The “Bear” Child brings joyous, chaotic family life to UK stages this July
This summer, families across the UK are invited into a heartwarming whirlwind of laughter, love and mischief as Beijing Baxun’s acclaimed non-verbal theatre production The “Bear” Child arrives on British stages for the very first time. With performances in London, Cambridge, and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this award-winning show promises a universal celebration of family life — no translation required.
A delightful, wordless tribute to childhood
Created by celebrated Chinese director Zhenchao Ma, The “Bear” Child transforms the small wonders and wild adventures of home into a vivid, playful theatrical world. Using only physical comedy, dance and mime, the show captures the spirited imagination of a curious child: living rooms turn into jungles, sofas become mountains, and parents morph into loyal allies or reluctant foes in games that spill gleefully across the stage.
Audiences can expect indoor snowstorms made of tissue paper, bed sheet superhero capes, car chases that zoom over Dad’s belly, and dinosaur battles with Mum looking on in equal parts amusement and exhaustion.
Director Zhenchao Ma said:
“We wanted to create a mirror of family life — its chaos, its rules, its affection. The ‘Bear’ Child is every family’s story. Children see themselves in it, and parents recognise their own home.”
The production’s rich, wordless language has delighted international audiences, with appearances at major festivals including the Shanghai Growth Arts Festival, Taihu Theatre Festival, and Ricca Ricca Festa in Okinawa, Japan.
UK tour dates and ticket information
London
Pentland Theatre, artsdepot
Saturday to Sunday, 26th-27th July, 2pm and 5pm
Tickets: £22.50-£25 (concessions), Early bird £18 (available until 26 May)
artsdepot.co.uk/event/the-bear-child | 020 8369 5454
Cambridge
Studio 2, Cambridge Junction
Wednesday to Thursday, 30th-31st July, 1pm and 4pm
Tickets: £21.50-£18.50 (concessions), Family ticket £65 (2 adults and 2 children)
junction.co.uk/events/the-bear-child | 01223 511 511
