Theatre News

Bear Hunt Brought to Life this Autumn

Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen’s much-loved picture book story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt will be brought vividly and colourfully to life on stage at Theatre Royal, Newcastle from 8 to 10 October.

An enduring children’s classic, and a favourite with old audiences and new, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt tells the story of five brave young adventurers (and their dog!) who go on a grand expedition to find a bear. Fearlessly traversing hill and dale, wood, river and long grass, their courage fails them as they come across their object unexpectedly!

Rosen wrote the Smarties Book Prize Winner in 1989, inspired by an American summer camp song. The story is startlingly simple yet superbly effective, combining all the things that children (and inner children!) love – adventure, the great outdoors, nature and discovery. Children’s books come and go but this one remains a permanent fixture on the bestseller lists.

Straight from the West End, this delightful adaptation is from director Sally Cookson, with a lively and original score by Benji Bower. The colourful set and costumes are inspired by the illustrations of Helen Oxenbury. Colourful, magical and funny, Bear Hunt will inspire and delight the young and old alike.

Writer, broadcaster, poet and performer Michael Rosen, is a prolific author of children’s books and Children’s Laureate 2007 – 2009. He has been awarded the Eleanor Farjeon Award for outstanding contribution to children’s literature and he won a Sony Gold Award for his series “On Saying Goodbye” for BBC Radio 4.

Suitable for children aged 3 and above, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt appears at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle from 8 – 10 October 2009 (Matinees: 10.00am, 11.00am, 12 noon and 2pm). Tickets are priced at £8.00 – £11.00 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or online at theatreroyal.co.uk