Review: Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear-the Musical! for a comical family show

After following large pink paw prints around the National Theatre to find the entrance to the Dorfman Theatre, I was surprised to see a whacky duo with torn and messy outfits searching for beer on the stage soon after the show started before pouring one out to check the can was full. But around twenty minutes later I found myself plotting down in my notes that Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear-the Musical! could well be one of the funniest children’s shows I’d watched lately.

The musical, based on the book by Andy Stanton, tells the story about the despicable Mr Gum and his companion who lives in a small and quiet town called Lamonic Bibber. In the same town lives a kind-hearted and sensible nine-year-old called Polly, as well as a range of other hilarious characters, including a funky granny, a headmaster and the snack-loving Mr Ripples, who plans to leave Lamonic Bibber to travel the world in search of international snacks.

One day Polly spots a newcomer in town–a large bear, who looks sad and out of place, prompting nine-year-old Polly to try to get to the bottom of what’s wrong with the furry creature. The town’s headmaster tells Polly that the bear is likely to be homesick, and Polly sets out to help the bear return to his tropical island home. Soon it transpires that Mr Gum has different plans for the bear and doesn’t want Polly to get in his way.

Theatre-goers are treated to constant jokes and laughs fuelled by funny costumes, props and comments. In one scene, the townspeople suggest they can do ‘just nothing’, with one proclaiming ‘we’re totally going to do this’ after what seems like a long silence on stage. Another time there’s a song about it being ‘the saddest moment of the show’, which also made the the audience erupt in giggles, and it was impossible not to smile during the Kingdom
of the Beasts song when there were actors dressed up as palm trees on stage. In fact, when I was peering over my shoulder, I could see my younger plus one with her hand covering her mouth as if to stop herself laughing out loud.

The day after the show I also found myself talking about the impressive theatrical make-up used in the second act. Mr Gum and his companion are out at sea chasing Polly and the bear, when their clothes are looking increasingly filthy and their skin appears to be covered in inflamed boils.

In addition to these types of little details that make the show stand out, I like that it is based on a book – particularly now in summer when many families with developing readers may be looking for ideas to inspire children to read more and the promise of a theatre-outing after reading a book might be a good combination.

Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear is a comical and unique family musical with some spicy characters that can make you smile long after the show has finished.

Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear – the Musical! will be playing until 31 August and is recommended for children aged 7+.

Photos by The Other Richard

Tags: Andy Stanton, Children's theatre, London, Musical, National Theatre, Review, Summer, What's on stage