Review: Dancing Bear at The Palace Theatre, Manchester

After seeing a circus bear being forced to perform, Jamie Fletcher realised that this reflected her life, and how the world wanted her to conform to society. This is where the idea of Dancing Bear came into play.

A production that highlights the experiences that the LGBTQ+ face on a day to day basis: inclusivity, personal integrity, social and cultural acceptance, and spiritual or religious peace. Dancing Bear is simply stunning and sassy.

Entertaining us for the evening is the sassy drag Queen Divina De Campo, the piece fuses live music, dance, drag, and storytelling to create a piece of moving and thought-provoking theatre.

Using the bear to represent shedding the skin of discrimination and finally being able to be yourself, the cast celebrates themselves and the body they feel confident in.

With gorgeous music performed by a multitalented band and conceived by director/musician Jamie Fletcher and writer/musician Beccy Owen. Beccy’s voice is gorgeous and the expression in her tone is one that made me hold back tears.

The integrated BSL interpreter being fully involved and actually having a role within the piece, the creation is not alienating anyone – it’s a homage to the importance of love.

Dancing Bear takes place at the Palace Theatre Tues 6- Wed 7 Feb, 8pm, as part of Queer Contact Festival 2018. Tickets are on sale now priced £21.25/£8.25 concessions (plus booking fees) from atgtickets.com/manchester* or by phone on 0844 871 3019* Please note this show is for over 16s. Both shows are BSL interpreted and audio described.
*Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.