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Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear - the Musical!

Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear
The Musical!
MusicJim Fortune
LyricsAndy Stanton
BookAndy Stanton
BasisMr Gum and the Dancing Bear
by Andy Stanton
Premiere31 July 2019 (2019-07-31): National Theatre, London
Productions2019 London

Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear - the Musical! is a children's musical with book and lyrics by Andy Stanton and music by Jim Fortune, based on Stanton's children's book of the same name (as part of the Mr Gum series).

Production

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National Theatre world premiere (2019)

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The musical premiered in the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre, London, beginning previews from 25 July with a press night on 31 July, running until 31 August 2019. The production was directed by Amy Hodge with set and costume designs by Georgia Lowe, musical direction by Tarek Merchant, lighting design by Lee Curran, choreography by Fleur Darkin, sound design by Carolyn Downing and puppetry by Jimmy Grimes. The musical is recommended for ages 7+ and runs for 2 hours (including an interval).

The production received a nomination for Best Family Show at the 2020 Laurence Olivier Awards.

Cast and characters

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Character London (2019)[1]
Mr Gum Steve Furst
Billy / Captain Brazil Helena Lymbert
Jonathan Ripples Gary Wilmot
Alan Taylor / Friday O'Leary Richard Cant
Polly Keziah Joseph
Padlock / Old Granny / Dance Captain Kate Malyon
Swing Tom Giles

Critical reception

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The musical has received five star reviews from The Stage and The Times[2] and four star reviews from Time Out,[3] and The Sunday Times.

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Result
2020 Laurence Olivier Awards Best Family Show Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear musical in rehearsals at the National Theatre | WhatsOnStage". www.whatsonstage.com. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  2. ^ Bennion, Chris (2 August 2019). "Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear review — inventive, mischievous and thrilling". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  3. ^ "Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear review: This gloriously weird and subversive musical will please adults and kids alike". Time Out London. Retrieved 10 August 2019.