Review: BEARS BEARS BEARS - Contact Theatre, Manchester (08/05/26)

Natalie Beech work ticks all boxes thematically, but lacks focus

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We've surely all come across the social media thought experiment: as a woman alone in the woods, would you rather be there with a man or a bear, and in which of these two scenarios would you feel the most safe? That really is all there is to it in terms of the overriding thematic material in this new work by Natalie Beech, which explores feminism, power dynamics, sexual politics, and individual autonomy, with the viral hypothetical question acting as a framing device, to which we often circle back round throughout the course of the play.

As we are presented with a forest clearing upon entering the space, a central wood fire encircled by four tree stumps, the opening of the piece presents us with staunch feminist Jen (played with marvellous authority by Jenna Sian O'Hara), clad in a dirty and bloodied white dress, presenting a borderline maniacal monologue about the titular giant predator, how it looks unassuming at first, especially when in its infancy, but then ultimately it grows into something far more dangerous as it gets older.

Official artwork for "Bears Bears Bears"

Though mildly baffling at first glance, it soon becomes clear the degree of satire that is involved in this, especially after we circle back around to it in the closing stages of the work, tying a neat, furry bow onto proceedings. How we get from A to B, however, could do with a little work, given the lack of clarity or cohesion with how the story is told; it also didn't aid their cause that the "blood" splattered all over Jen's dress, in lieu of the traditionally violent red to which we are accustomed, was a rather pleasing, unassuming shade of pink, making it look more like someone had killed Jigglypuff or Pinkie Pie.

We go on to learn about Jen's relationship of 10 years with boyfriend Jake, the constant bickering between the pair of them as established early on, and how the reintroduction of his former flame Jodie throws everything into flux. The conversations on display, in spite of the often unhinged nature of the piece, are surprisingly grounded, raw, and relatable, at times uncomfortable, as we act as flies on the wall, and are privy to discussions about the past, where life is heading, sexual preferences, and what it's like being both a woman and a feminist in modern society. Writer Beech and director Connor Goodwin have done well to make these feel as real and sincere as possible, they just need far better lucidity when it comes to how this should be structured, or at least give us, the audience, clearer markers.

A still from the filmed performance

Undoubtedly this is a unique theatrical experience, a quirky, often chaotic blend of horror, comedy, tragedy and surrealism, that is thematically sound with a clear vision of what is being communicated, it's just the execution of this is fairly fragmented and unfocussed. This is particularly prevalent in the first act, during which, it must be said, it does take a while for us to pick up on any semblance of connectivity or direction; and whilst many of the scenes, mostly taking place between two of the three cast members at any given time (with Jake and Jodie played quite brilliantly by Jordan Akkaya and Shifaa Arfan respectively, it has to be said) provide us with plenty of intrigue in and of themselves, it feels like there's too much dotting back and forth in time for us to gain our footing.

What this piece does do well is piece together the final chunks of the puzzle, as there are one or two moments in the second act where the picture does become far clearer, especially as the major plot twist in the finale makes itself known, and our perspective is shifted entirely in the most visceral, disturbing manner. This just about gave what came before it a sufficient degree of justification, but what transpired in between wasn't always plain sailing. "Bears Bears Bears" has bags of potential, and with further development it could be a true sensation, it just has some work to do in order for it to make its way out of the woods, in spite of how well the "big surprise" hits.

★★★☆☆ (3*)

"Bears, Bears, Bears" runs at the Contact Theatre until the 16th of May (tickets/more info)

{PR/Gifted tickets}