In December 2024 Waterside was thrilled to welcome back enchanting festive show The Bear by Raymond Briggs – thirty years on since the book’s original publication. The stage adaptation, by Pins and Needles and co-produced with Exeter Northcott Theatre, delighted a new generation of young people and their families with dazzling puppetry, delicious music, dreamy storytelling, and dozens of laughs.
The Bear, by illustrious writer and illustrator Raymond Briggs - author of The Snowman and Father Christmas - was first published on 01 September 1994 and thirty years have not diminished this wonderful story’s appeal. An enormous polar bear comes to stay with a young girl, Tilly one night. Tilly gives it a bath and clears up its poo! but quickly forms a firm friendship and is soon riding on its back, dancing and playing!
Using beautiful puppetry and enchanting live music, audiences were captivated by this wonderful show for children and their families.