Cromarty visit for theatre show dedicated to Scotland’s favourite grizzly bear Hercules
Cromarty visit for theatre show dedicated to Scotland’s favourite grizzly bear Hercules
A PLAY dedicated to Scotland’s favourite bear is set to visit Cromarty later this month.
Hercules the Bear tells the completely true story of the grizzly bear bought by Andy and Maggie Robin for £50 from Kingussie’s Highland Wildlife Park, which they raised to become a contemporary Scottish folk hero. First appearing alongside Andy on the wrestling circuit, Hercules would go on to achieve worldwide fame after his disappearance while filming a Kleenex advert on Benbecula led to a 24-day bear hunt like no other.
Chat show appearances, a documentary and a co-starring role alongside James Bond would follow — and now, Hercules’ story will be told on stage for the first time.
Hercules the Bear stars Ben Winger and Diane Thornton as Hercules’ beloved parents, trainers and bear enthusiasts Andy and Maggie Robin, with Suzie Ferguson as Hercules. While Andy sadly passed away in 2019, Maggie is closely involved with the production.
Maggie Robin, adopted mother of Hercules the Bear, commented: “I’m so excited that the story of Hercules — and Andy and I — will be told on stage for the first time. Our time with Hercules was so precious so it’s just a pleasure to get to relive it once again. The show Tenterhooks have created is such a great tribute to our special bear for so many reasons, but perhaps most notably because the Hercules puppets are so lifelike! I’m so thrilled to be involved with the tour and can’t wait for Hercules to meet audiences the length and breadth of Scotland once again.”
Hercules the Bear combines theatre, physical comedy and puppetry to tell the wild, funny and touching true story of how a very special grizzly bear became a folk legend.
The 50-minute show will visit Eden Court in Inverness on October 22, before heading to Cromarty’s Victoria Hall on October 26.
To buy tickets, visit www.cromartyartstrust.org.uk or eden-court.co.uk
