WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

Northcott Theatre, Exeter

★★★★

TAKE a hugely popular children's book, add four actors — one pretending to be a dog — and, hey presto, you have the ingredients for a successful festive offering for families this Christmas.

An audience of pre-schoolers is thoroughly entertained by the brilliant delivery of Michael Rosen's award-winning book by actors Duncan Foster, Richard de Winter, Jessica Pidsley and Benjamin Harrison.

The story is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in director Sally Cookson's fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower's versatile lively score.

The fun kicks off with plenty of audience interaction as the actors wander through the aisles.

Non-stop singing and hands-on adventure throughout the performance went down well with the young audience.

The story centres on the three characters' trek in search of a bear. They have to march through long grass, cross a river, go through a forest, wade through mud and endure a snowstorm. And it's not just those on stage who get wet crossing the river!

We're Going On A Bear Hunt plays at the Northcott until New Year's Day. Be sure to catch it while you can. It's a great alternative to the traditional festive panto.

NIKKI BELSO