We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at The Hawth Crawley Review
We’re Going on
a Bear Hunt
The Hawth, Crawley
22-25 February 2017
Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
Much excitement was in our house this morning (Saturday) as my four year old remembered this was the day we were going to see We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the theatre. After asking a hundred times when we were going we were in the car and speeding our way down to The Hawth in Crawley. The Hawth itself is easy to get to and has plenty of free parking right outside, a well-stocked café, and easy access for the disabled so is one of our favourite theatres.
The show was held in the main auditorium and so was very busy, one of the reasons we love The Hawth though is every seat has a good view whatever the position so after grabbing our free booster seat we took our place in the stalls. You could literally feel the excitement bubbling as the theatre filled with small children and their families.
The show started a little confusingly as the lights didn’t go off and it was a while before we realised that Dad, Son, Daughter, Baby (which is a puppet) and dog were in the audience. The family are soon on stage and set off on their journey looking for a bear, as the book the main chorus is sung throughout.
We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
What a beautiful day!
We’re not scared.
It’s backed with brilliant in character dancing and various instruments including the piano accordion. The family’s adventure takes them through long grass, woods, thick mud and snow, not forgetting the river. Here is where the audience gets wet as the water pistols come out! Each section is loudly sung and danced with the help of props and is humorous throughout. The fun and jokes appeal to adults as well as children which made for an enjoyable performance for all.
Of course when they finally reach the cave and find the bear they find they are actually very scared and run all the way home going back through the woods, river, snow and grass to their house. The bear was brilliant and the children loved him, he didn’t look scary to us at all, he looked like a very smiley bear in fact my son said he looked super cuddly.
The performance lasted around 55 minutes without an interval and although my son was sad when it finished it was probably around the right length for a younger audience. It was certainly an hour well spent and it was a joy to see so many happy faces.
We’re going on a bear hunt is a must see for any child aged 2 and above. It’s fun, loud, musical and with repetitive songs to join in it will delight any young child.
Rating: 5/5 
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is currently on tour around the UK. For more information, tour dates or to book tickets visit www.bearhuntlive.com.
For other shows at The Hawth in Crawley visit www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk.
The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, Sussex, RH10 6YZ | 01293 553636
