RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d -- Rendered At Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:01:39 +0000 The Bear Essentials: news from Stratford-upon-Avon's little theatre with BIG ideas https://redcircle.com/shows/the-bear-essentials en-US All rights reserved. Penny SK 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. c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d 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.

]]> episodic no Penny SK bearpitmarketing@gmail.com no full The Welkin - An interview with Nicky Cox The Welkin - An interview with Nicky Cox Penny SK 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/

]]> <p>Ruth Linnett talks to director Nicky Cox about the forthcoming production of The Welkin.</p><p>The Welkin, by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Kirkwood" rel="nofollow">Lucy Kirkwood</a>, 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Nicky directed The Bear Pit company actors as part of the RSC production “<a href="https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/a-midsummer-nights-dream-a-play-for-the-nation/" rel="nofollow">A Midsummer Nights Dream – A Play for the Nation</a>” in 2016</p><p>https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-welkin-by-lucy-kirkwood/</p> 7d4da9c3-48ba-4b47-9a92-b94f61ab44ca https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-welkin-by-lucy-kirkwood/ Sat, 06 Sep 2025 14:25:02 +0000 291 no full Bear Pit Audio Drama - The Proposal Bear Pit Audio Drama - The Proposal 2 Penny SK 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/

]]> <p><em>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.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>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.  </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>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. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>Music: Metiliza – Muzaproduction  </em><a href="https://pixabay.com/music/search/russian%20folk%20music/" rel="nofollow"><em>https://pixabay.com/music/search/russian%20folk%20music/</em></a></p> 65bd3734-fe38-44b9-a3d2-f3e9998b13c8 https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/ Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:32:41 +0000 1831 no full Bear Pit Audio Drama - The First Time Bear Pit Audio Drama - The First Time Penny SK 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.

]]> <p><em>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. </em></p><p><em>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.</em></p><p><em>The First Time is a Bear Pit Theatre Audio Drama production.</em></p> 9d046fb6-a088-4244-bbd4-dc48fbf74290 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/4a3900cf-4704-4aac-acd0-6dc34723a269 Sun, 11 May 2025 21:19:43 +0000 1102 no full All aboard for The Railway Children! All aboard for The Railway Children! Penny SK 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.

]]> <p>Meet our Railway Children and their talented Director, Emily Myerscough, as they prepare to open our fabulous Christmas show!</p><p>Tickets are selling out fast, but you can try to book (performances are 6th to 15th December), <a href="https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-railway-children/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p> cc0751b9-ff48-4870-9251-57aebc8cd3ac https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/afb01d97-305f-4fe5-b4bd-aa1e16be8a14 Thu, 28 Nov 2024 20:23:13 +0000 290 no full Cinema: Hallowe'en Screenings Cinema: Hallowe'en Screenings Penny SK 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

]]> <p>A psychological horror classic and a story from the Queen of Mystery - our cinema team talk about our Hallowe&#39;en films - Don&#39;t Look Now and A Haunting in Venice.</p><p>For tickets, visit:</p><p>https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/?filter=cinema</p> 049bf98c-352e-460b-86cd-bde0cd8a90f2 https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/?filter=cinema Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:43:18 +0000 367 no full Cinema: The Greatest Showman & Hotel du Vin offer Cinema: The Greatest Showman & Hotel du Vin offer Penny SK The Bear Pit Community Cinema team discuss the Greatest Shown screening and a special 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/


]]> <p>The Bear Pit Community Cinema team discuss the Greatest Shown screening and a special offer.</p><p>https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-greatest-showman/</p><p><br></p> b7b03d8e-3016-475e-82c7-205732ef170a https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-greatest-showman/ Sat, 19 Oct 2024 06:48:12 +0000 273 no full Groundbreaking theatre: meet the director of Road Groundbreaking theatre: meet the director of Road Penny SK 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.

]]> <p>Jim Cartwright&#39;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.</p><p>Don&#39;t forget to book your tickets, <a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bear-pit-theatre/e-depzgv" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p> 27055cc0-60ae-4c21-b3b8-e2129914c0f7 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/9496ad31-b21e-4424-a6a7-b829206399cb Mon, 09 Sep 2024 12:40:36 +0000 421 no full The Bear Pit Film Festival 2024 The Bear Pit Film Festival 2024 Penny SK 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!

]]> <p>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 <a href="https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/?filter=cinema" rel="nofollow">here</a>!</p> e1ae9e4b-7bc6-4ad3-afbd-5c9c095b791d https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/be2e6d5c-4175-4934-a14f-17997a4f0ce2 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 19:18:02 +0000 575 no full Lights, camera, action! Meet The Bear Pit Community Cinema Lights, camera, action! Meet The Bear Pit Community Cinema Penny SK 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.

]]> <p>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.</p> 772055ce-9946-4daa-ab4f-23ce7b06ddb6 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/6d210530-e7a5-4f63-b6c8-3c78c378c61c Sun, 07 Jul 2024 19:14:23 +0000 407 no full Introducing The Bear Pit Theatre Writers' Workshop Introducing The Bear Pit Theatre Writers' Workshop Penny SK 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!

