No grizzly children at this show! A playful, puppet-filled adaptation of a favourite picture book, this is a roaring success that will have everyone squeaking with laughter.Summary
Rating
Excellent
It’s half term and you want to get out with the kids but spend your time well. What better activity for your day trip than to visit the Southbank Centre to see Theres a Bear on My Chair, a superb family show full of fabulous fun and plentiful playful puppetry?
Based on the award-winning picture books by Ross Collins, the play tells of a mouse who finds an uninvited bear sitting in his chair. He determines to move him on, but any number of hilariously inventive tactics fail to shift him. Laughs galore follow as we watch the opposing pals battling for space, comically combative and frustrated by each other’s actions. But ultimately they must learn to live together, despite their differences. Toby Olié’s wonderful adaptation captures the spirit of the books beautifully, embracing the aesthetic of Collins’ distinctive illustrations in gorgeously charismatic puppets and imaginative staging, whilst bringing these familiar stories vividly and amusingly to life.
Olié’s most recent claim to fame was as designer of the puppets forlast year’s stunning West End extravaganza Spirited Away. Now he’s fully invested his top talent in this family show, including creating some brilliantly crafted puppets. The materials used are perfect, offering lively, glinting eyes and whiskers that quiver tellingly with rage. Bear is huge and imposing but has palpable substance as he lumbers around or splats onto the floor when Mouse gets the better of him. Our little rodent friend is enormously sweet and passionate, sporting fabulous costumes that range from miniature green underpants to a shimmery frock for his disco moments; and even the more restrained Bear enjoys a full ursine Elvis outfit. The puppets are switched up in an enchanting scene that will make you catch your breath, where Bear is shrunk down to a tiny scale, crossing daunting icebergs to transition us from Mouse’s home to his own.
The team of four superb puppeteers (Ailsa Dalling, Fred Davis, Elisa de Grey, Ben Thompson) excel, working in unison to deliver characterisation that is anarchically entertaining and hugely funny. They create some splendidly surprising moments, where the action suddenly shifts into slow motion, or the enormous, seemingly weighty Bear spins effortlessly over their heads. The feisty little Mouse puppet impresses hugely, busting out nifty dance steps and executing precision Taekwondo movements.
Distinctively theatrical lighting design (Aideen Malone) energises an already active performance, with spotlights, bright striplights and even torches dynamically punctuating the action across Amy Jane Cook’s flexible set design. It’s all further enhanced by projections (Erin Guan) that quirkily reveal more about the narrative as Mouse invades Bear’s space, or overfills the bath. Captions place the poetry across the stage for everyone to read, reminding us of the book at the heart of the work. Collins’ signature use of rhyme and interesting language gives a naturally compelling rhythm and pace to the show, helping maintain the momentum throughout, and is supported by lively and engaging sound design from Adam Pleeth.
Queen Elizabeth Hall is a sizeable venue and today it was packed with happy children commenting and chuckling throughout or bopping to the music. Although aimed at ages from 2-7 years, the show really has something for everyone. Tinies will enjoy the adorable puppets, the fun music and the storytelling. For older children the tale gently raises questions about why polar bears are endangered, and about how we might share space with people who are not like ourselves. For the adults the references to cheesy soft rock songs are hilarious! This is a great 50 minutes of fun, so get off your chair and set off for the Southbank!
Author and Artwork by: Ross Collins
Adapted, Directed and Puppet Design by: Toby Olié
Set & Costume Design by: Amy Jane Cook
Lighting Design by: Aideen Malone
Composer & Sound Design by: Adam Pleeth
Video Design by: Erin Guan
There’s a Bear on My Chair is aimed at ages 2-7 years and runs at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank until 23 February.
