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

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Welcome to The Bear Essentials! Follow us to find out about exciting shows, backstage secrets, front-of-house shenanigans and all our BIG plans for Stratford's loveliest Little Theatre: The Bear Pit in Rother Street.

  1. The Welkin - An interview with Nicky Cox

    09/06/2025

    The Welkin - An interview with Nicky Cox

    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 2016 https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-welkin-by-lucy-kirkwood/

    5 min

  2. 07/16/2025

    Bear Pit Audio Drama - The Proposal

    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/

    31 min
  3. Bear Pit Audio Drama - The First Time

    05/11/2025

    Bear Pit Audio Drama - The First Time

    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.

    18 min
  4. All aboard for The Railway Children!

    11/28/2024

    All aboard for The Railway Children!

    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.

    5 min
  5. Cinema: Hallowe'en Screenings

    10/21/2024

    Cinema: Hallowe'en Screenings

    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

    6 min
  6. Cinema: The Greatest Showman & Hotel du Vin offer

    10/19/2024

    Cinema: The Greatest Showman & Hotel du Vin offer

    The Bear Pit Community Cinema team discuss the Greatest Shown screening and a special offer. https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-greatest-showman/

    5 min
  7. Groundbreaking theatre: meet the director of Road

    09/09/2024

    Groundbreaking theatre: meet the director of Road

    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.

    7 min
  8. The Bear Pit Film Festival 2024

    07/07/2024

    The Bear Pit Film Festival 2024

    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!

    10 min
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Welcome to The Bear Essentials! Follow us to find out about exciting shows, backstage secrets, front-of-house shenanigans and all our BIG plans for Stratford's loveliest Little Theatre: The Bear Pit in Rother Street.

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