The Bear at Waterside Arts

Shekina Rose, Families Editor
Tilly and the bear
Paul Blakemore

The Bear at Waterside, Manchester 1 — 29 December 2024 Tickets from £14.50 — Book now

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to get up close to a polar bear? What about sitting on its lap, or riding across snowy deserts on its back? Now imagine attempting to give a bear a bath or… clean up after it! Bear-care is not easy… but someone’s gotta do it. And that’s where the fabulous Tilly comes in. Join Tilly and The Bear at Waterside Arts in a special event for families, taking place from 1-29 December – the perfect Christmas treat!

One night, Tilly wakes from her deep sleep to find an enormous, snowy white bear with a big black tongue and a yawn as wide as her bedroom, in her bedroom! Scared? Not Tilly. Instead of running away (which is what you should do, children, if a polar bear enters your bedroom!), Tilly decides she loves this bear. Tilly and her new furry, cuddly new friend set off in the night on a heartwarming adventure, filled with puppetry, music, storytelling, and laughter. Because this is a nice polar bear, this is a story, and this is magic. 

The Bear at Waterside Arts is a perfect show for all ages and ideal for introducing little ones to the joys of live theatre. Adapted by theatre companies Pins and Needles and Exeter Northcott, this a production that will take the whole family – parents included – on a wild and magical journey through the night. 

Celebrating 30 years since the publication of the original book, The Bear, by Raymond Briggs, author of The Snowman, this live-stage version stays true to the timeless, beautiful story. Join Tilly and her great big white friend on a snowy adventure and memories you’ll hold on to long after the curtain falls. 

Recommended for anyone aged 3+.

The Bear at Waterside, Manchester 1 — 29 December 2024 Tickets from £14.50 Book now

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
1 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
7 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
7 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
7 December 2024
6:00pm — 7:00pm
8 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
8 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
14 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
14 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
14 December 2024
6:00pm — 7:00pm
15 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
15 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
21 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
21 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
21 December 2024
6:00pm — 7:00pm
22 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
22 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
23 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
23 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
24 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
24 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
26 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
27 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
27 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
28 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
28 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm
29 December 2024
11:00am — 12:00pm
29 December 2024
2:00pm — 3:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at Waterside

Where to go near The Bear at Waterside Arts

Manchester
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Bean & Brush is a family art café in Sale which serves simple, tasty food with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The bonus for parents is the arts and crafts studio which keeps the kids busy being creative while they can join in or relax with a coffee.

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Park
Grosvenor Square

Grosvenor Square is one of the few open spaces along Oxford Road Manchester; on sunny days, students from the nearby Manchester School of Art come out to bask.

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Walkden Gardens

Walkden Gardens in the Manchester suburbs has all the makings of a fairy tale garden. As a venue, it’s hard to imagine a more magical gateway, a wonderful escape only a short(ish) stroll from the Brooklands Metrolink stop..

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Restaurant
Meze & More

An intimate supper club in Sale, South Manchester, with a specialist focus on Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine.

longford park ben williams
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Park
Longford Park

Longford Park in Stretford was created in the grounds of Longford Hall, the grand entrance steps of which remain.

Manchester
Park
Wythenshawe Park

With a 17th Century hall set in 109 acres of open parkland, Wythenshawe Park makes a super day out for all ages. Explore the historic woodlands, lush grasslands and meadows; take a stroll around the many themed gardens and check out the sports and leisure facilities on offer.

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