EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- The Polar Bears Go Up

Tell us a bit about The Polar Bears Go Up.

The Polar Bears Go Up is a gentle adventure for young children and their families. Two cheeky, but loveable Polar Bears go on a journey UP! We made the show last year at the Unicorn Theatre in London and we have been lucky enough to go on tour to Shanghai and Hong Kong this year. We're so excited to bring it back to our home turf, the Edinburgh Fringe, this summer.

What sets it apart from other children's shows at the festival?

It's a very high-quality theatrical experience created specifically for early years, with a gorgeous and ingenious design from Claire Halleran, and wonderful lighting from Kate Bonney. It's an original story, devised by the cast and it's a perfect introduction to the theatre for little ones - full of wonder and humour. It's non-verbal and deaf friendly too.

Who would you recommend comes to see it?

Everybody! Although especially those aged between 2 and 5. It's a fun, surreal show which draws in its audience and gets them to help the two Polar Bears achieve their goal of going Up! It's a simple idea for even the youngest audience member to grasp and they are always engaged in the upbeat original music by award-winning composer Greg Sinclair.

How was the previous show The Polar Bears Go Wild received?

It was very well received across the UK with both audiences and critics loving the gentle pacing and mesmerising visuals that blend so well with the laugh-out-loud fun. So far responses to this new production have been similarly positive as audiences fall for our charming bears. We can't wait to see how the Fringe audiences take to it.

What's in it for the adults?

The show was made especially for very young children, but there is plenty of fun and excitement for the adults to share in. We find parents and grandparents especially enjoy our breakfast scene homage to Morecambe and Wise.... It's really important to us that the theatre is a space for everyone to enjoy themselves and share in the delight of the show.

Timings and ticket information for The Polar Bears Go Up are available on the edfringe website.

Photo Credit: Richard Davenport

To post a comment, you must register and login.