In a clearing, deep in the forest, sits a mysterious object. Fresh out of hibernation, a young bear cub scampers through the forest. And suddenly, he finds the strange thing.

Bear prods, pushes, taps and presses at the mysterious object. It replies with beautiful sounds: he is making music! Soon Bear's melodies draw creatures from every corner of the forest to listen.

When some passing humans witness this extraordinary spectacle, they persuade Bear to join them on an incredible journey to the city to share his gift with the world.

David Litchfield's beloved illustrated book, The Bear and the Piano, has been translated into 37 languages and sold over 800,000 copies worldwide.

Now, for the first time, this heart-warming story of curiosity, creativity and courage comes to life on stage in a co-production between the RSC and Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. This uplifiting and wordless adaptation by Toby Olié and Tom Brady fills the intimate setting of The Other Place with captivating puppetry and breathtaking music.

For anyone aged 3 and over who dreams big.

For more information on the themes and content of the play please visit our content advisory page. 

CAST

Ailsa Dalling | Elisa de Grey | Ashton Owen | Ben Thompson | Shaofan Wilson

CREATIVES

Director and Puppetry Co-Designer Toby Olié | Music Tom Brady | Set and Costume Designer Jean Chan | Puppetry Co-Designer Daisy Beattie | Lighting Designer Jessica Hung Han Yun | Sound Designer Johnny Edwards | Casting Director Christopher Worrall CDG | Associate Director Katie Haygarth

The RSC Acting Companies are generously supported by The Gatsby Charitable Foundation