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&#39;s loveliest Little Theatre: The Bear Pit in Rother Street.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/9/9/6d78643a-4e1c-4f43-9304-41488f28195d_the_boor.mp3

The Boor, by Anton Chekhov. is a Bear Pit Theatre Company Audio Production. Adapted from Constance Garnett’s classic translation by Nick Le Mesurier, it was also produced, directed and edited by Nick Le Mesurier. It features Brian Darnley as Grigory Smirnov Lynn Taylor as Madame Helena PopovaJuliet Grundy as Lena.Music:P.I. Tchaikovsky: The Seasons, Op. 37a, Op. 37b: January; played by Maddy EvansP.I. Tchaikovsky - The Seasons – Op. 37 b. June - Barcarolle - played by Gregor Quendel, downloaded from The Free Music Archive <a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/gregor-quendel/tchaikovsky-the-seasons-op-37a/tchaikovsky-the-seasons-06-june-barcarollemp3/" rel="nofollow">https://freemusicarchive.org/music/gregor-quendel/tchaikovsky-the-seasons-op-37a/tchaikovsky-the-seasons-06-june-barcarollemp3/</a>

The Boor, by Anton Chekhov. is a Bear Pit Theatre Company Audio Production. Adapted from Constance Garnett’s classic translation by Nick Le Mesurier, it was also produced, directed and edited by Nick Le Mesurier. It features 
Brian Darnley as Grigory Smirnov 
Lynn Taylor as Madame Helena Popova
Juliet Grundy as Lena.
Music:

P.I. Tchaikovsky: The Seasons, Op. 37a, Op. 37b: January; played by Maddy Evans

P.I. Tchaikovsky - The Seasons – Op. 37 b. June - Barcarolle - played by Gregor Quendel, downloaded from The Free Music Archive https://freemusicarchive.org/music/gregor-quendel/tchaikovsky-the-seasons-op-37a/tchaikovsky-the-seasons-06-june-barcarollemp3/

Bear Pit Audio Drama - The Boor

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/6/14/f7c549f5-80ee-4fd0-aa97-eef08fc16498_welkin_podcast__audio-extractor.net_.mp3

Ruth Linnett talks to director Nicky Cox about the forthcoming production of The Welkin.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.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 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 2016https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-welkin-by-lucy-kirkwood/

The Welkin - An interview with Nicky Cox

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/7/16/6/c51a28a0-caf8-4c9e-a1a1-478da480cfac_e_proposal_-_a_play_for_audio_by_anton_chekhov.mp3

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  <a href="https://pixabay.com/music/search/russian%20folk%20music/" rel="nofollow">https://pixabay.com/music/search/russian%20folk%20music/</a>

Bear Pit Audio Drama - The Proposal

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/5/11/21/ddab6e1e-2267-4120-9948-a9e2e0df3e34_the_first_time.mp3

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.

Bear Pit Audio Drama - The First Time

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/11/28/20/031979ef-dfd7-4d94-bd4c-d2b6331b1ad6_the_railway_children.mp3

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), <a href="https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-railway-children/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

All aboard for The Railway Children!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/10/20/8/4a01b0da-c796-419a-b368-52116d0d0d9b_halloween_mixdown.mp3

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.For tickets, visit:https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/?filter=cinema

Cinema: Hallowe'en Screenings

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/10/19/6/fc51c5e8-52a5-48c4-a2df-53b09f70c5a1_greatest_showman_mixdown.mp3

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/

The Bear Pit Community Cinema team discuss the Greatest Shown screening and a special offer.

Cinema: The Greatest Showman & Hotel du Vin offer

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/9/9/12/a48ec5bb-efaf-4c0a-8ece-628cd707d7b2_road.mp3

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.Don&#39;t forget to book your tickets, <a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bear-pit-theatre/e-depzgv" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

Groundbreaking theatre: meet the director of Road

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/7/7/19/54c5ccd9-ac93-4832-b9a9-a6a08ef7bd51_the_bear_pit_film_festival.mp3

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>!

The Bear Pit Film Festival 2024

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/7/7/19/c17fe6bf-8dfc-4640-a286-0f31cf1583f5_the_bear_pit_community_cinema.mp3

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.

Lights, camera, action! Meet The Bear Pit Community Cinema

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/6/26/20/e307e344-57b5-4f75-90bf-57b7ac93cd08_the_bear_pit_theatre_writers__workshop.mp3

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!

Introducing The Bear Pit Theatre Writers' Workshop

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/6/4/21/e3c7210b-591c-42c7-9311-83671ce1581c_glorious_.mp3

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 <a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bear-pit-theatre/e-vmljao" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

Glorious! What's the score?

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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.Don&#39;t miss out! Book your tickets <a href="https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/art/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

Art: meet the cast!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/4/12/8/68d0504b-9942-4f0a-97dd-63748a852221_new_season_launch.mp3

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!

2025: look what we have in store!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/3/28/18/571fd866-3bc8-45f0-a56c-4750ad93ce83_lynda_lewis_art.mp3

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/

Art: meet the director

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/2/13/18/462afc20-03c0-4a4a-9b68-a38aef867fd0_colder_than_here.mp3

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 <a href="http://thebearpit.org.uk" rel="nofollow">thebearpit.org.uk</a>.

Colder Than Here: meet the director!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/27/16/69a23200-c8a8-4fbb-a405-74ab7a634f19_head_and_heart_vol_2.mp3

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.

Head and Heart: from page to stage

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/1/21/12/e8cd7fe6-64a5-400f-9cb2-ec62766068f5_head_and_heart_vol_1.mp3

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. 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/

From the RSC to The Bear Pit: creative conversation with Paul Greenwood

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/11/23/17/73dd862e-41e3-4896-a9a2-6a8b2db36fda_he_bear_essentials_-_james_and_the_giant_peach.mp3

It&#39;s nearly time for The Bear Pit&#39;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.

James and the Giant Peach: meet James!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/10/6/20/887edf76-2931-437e-848d-2baaf83ba628_the_bear_essentials_colin_penny.mp3

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.

The Cherry Orchard - The director and the Lady of the House

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.