We were duly excited about going to watch “We’re going on a bear hunt” because we love the award winning book of the same name.

And indeed, Michael Rosen’s book about an intrepid family’s adventure to find a bear was brought vividly to the stage through Sally Cookson’s direction and Benji Bower’s engaging musicality as they- complete with a funny puppet “baby” (that kinda looks like Tin Tin if you ask me); wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy squelchy mud. The stage work was compelling, the actors engaging and funny and the repetition of the book’s famous lines- which the kids in the theatre all duly chanted after, added to the interactivity of the show.

“We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one.
It’s a beautiful day- and we’re not scared.”

To be honest, I got a little nervous as the show approached the part where they were going to meet the bear- especially when they dimmed the lights and Q got visibly nervous/excited knowing what was going to happen but having no clue what to expect. In any case, they drummed up enough suspense to reveal a hilarious gigantic funny looking bear that kinda lumbered around. Maybe in part, he was relieved, but my hardly two year old ended up laughing his head off at the big bear chasing the family all their way home.

We enjoyed the show immensely and Q even asked, several days later when we were doing the activity pack the Polka Theatre Company put together for when they hosted the show, to watch the show again.

Two thumbs up!