“Everything children’s theatre should be: sensitive, witty, gorgeously crafted and, despite the presence of an enormous polar bear, impressively light on its feet” The Guardian
“This brilliantly warm production has love and family at its core, with endless enjoyment for little ones and big ones alike.” The Reviews Hub
“The delightful notion of a polar bear about the house is beautifully explored in this witty, inventive production” The Stage
The magical world of Raymond Briggs comes to the stage this Christmas as Wales Millennium Centre’s Weston Studio hosts the acclaimed children’s theatre show, The Bear.
With dazzling puppetry, delicious music, dreamy storytelling, and dozens of laughs, The Bear is an unforgettable experience for the whole family and a perfect introduction to theatre for young children and their families.
Adapted from the book by Raymond Briggs – who also wrote festive classics ‘The Snowman’ and ‘Father Christmas’ – The Bear tells of Tilly, a young girl who is awoken one night by a giant white bear climbing into her bedroom window. It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly’s not scared. In fact she does her best to house train the furry guests.
Tilly soon realises that looking after a bear is not going to be easy and chaos ensues as the creature takes a bath, climbs around the bedroom, and makes himself at home in the kitchen.
The show is created by Pins and Needles, a Bristol-based company recognised for creating quality theatre for the early years age group, families and young adults. They first brought The Bear to the stage in 2015 when it was greeted with praise from critics and audiences alike.
Aimed at children aged 3+ and their families, the production features a cast of three humans – and one giant bear puppet, making it a visual delight for the young audience as Briggs’ vivid illustrations are brought to life on the stage.
Wales Millennium Centre’s Arts and Creative Senior Producer Sarah Leigh says: “We’re thrilled to have The Bear at the Centre’s Weston Studio over the festive period. It’s a wonderful story for the younger age group and we hope that they and their families enjoy this magical feast of music, puppetry and storytelling.”
Suzanne Jennings – whose past children’s theatre credits include ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, ‘The Gruffalo’, and ‘The Snail and the Whale’ – plays Tilly; while Lucy Grattan and Benedict Chambers play her parents and puppeteers of The Bear.
At 55 minutes long, The Bear is a perfect first theatre experience for youngsters and a playful, funny and heart-warming delight for families this festive season.
The Bear is at the Weston Studio at Wales Millennium Centre from Tuesday 12-Sunday 31 December 2017. It is also running simultaneously at Waterside in Sale, Greater Manchester. Tickets are on sale now priced £10 per person.
Book online at www.wmc.org.uk Babes in arms tickets are £2 each – please contact the Ticket Office on 029 2063 6464 to book.
Age guidance: 3+
Running time: Approximately 55 minutes
The performance on 20 December at 10.30am is a Relaxed Performance.