Bear Hunting and Mask-Making this May Half-Term at Belgrade Theatre

With the Easter holidays now behind us, there's only a few short weeks until May Half-Term comes around the corner. The Belgrade Theatre is offering up some theatrical delights to keep families entertained during the holiday including bear hunting and mask making!

Direct from smash-hit West End and international tours, family favourite We're Going On A Bear Hunt brings music, laughter, songs, rhythms, rhymes, puppetry, paints, water and mud...not to mention a bear - to the Main Stage at the Belgrade Theatre this May.

Director Sally Cookson's hugely inventive production set to Benji Bower's quirky musical score is a mischievous celebration of play, utilising everyday objects and materials, to capture the imagination and catapult young audiences into the world of Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury's much-loved picture book.

This modern family classic follows an intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog through the swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the squelchy mud, in search of a bear. Audiences can expect plenty of fun-filled interaction and a few surprises along the way in this new stage adaptation.

Author, poet and former Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen said, ''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. It's a show full of laughter, music, silliness and thrills that I promise you will excite and delight all young children. This is a must-go show."

We're Going On A Bear Hunt is presented by Kenny Wax Family Entertainment and created by the critically acclaimed production team including Olivier award-nominated theatre director Sally Cookson, designer Katie Sykes, composer and lyricist Benji Bower, lighting designer Tony Simpson, sound designer Jason Barnes and puppet designer Marc Parrett. The cast includes Joseph Carey as Dad, Rebecca Newman as Girl, Michael Jean-Marain as Boy and Louis Gulliver King as Dog/Musician.

We're Going On A Bear Hunt runs on the Main Stage at the Belgrade Theatre from Tues 30 May to Sat 3 June. Tickets are available now priced from £12.50 for children, £14.50 for adults and £45 for families by calling the Belgrade Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk.

For ages 8 to 13, the Belgrade Theatre is also offering a two day holiday camp themed around the skilful art of mask theatre! Running on Tues 30 and Weds 31 May, participants with work with theatre professionals to create their own masks and showcase them in a performance for friends and family at the end of the two days.

The Belgrade Theatre's Education Officer Claire Procter said, "It'll be an action-packed two days, with plenty of opportunities for those participating to take part in drama games and develop their performance skills. The group will get to make new friends, learn about masked performance, and generally have lots of fun!"

May Camp runs from 10am to 4.30pm and costs £50 per person for both days, with family discounts available for two or more siblings. To book your child's place, contact the Belgrade Theatre Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk.