Arts Centre Melbourne's Playhouse to Present Musical Adaptation of WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, 27 Nov - 8 Dec

Melbourne is preparing for hunting season with the arrival of live stage musical We're Going on a Bear Hunt at Arts Centre Melbourne's Playhouse from Wednesday 27 November - Sunday 8 December 2013. Based on Michael Rosen's classic children's book, the Australian premiere of We're Going on a Bear Hunt brings to life the swishy-swashy grass, the splishy-splashy river and oozy-squelchy mud in a fun-filled, kid-friendly musical.

Following an intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on their hunt for an elusive bear, We're Going on a Bear Hunt recreates the picture book's iconic scenes through tall grass, running rivers and thick mud. Filled with original songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on action, this production comes direct from a popular season on London's West End.

Director Sally Cookson's inventive production, set to Benji Bower's quirky musical score, is a mischievous celebration of children's playtime and the imagination. Utilising everyday objects and materials, We're Going on a Bear Hunt will catapult young audiences into the world of Michael Rosen's beautifully simple story and Helen Oxenbury's much-loved illustrations.

"This production of We're Going on a Bear Hunt takes everyone on the journey - not under, not over, oh no, through it! - in a funny, exuberant and loving way," said author Michael Rosen. "It's a show full of laughter, music, silliness and thrills that I promise you will excite and delight all young children."

Michael Rosen is a broadcaster, children's novelist, poet and the author of over 140 books. He was appointed as the UK's fifth Children's Laureate in June 2007 and held this position until June 2009. His seminal work We're Going on a Bear Hunt has been enjoyed by children since it was first published in 1989. The book won the 1989 Smarties Book Prize and has remained on bestseller lists worldwide almost 25 years later.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt was developed and produced by KW & NB Ltd, a company that has fast established itself as one of the UK's leading producers of live theatrical entertainment for family audiences. Specialising in stage adaptations of children's book titles, the company has enjoyed great success with other productions, including Judith Kerr's The Tiger Who Came to Tea and the UK tours of The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.