Ever wondered what it would be like to sit on a polar bear’s lap, ride on its back... or clean up its poo?

Now you can find outs as Raymond Briggs’ much-loved storybook, The Bear, has had a stage makeover.

It’s an exhausting business, looking after a bear, as young viewers will learn at the Gulbenkian in Canterbury this weekend.

A heartwarming and humorous wintry tale, it is being brought to life by Pins and Needles productions.

With puppetry, music and storytelling, the family show is an excellent introduction to theatre for children – who are encouraged to bring their own bear with them for the show.

See The Bear in Canterbury on Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4, with shows at 11am and 1.30pm.

Tickets are £8, with babies up to 18 months £1.

For details and to book visit thegulbenkian.co.uk or call 01227 769075.