One of the things that people don’t tell you is that having a child will unlock your inner child’s culture vulture whilst still needing to ensure that your experience as an adult human with a fully formed frontal lobe is not undermined. So it can be a challenge to find experiences that satisfy your child and yourself as an adult who has to engage one’s attention for the hour of a performance designed for children.
Thankfully Bear Snores On does this and more. It is created for ages 4+ but my daughter is just under 2 and she absolutely was engaged and enamoured – her “oohs” and “oh no’s” filled the cave and brought me joy.
The layout at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre was as usual creative and interactive and thank goodness that the rain clouds passed so that we could enjoy the gardener and the mouse before entering the cave. The lighting and the sound effects were particularly well thought out but it was the performances from the cast which were the true highlight.
From Lauren Conroy as the Mouse seeking a home and friendship whose singing was a delightful reflection of the tone of the story to the ever organised Hare played by Ashh Blackwood whose presence gave an insightful reminder of the importance of being a bit boring sometimes (because we know that kids find order and organistion a bit boring).
Annabel Marlow as the lovesick badger added that gentle bit of humour that tapped into perhaps that side that only older kids and parents/guardians would get but it worked so well. And of course Ashley D Clarke as bear (and farmer) was a joy – a tad bit scary for some of the kids – funnily enough not mine who was just completely in awe of him (should I be worried?).
My particular fave was Albert Graver as Raven/Wren who brought a classic MC/raver energy to the performance and gave the production a great feel good party vibe.
This is a story of finding friends, building a community and overcoming biases. It was a joyful experience and one which I absolutely recommend.
Need to know: Bear Snores On plays at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 21 April 2024 | Running time 60 mins no interval | Suitable for age 4+
