The Bear Essentials: news from Stratford-upon-Avon's little theatre with BIG ideas

Ruth Linnett talks to director Nicky Cox about the forthcoming production of The Welkin.The Welkin, by Lucy Kirkwood, is a powerful and thought-provoking drama set in rural Suffolk in 1759. The play centres on the trial of Sally Poppy, a young woman accused of a gruesome murder. Sally’s fate rests in the hands of twelve women. The women are called upon as a jury to decide whether she is pregnant. If true, would spare her from execution.These women, who come from various walks of life, deliberate Sally’s case but they reveal their own secrets, prejudices, and struggles. The play explores themes of justice, womanhood, and the complexities of truth. With its richly drawn characters and intense moral dilemmas, “The Welkin” by Lucy Kirkwood shines a light on the harsh realities of life for women in the 18th century and resonates with contemporary issues of gender and power. The gripping narrative and emotional depth make it a compelling and impactful piece of theatre.The Director, Nicky Cox’s first connection with The Bear Pit was performing in The Vicar of Dibley and A Christmas Carol (2013). This led to directing a number of productions including; The Hound of the Baskervilles, Brief Encounter, Toad of Toad Hall, One Man Two Guv’nors, The 39 Steps, The Norman Conquests Trilogy.Nicky directed The Bear Pit company actors as part of the RSC production “A Midsummer Nights Dream – A Play for the Nation” in 2016https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-welkin-by-lucy-kirkwood/

The Proposal, by Anton Chekhov, is a small masterpiece of character and situational humour, which displays all of Chekhov’s sensitive and acute understanding of human foibles. Ivan Vasilyevich Lomov (Danny Masewicz), a hypochondrial landowner, comes to ask his neighbour Stepan Stepanovich (Brian Darnley) for the hand of his daughter Natalya Stepanovna (Lynn Taylor). However, their tempestuous and quarrelsome characters keep getting the better of them, putting their chance of happiness in peril.   This wonderfully funny and fast moving play is adapted for audio, produced and directed by Nick Le Mesurier, with sound engineering by Nick Le Mesurier and Ian Taylor.  Music: Metiliza – Muzaproduction  https://pixabay.com/music/search/russian%20folk%20music/

It is 1962. Sean and Maureen have been going out for years, but this is the first time they’ve been alone together. It should be a romantic moment to remember, but Sean has a secret that neither will forget. The First Time was written by Paul Greenwood and produced by Nick Le Mesurier. Sound engineering is by Jonathon Fletcher. It features Lily Skinner as Maureen and Elliott Gear as Sean.The First Time is a Bear Pit Theatre Audio Drama production.

Meet our Railway Children and their talented Director, Emily Myerscough, as they prepare to open our fabulous Christmas show!Tickets are selling out fast, but you can try to book (performances are 6th to 15th December), here.

A psychological horror classic and a story from the Queen of Mystery - our cinema team talk about our Hallowe'en films - Don't Look Now and A Haunting in Venice.For tickets, visit:https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/?filter=cinema

The Bear Pit Community Cinema team discuss the Greatest Shown screening and a special offer.

Jim Cartwright's hard-hitting and funny show comes to our stage from 24-28 September. Here, Bear Pit veteran director Steve Farr explains his vision and what audiences can expect from this groundbreaking production.Don't forget to book your tickets, here.

A celebration of Stratford-upon-Avon is coming to the big screen in July, as we show some of the best films made in, around or about our beautiful town. Listen to what we have on offer, then book your tickets here!

This episode we talk to the Leader of The Bear Pit Community Cinema, Simon Allen, about how the venture came about, and our vision to bring quality, diverse films to Stratford at affordable prices.

Calling all aspiring theatre writers! Next month, we launch our new Writers' Workshops - a fun, supportive and non-judgmental community to experiment with writing for the stage. Find out more in this episode, and visit our page to sign up!

Tune in to hear the latest about our hilarious comedy, Glorious! - the story of a singer with more passion than pitch! Director Phil Beeson and star Angela Minto share their insights on the caterwauling caper.For tickets to see Glorious!, click here.

Roger Ganner, Richard Sandle-Keynes and Christopher Dobson give a brief introduction to the uproarious comedy that's coming to our stage in April.Don't miss out! Book your tickets here.

This episode we chat to Bear Pit General Manager, Roger Ganner, about the shows we have in store for 2025. You don't want to miss this!

Lynda Lewis, director of our forthcoming comedy, Art, chats about the cast and creativity!To book tickets, visit https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/art/

Bear Pit director Jacquie Campbell gives us a sneak peak behind the scenes of our latest production, including details of a chat with the playwright herself, Laura Wade.Colder Than Here is on at The Bear Pit from 12-16 March. For tickets, visit thebearpit.org.uk.

In the second of our Head and Heart podcasts, we talk to writer and director Paul Greenwood about how he brings his work to life with his talented cast of actors.

Paul Greenwood's comedy, Head and Heart, is all about the creative process; so what experiences did he draw on when writing the show? We chat to the RSC actor about his own creativity and how he moved his work from page to stage.Head and Heart is on at The Bear Pit from 31st January to 3rd February. To book tickets, visit https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/head-heart/

It's nearly time for The Bear Pit's winter show: James and the Giant Peach! Penny SK catches up with young actors Jasper and Hal, who share the title role, to chat about what audiences can expect from this exciting production.

Colin Edwards, the director of The Cherry Orchard, and Penelope Sandle-Keynes, who plays Madam Ranyevskya, talk about their history with the play. Ahead of The Bear Pit's production this month, they discuss Stanislavski, whether the play is a comedy or not, and the rehearsal process.

This episode, Bear Pit backstage aficionado, Jacquie, takes us on a tour behind-the-scenes...Interested in volunteering? Come to our Open Evening on Friday, 15th September at 7.30pm at The Bear Pit to discover how you can be involved in our fantastic, friendly, fun little theatre!