What can audiences expect to see in Polaris The Snow Bear this year?

Polaris is a young bear who dreams of travelling the world one day, but is surprised when it actually happens and he leaves the Arctic by accident on a runaway iceberg. 

Played by Tom Mordell, Polaris has to navigate scheming humans and a slippery seal, played by Danny Mellor, who eventually becomes his friend. It’s a play about friendship really, and coming home for Christmas.

What or who was the inspiration behind the story of Polaris The Snow Bear?

There is a small bear called Polaris who lives in my house, and he has been telling my son tales of Arctic adventures for many years now…

Who is the show for?

This show really is for everyone! We are a little unusual in some ways, as all our shows are built from an intergenerational perspective. The show is for grandparents or older folks and we invite them to share it with their kids and grandkids, or just be welcome among friends. For smaller people, it’s best for those over the age of five.

Puppets and music are integral to the show. Which puppet or musical moment do you think captures the magic of Christmas the most?

We do use a lot of puppets in our shows. And this time it is the silly humans who are all puppets and the animals are at real size! The song that captures the feel-good Christmas spirit the most in this particular show is Jez Lowe’s ‘North Pole Dancing,’ which is what all the animals do when the radio waves drift to the top of the world…

The show mixes comedy with important messages about nature. What does Polaris teach us about caring for the planet?

We have all seen the images of polar bears cast adrift on the melting sea ice. This show has that image, but we use it differently, to be hopeful about the characters as they journey to find the legendary Sir Hat-In-Burrow. Polaris shows us that we need friends to help each other and if we care for the planet, we will be a friend to bears.

If Polaris could send a Christmas message to the audience, what would it be?

“Make sure you look after your friends and make sure you have good snacks...”

What can audiences expect from Lost Christmas? And who is the show for?

Audiences can expect a toe-tapping concert with lots of great lyrics from Jez Lowe, who is one of the best folk songwriters in the UK. It’s a show for all ages with a full band sound and lots of good humour.

What inspired you to title the show ‘Lost Christmas’?

I think Jez had the idea that sometimes the spirit of Christmas, care and kindness, can get lost in the rushing and spending if we’re not careful. He manages to create a new Christmas song every year we tour this show and that’s the title of this year’s song and the title of the show.

Can you tell us about the musical style of Lost Christmas? Does it incorporate any traditional carols or original festive music?

This is all original music written by Jez Lowe, who you may know from BBC Radio 2 and 4, and arranged by the band for guitars, piano, Northumbrian pipes, bass and fiddle. It’s a folk/Celtic style rooted in the music of Northeast England.

This show highlights the music and traditions of northern England. How central is heritage to the show and how will it resonate with rural audiences nationwide?

The music follows an unbroken tradition (particularly in tunes for the indigenous instrument the Northumbrian Pipes) that has been handed down for generations. Jez Lowe uses a modern version of this style in setting his original songs, which are both comic and poignant. But it’s a warm and uplifting style of music and audiences worldwide connect with Jez’s songs and stories due to its universal appeal.

Christmas means something different to everyone—how does Lost Christmas connect with a broad audience?

This show features lots of different songs about different characters and stories - I think there’s something for everyone. 

Finally, if you could sum up the essence of Lost Christmas in one line for someone curious about the show, what would it be?

Fantastic songs from an amazing creative songwriter - you’ll be guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face.

Before you go, Kate, could you tell us what is your favourite Christmas tradition and why?    

We collect a new special ornament for our tree every year - I love getting the old ones out of the box and choosing a new one with my son.