The Polar Bears Go Up at the Unicorn Theatre

The Unicorn Theatre, known for its imaginative stagings for children, is host to Fish and Game’s latest creation, The Polar Bears Go Up. Fish and Game’s productions seem to be resounding favourites for the little ones, as they follow up from their previous show, The Polar Bears Go Wild.

In their newest captivating show we follow the two animated, smiley polar bears on their journey up – quite literally! When they are going about their day in the Arctic the two answer the door to find a shiny gold star balloon. As this is probably a rare find in the snowy North Pole, the two bears are very sad when the balloon floats away. Teeming with a sense of adventure they venture upwards to retrieve it.

The piece is concise and engaging enough to keep the whole audience engrossed in the frosty scene – including the sleep deprived adults. Intended for children aged two to five, the production is colourful, animated and silly, without being over the top. MacAskill and Manson manage to be bright and entertaining for the 50 minutes without speaking a word. Instead they effect wonderful use of props like milk bottles, cutlery and box shakers to produce a percussive instrumental, as well as comic and bumbling movements to personify the nameless, friendly polar bears.

The light clowning and other-worldly adventure undoubtedly hold attention, which is no small feat in a small theatre full of excitable toddlers. Fish and Game excel with a brilliant story and lovable characters.

Dominique Perrett

The Polar Bears Go Up is on at the Unicorn Theatre from 17^th April until 1^st May 2016, for further information or to book visit here.