I usually try to see at least one TYA show every Fringe, and this year I was excited to see Gordon bring something for the families. His work on WINNING:WINNING was some of my favourite of that year.

TYA is a different beast. An artist typically needs to juggle an educational or moralizing storyline, a decent pace that holds a child’s attention, and enough cleverness to intrigue an adult.

This show did just about all of that. The story was whimsical and silly, while achieving something moving enough to make me cry. I found the child audience participation segments to be genuinely delightful and varied for the kids. Of all the shows, I was not expecting this one to have a wordless mise-en-abyme segment in between kids pelting a castle with balls and the short king miming a turtle ride; this is not your average TYA show.

Gordon achieves something lovingly personal here. Elements of his real life memories of his best friend are woven into the show. It feels like we are flipping through his scrapbook, made hopeful and charming through comedy.

I’m so glad this artist returned this year. I highly anticipate what he brings next.