The Giant and The Bear (Leeds)

Sweeping in to Leeds like an old-time travelling carnival, Unlimited Theatre’s The Giant and The Bear takes over the West Yorkshire Playhouse, both inside and out.

Through a succession of games and activities the audience, both young and old, are led around the theatre and it’s outside spaces. Under the guidance of the ebullient and beguiling Ringmaster (John Spooner) this is an enthralling opening to the show. Watching the little ones (including my own) being encouraged to run where they want and make as much noise as they want is a joyous sight.

On the steps outside the theatre the Ringmaster introduces the rest of the Circus troupe, including Colin the Bear. He lays out the beginnings of the slender narrative that runs throughout the rest of the show and leads a raucous procession up to the Big Top erected on Quarry Hill.

Once in the Big Top the production becomes a more conventional circus performance, focussing predominantly on trapeze work. The skill and strength of the performers is unquestionable but there is a fear that the combination of the circus act with the narrative leaves both elements feeling slightly under-developed and not offering quite enough to keep a youthful modern audience interested.

I hope this isn’t the case as at its best The Giant and The Bear has charm in abundance and an innocent simplicity, which is a pleasure to, literally, be part of.

The Giant and The Bear runs at the West Yorkshire Playhouse until 8 July.