children | Gateshead Local

Today, Rachel Horton is talking theatre in Gateshead with Bear & Butterfly by Theatre Hullabaloo

Lots of cultural activity happens in Gateshead and it can often be missed – especially at this time of year with Enchanted Parks, followed by The Winter Festival taking centre stage (rightly so and I’ve got my tickets and can’t wait!). However, every day there is something spectacular and completely affordable for families going on, in Gateshead.

One such spectacular thing is Bear and Butterfly on 19^th November, right here in Gateshead. Theatre Hullabaloo are behind the performance and we are over the moon to be hosting, a Nationally touring production that is getting rave reviews up and down the country right here in Gateshead.

Theatre Hullabaloo is a pioneering organisation, based in the North East, that makes, tours & promotes theatre for young audiences, aged 0 – 16 years old. They believe that young people are the most important audience of all and set out to create a “hullabaloo” everywhere they go; we love that sort of thing in Gateshead! They create pioneering work which puts the young person at the heart of the creative process by inspiring the imagination and challenging the mind.

Check out their website for more information about them – http://www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk/

So what’s Bear & Butterfly about, I hear you ask…..

On the 19^th November, at 11am The Caedmon Hall at Gateshead Central Library will be transformed into a forested wonderland, in which Bear has lived all his life! But one day, Bear’s life changes forever when he hears the munching and a crunching of a bright green caterpillar. Bear and Caterpillar soon become the best of friends; Caterpillar munching happily through tales of Bear’s younger life catching fish, raising cubs and being big, strong and fierce.

Oh one day Caterpillar stops munching and looks sick. Bear fears he will lose his friend but, as if by magic, Caterpillar grows and stretches and emerges a beautiful butterfly. Can Bear come to terms with this new version of his friend who flies high above the trees? It’s a fun coming of age story…..

Like the sound of that? Well why not join Gateshead Culture Team and Theatre Hullabaloo to listen to the magic of Bear and Butterfly’s story with puppetry, live music and beautiful storytelling in this charming tale about love, loss and friendship.

This is the perfect opportunity for children to experience theatre and performance right here, in Gateshead. Also, as part of the performance you are encouraged to bring along a favourite bear so your little ones can be a part of the story too!

This performance is for ages 3+ and their families – however this 30year old, is very excited to watch it and yes, I will be bringing my favourite bear – a panda bear called Podgy Bear!