The Bear, based on Raymond Briggs' beloved 1994 book, is at Waterside this Christmas season. The show brings to life a heartwarming tale of friendship and imagination. Adapted for the stage by Pins and Needles Productions, this magical tale had all the ingredients for a perfect family outing: a larger-than-life polar bear, and plenty of giggles. I took along my children, Alice (7) and Leo (5), who were eager to meet Tilly and her snowy companion.
The story begins with Tilly, a curious and imaginative girl, who wakes up one night to find an enormous polar bear climbing through her bedroom window. Tilly sees the Bear not as a threat but as a friend—albeit one who needs some serious lessons in house rules! What follows is a whirlwind of escapades from hide-and-seek games to bath-time mishaps (including a toilet bowl drink and a soaking splash), Tilly quickly learns that taking care of a bear is no small feat. But it’s not all fun and games. Tilly takes her role as caretaker seriously, teaching the Bear how to behave (well, almost!) and navigating the less glamorous side of looking after a giant bear, such as cleaning up after his, erm, messy accidents—a moment that had Alice and Leo in absolute hysterics!
However, as with all good things, their time together must come to an end, leaving the audience misty-eyed yet enchanted.
The set design by Zoe Squire was simple yet transformative, effortlessly morphing from Tilly's cosy bedroom to the kitchen, the bathroom and even a snowy wonderland with the help of clever lighting and props. Snow cascaded from the ceiling, bubbles floated through the air, and even a water pistol made its way into the fun. The music, composed by Lucy Rivers, added to the magic, perfectly capturing the whimsy and wonder of the story. The star of the show was, of course, the Bear itself. The life-sized puppet, expertly controlled by the cast, was nothing short of spectacular. The bear was imbued with personality and grace, making it easy to forget the puppeteers entirely.
Oriana Charles shone as Tilly, bringing youthful energy and charm to her role. Her interactions with the bear were natural and filled with wonder, captivating the children in the audience. Rayo Patel and Cat Rock, who doubled as Tilly's parents and the puppeteers of the bear, demonstrated exceptional skill and artistry. They moved as one with the bear, creating an endearing character that felt alive and genuine.
The Bear at Waterside is a delightful journey through the wild imagination of childhood. With mesmerising puppetry, a touching story, and plenty of laughs, it’s the perfect introduction to theatre for young audiences. Watching Alice and Leo laugh, gasp, and grin from ear to ear was priceless—especially when snow sprinkled over the audience and bubbles rained down, sparking pure joy!
This big-hearted tale of friendship and adventure is packed with giggles for kids and moments that tug at the heartstrings for grown-ups. An unmissable winter treat for the whole family!
The Bear is at Waterside until Sunday 29th December 2024. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
Photo Credit -
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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