]]> <p>Calling all aspiring theatre writers! Next month, we launch our new Writers&#39; Workshops - a fun, supportive and non-judgmental community to experiment with writing for the stage. Find out more in this episode, and visit <a href="https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/bear-pit-theatre-company/the-bear-pit-theatre-writers-workshop/" rel="nofollow">our page</a> to sign up! </p> bad14904-7672-47e6-b06b-2448bca047d3 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/87135565-c8ea-4e46-9726-404a3767559e Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:57:50 +0000 486 no full Glorious! What's the score? Glorious! What's the score? Penny SK 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.

]]> <p>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.</p><p>For tickets to see Glorious!, click <a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bear-pit-theatre/e-vmljao" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p> e689a9e4-eb76-4b9f-ae5e-74376372882a https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/0985805a-7622-4a92-b4e2-c294c639b312 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 21:01:16 +0000 368 no full Art: meet the cast! Art: meet the cast! Penny SK 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.

]]> <p>Roger Ganner, Richard Sandle-Keynes and Christopher Dobson give a brief introduction to the uproarious comedy that&#39;s coming to our stage in April.</p><p>Don&#39;t miss out! Book your tickets <a href="https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/art/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p> 44acd0a6-0934-492a-9f7d-77dd7aa4e968 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/0db0dfcd-f73f-40ea-992c-e7f568f7081c Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:37:48 +0000 275 no full 2025: look what we have in store! 2025: look what we have in store! Penny SK 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!

]]> <p>This episode we chat to Bear Pit General Manager, Roger Ganner, about the shows we have in store for 2025. You don&#39;t want to miss this!</p> da4f4cba-1fd7-4a83-8de1-eb4ab18f177a https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/cdd2f54c-ddaf-4ab2-8df5-6a146b3d6269 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:09:35 +0000 577 no full Art: meet the director Art: meet the director Penny SK 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/


]]> <p>Lynda Lewis, director of our forthcoming comedy, Art, chats about the cast and creativity!</p><p>To book tickets, visit https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/art/</p><p><br></p> 178b21f8-79d5-4427-b458-8335873474f3 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/4490c072-2943-45d1-94ba-c88249c28a74 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:54:40 +0000 228 no full Colder Than Here: meet the director! Colder Than Here: meet the director! Penny SK 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.

]]> <p>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.</p><p>Colder Than Here is on at The Bear Pit from 12-16 March. For tickets, visit <a href="http://thebearpit.org.uk" rel="nofollow">thebearpit.org.uk</a>.</p> 83b3af2d-9071-4dae-8110-37f2ef186d84 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/66de7093-37b9-4320-a6e6-b14698f47926 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:09:51 +0000 432 no full Head and Heart: from page to stage Head and Heart: from page to stage Penny SK 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.

]]> <p>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.</p> 1f4ba4e0-c761-4b6a-b381-ca6c90ec2f20 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/bcd34c28-49dc-4530-a72b-0c08c2a9280a Sat, 27 Jan 2024 17:06:56 +0000 365 no full From the RSC to The Bear Pit: creative conversation with Paul Greenwood From the RSC to The Bear Pit: creative conversation with Paul Greenwood Penny SK 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/

]]> <p>Paul Greenwood&#39;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.</p><p><br></p><p>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/</p> 299af540-c9e3-4262-907f-c8ba0e096062 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/a120f205-cc17-4ab5-879b-242909787b5e Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:01:06 +0000 429 no full James and the Giant Peach: meet James! James and the Giant Peach: meet James! Penny SK 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.

]]> <p>It&#39;s nearly time for The Bear Pit&#39;s winter show: <em>James and the Giant Peach</em>! 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.</p> 8d6fc6f7-c497-4a0a-91dd-38781b8d3501 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/6db64359-a1f5-4af3-b40c-afedc13bbc8a Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:47:54 +0000 353 no full The Cherry Orchard - The director and the Lady of the House The Cherry Orchard - The director and the Lady of the House 3 Penny SK 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.

]]> <p>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&#39;s production this month, they discuss Stanislavski, whether the play is a comedy or not, and the rehearsal process.</p> 7d4ab96d-d878-4802-8074-5e517327dfef https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-cherry-orchard/ Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:47:00 +0000 471 no full A Backstage Tour A Backstage Tour Penny SK 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!

]]> <p>This episode, Bear Pit backstage aficionado, Jacquie, takes us on a tour behind-the-scenes...</p><p>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!</p> 35ee1f4c-7da9-418a-812c-e5abd0c7ffcc https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/e11a5144-048d-47cb-ba7d-185d7af62802 Sat, 09 Sep 2023 12:03:38 +0000 554 no full All change! Our seating gets a make-over. All change! Our seating gets a make-over. Penny SK After a couple of years in the round, we're moving back to a traditional rake at The Bear Pit. Join Artistic Director David Mears and Chairman Roger Ganner as they reveal exciting new plans for our auditorium.

]]> <p>After a couple of years in the round, we&#39;re moving back to a traditional rake at The Bear Pit. Join Artistic Director David Mears and Chairman Roger Ganner as they reveal exciting new plans for our auditorium.</p> 64444635-0225-48d0-a050-b1548eb94615 https://redcircle.com/shows/c7e58f53-2b07-4748-8a23-3173aef9d42d/episodes/4fbdf25b-d015-4e0f-97e7-13f6d9f25eb9 Wed, 02 Aug 2023 09:30:43 +0000 379 no