This December, Exeter Northcott and Bristol-based Pins and Needles Productions present an enchanting adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ beloved picture book in Sale, Trafford.
When the brilliant Pins and Needles first approached us about co-producing The Bear, I knew it was too good an opportunity to pass up. At Exeter Northcott, we’re always looking for new ways to support South-West theatre makers at all stages of their careers, and we’re delighted to make it possible for new audiences to discover this magical play for families.
Martin Berry, Exeter Northcott Creative Director and Joint Chief Executive
Pins and Needles Productions
Pins and Needles Productions is a female-led theatre company who make imaginative theatre, film, events and digital experiences for all ages. They have over a decade’s experience in making award-winning work for audiences across the UK and internationally. In 2020, their production Oi Frog & Friends! was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show. In 2018, they won the UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People with Little Mermaid.
The Bear
The Bear is an unforgettable experience for the whole family and a perfect introduction to theatre, with dazzling puppetry, delicious music, dreamy storytelling, and dozens of laughs.
The story follows a girl called Tilly after a an enormous snowy white bear climbs into her bedroom one night when she’s fast asleep. It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly’s not scared.
The Bear is Pins and Needles’ second adaptation of a Raymond Briggs picture book, after Mr Popper’s Penguins. The original production of The Bear was made in 2015 with the support of Polka Theatre, the Albany Theatre, and Arts Council England. Since then, the show has toured far and wide, enchanting audiences from Manchester to Malaysia!
Praise for The Bear
★★★★
“Witty and inventive”
The Stage
“Move over War Horse, this polar puppet is magic… 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
“The Bear is a lovely show for very young audiences which vividly brings to life a classic story using some of the most impressive puppetry we have ever seen.”
The Family Stage
This production comes shortly after the announcement of our return to producing, after a three-year hiatus was broken by The Commotion Time in October. It is also the latest in a series of projects designed to welcome young people into the world of theatre; we recently expanded the age-range of our Northcott Young Company, offering 100 spaces for children as young as five; we are currently accepting applications to Youth Voice, our new panel of 16 – 23 year-olds who will be invited to influence the Northcott’s future; our next Northcott production, Romeo & Juliet, will feature an ensemble of local young performers; plus, we’re teaming up with Exeter-based PaddleBoat Theatre to produce a brand-new adaptation of The Elves and the Shoemaker for 3 – 7 year-olds at the Barnfield Theatre this Christmas.
The Bear will run at Waterside Arts 1 – 29 Dec, with a relaxed and BSL-interpreted performance on Sat 7 Dec. Tickets are available online.
FIND OUT MOREThe Bear is based on Raymond Briggs’ book The Bear c.1994 published by Puffin Books, and licensed by the Raymond Briggs Estate c/o The Agency (London) Ltd.
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