music and dances at home, and it grew into a show that brings connection and comfort to families everywhere. At the same time, I was watching so much public unrest—BLM, attacks on science, trans kids being targeted, immigrants being demonised—and I kept thinking: it’s easier to teach a child to love than to spend a lifetime trying to teach adults to un-hate. So I built a show where kindness, inclusion, and “you belong here” aren’t lessons we lecture—they’re something we practice together through music, movement, and joy.
During the pandemic, I wanted to create something that gave families routine, relief, and joy—while also keeping theatre artists creating. It started with friends from Broadway making music and dances at home, and it grew into a show that brings connection and comfort to families everywhere. At the same time, I was watching so much public unrest—BLM, attacks on science, trans kids being targeted, immigrants being demonised—and I kept thinking: it’s easier to teach a child to love than to spend a lifetime trying to teach adults to un-hate. So I built a show where kindness, inclusion, and “you belong here” aren’t lessons we lecture—they’re something we practice together through music, movement, and joy.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
Families are craving real connection—and kids need spaces where their emotions are welcomed, their bodies can move, and they can see themselves represented. This show is built for that moment: joyful, inclusive, and community-centered.
Families are craving real connection—and kids need spaces where their emotions are welcomed, their bodies can move, and they can see themselves represented. This show is built for that moment: joyful, inclusive, and community-centered.
How have you mentally and physically prepared for a run at the Fringe?
Lots of stamina-building: daily vocal warm-ups, yoga, consistent run-throughs, hydration, and protecting rest. Mentally, I’ve focused on staying flexible (because kids!) and keeping the mission front and center: joy, belonging, and connection.
Lots of stamina-building: daily vocal warm-ups, yoga, consistent run-throughs, hydration, and protecting rest. Mentally, I’ve focused on staying flexible (because kids!) and keeping the mission front and center: joy, belonging, and connection.
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
Bubbles! And honestly… sometimes I do. Everyone loves them—they make kids laugh and instantly interact with me, and parents love it because bubbles are basically an immediate invitation to play.
Bubbles! And honestly… sometimes I do. Everyone loves them—they make kids laugh and instantly interact with me, and parents love it because bubbles are basically an immediate invitation to play.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
A big water bottle (and honestly… electrolytes) — plus throat coat tea and a raincoat, because Fringe is a marathon and Edinburgh weather loves a plot twist.
A big water bottle (and honestly… electrolytes) — plus throat coat tea and a raincoat, because Fringe is a marathon and Edinburgh weather loves a plot twist.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Full rooms of families who leave feeling lighter—plus new connections with nurseries, schools, and venues that help the show keep growing beyond Fringe. I would love to have my own series on PBS and reach more kids of color who need to see someone who looks like them and represents them. Most child entertainers still don’t reflect the diversity of the world, and I want every kid to be able to say, “That’s me,” and every family to feel, “We belong here.”
Full rooms of families who leave feeling lighter—plus new connections with nurseries, schools, and venues that help the show keep growing beyond Fringe. I would love to have my own series on PBS and reach more kids of color who need to see someone who looks like them and represents them. Most child entertainers still don’t reflect the diversity of the world, and I want every kid to be able to say, “That’s me,” and every family to feel, “We belong here.”
What are you most proud of regarding the show?
That it’s truly inclusive: sensory-aware, neurodivergent-friendly, multicultural, and built with love. Every child gets to participate in their own way—and every family feels welcome. I am also proud of myself for bringing the show here. I do not have a big team of people helping me; I raised some money, but I am the producer, the director, the writer, social medai manager, the stage manager, the press agent. I hope next year to have more help, but this year I am grateful for my friends helping when they can, especially my bud Mark Turner who helped me get this interview!
That it’s truly inclusive: sensory-aware, neurodivergent-friendly, multicultural, and built with love. Every child gets to participate in their own way—and every family feels welcome. I am also proud of myself for bringing the show here. I do not have a big team of people helping me; I raised some money, but I am the producer, the director, the writer, social medai manager, the stage manager, the press agent. I hope next year to have more help, but this year I am grateful for my friends helping when they can, especially my bud Mark Turner who helped me get this interview!
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
So many great ones! I’d definitely recommend Mama G, Hugo Grlll, Afronauts, and Glob — and if you want to see me in a totally different vibe, I’m also performing at night in Heated Rivalry at Gilded Balloon.
So many great ones! I’d definitely recommend Mama G, Hugo Grlll, Afronauts, and Glob — and if you want to see me in a totally different vibe, I’m also performing at night in Heated Rivalry at Gilded Balloon.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Meadow Park — it’s a lovely spot to breathe, let kiddos run around, and recharge between shows.
Meadow Park — it’s a lovely spot to breathe, let kiddos run around, and recharge between shows.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Joyful, interactive, inclusive, musical, magical.
Joyful, interactive, inclusive, musical, magical.
What keeps you inspired?
Kids. Their honesty, their imagination, and the way they remind us to be present. Also: music, community, and the belief that representation and kindness matter. They are taught to hate. They are pure magic until then.
Kids. Their honesty, their imagination, and the way they remind us to be present. Also: music, community, and the belief that representation and kindness matter. They are taught to hate. They are pure magic until then.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
That they belong. That feelings are welcome. That joy is powerful—and that a little singing and dancing can change your whole day. And for parents and carers, I want them to feel seen too: I see how hard it is to raise kids in this world with joy and hope. I want them to know I’ve got their backs, and to leave reminded that there is still so much light in the world.
That they belong. That feelings are welcome. That joy is powerful—and that a little singing and dancing can change your whole day. And for parents and carers, I want them to feel seen too: I see how hard it is to raise kids in this world with joy and hope. I want them to know I’ve got their backs, and to leave reminded that there is still so much light in the world.
When and where can people see the show?
Gilded Balloon Patter House (Dram) • 10:20 am • Aug 5–31 (dark Aug 17 & 24) • Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.
Gilded Balloon Patter House (Dram) • 10:20 am • Aug 5–31 (dark Aug 17 & 24) • Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/vasthy-and-friends-sing-dance-play
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