An end-of-term adventure for EYFS, KS1 and lower KS2 pupils
Fuel in association with Southbank Centre presents
There’s a Bear on My Chair
by Ross Collins
Adaptor, Director and Puppet Design by Toby Olié
Poor Mouse! A Bear has settled in his favourite chair and it just isn’t big enough to share.
Mouse tries all kinds of tactics to move the pesky Bear but nothing seems to work. However, it isn’t long until the tables are turned and Bear finds himself with an unwelcome guest – the cheeky Mouse won’t leave his house!
In this first ever stage adaptation of Ross Collins’ much-loved books, Toby Olié (Spirited Away, Animal Farm, War Horse) brings Bear and Mouse to life through unforgettable puppetry. Enter the mischievous world of Bear and Mouse for a show packed with laughs and surprises.
Based on There’s a Bear on My Chair and There’s a Mouse in My House
by Ross Collins, © Ross Collins, 2015
licensed by Nosy Crow Limited
Adaptor, Director and Puppet Design by Toby Olié
There’s a Bear on My Chair is supported by Arts Council England, the Garrick Charitable Trust, the Royal Victoria Hall Foundation and the Golsoncott Foundation.
★★★★ ‘Winning adaptation… with near-miraculous puppetry and a lovely, caring message.’ – The Stage
★★★★ ‘A superb family show full of fabulous fun.’ – Everything Theatre
★★★★★ ‘A perfect… treat for little ones.’ LondonTheatre1
Booking Information:
Age recommendation: EYFS, Key Stage 1, lower Key Stage 2
Running time: 55 minutes, no interval.
Tickets:
Limited Offer for State Schools – Previews:
Wednesday 8 December 2026, 10:30 am
Thursday 9 December 2026, 10:30am
£5, no cap
View Previews seats here.
Standard run: Friday 11 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
£11.50 per pupil for non-fee paying school / £14.50 per pupil for fee-paying schools / 1 teacher free per 10 pupils booked. Offer subject to availability.
View Standard run seats here.
All school bookings to be complete via phone – contact Southbank Centre Box Office on 020 3879 9555.
NATIONAL CURRICULUM LINKS
Why bring your students?
As well as being a magical theatre experience, the show introduces themes that support classroom learning, including:
- Empathy and understanding others’ perspectives
- Friendship and conflict resolution
- Problem solving and communication
- Storytelling, puppetry and creative expression
- Early explorations of belonging, journeys and migration
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the final weeks of the Autumn term while giving pupils a shared cultural experience they’ll be talking about long after the holidays begin.
Included with your booking
Teacher Creative Learning Resource Pack
Created by experienced teacher and creative learning specialist Susy Ferguson, the Resource includes individual lessons and expansion activities for classroom delivery. Aligned with Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 learning goals, with activities supporting communication, teamwork, self-regulation, literacy and motor skills.