We’re going on a Bear Hunt

Michael Rosen's story goes on stage

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Directed by Sally Cookson,
Designed by Katie Sykes
Music by Benji Bower
At the Duchess Theatre
Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA
July 8th – August 16th

Michael Rosen’s best-selling, much loved children’s picture book We're Going on a Bear Hunt is brought to life for the West-End stage in a strictly limited summer season.

The charming, 55-minute adaptation of this award-winning book plays in daytime performances at the Duchess Theatre from July 9th 2009. Written by Children’s Poet Laureate Michael Rosen and illustrated by the award-winning Helen Oxenbury, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has become a timeless classic that has entertained young children since 1989. This production is suitable for children aged three and over.

Vividly and noisily portrayed on stage by Sally Cookson’s direction and Benji Bower’s quirky, versatile score, the story follows a family's excitement as they wade, splash and squelch through a variety of imaginative environments in search of a bear. Cookson describes the production as a “celebration of play”. With designer Katie Sykes, they decided that the design should utilise a host of everyday objects and materials in order to draw young audiences into this thrilling, imaginary world.

Author of over 140 books, Michael Rosen has enjoyed a successfully diverse career as writer, poet and broadcaster. Involved in educational campaigns and a firm believer in making poetry accessible to children, he has made numerous visits to schools throughout the UK and abroad. Filled with rhythm, repetition and onomatopoeia, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has been praised for its ability to engage and entertain young children of all learning abilities.

This summer season of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the Duchess Theatre follows the highly successful Christmas season of The Gruffalo at the same theatre.

For more details www.nimaxtheatres.com