‘a timely and important production that entertains on many levels. . . whilst conveying an important message about our future’
Created in response to the climate crisis and touring areas of the UK directly affected by its impact, directors Fern Wareham, Rachel Maffei, and Nina Hajiyianni take us on an imaginative journey into the wonders of the natural world, exploring themes of friendship, compassion and the power of hope.
Mika (Janice Ho) has been swept away from her father (Luke Speddings) by a climate disaster. In a strange, ever-changing world, she encounters an array of creatures across land, sea, and sky, each with their own story of playful resilience and survival, before forming an unlikely friendship with a lone polar bear (Speddings) surviving in an icy wonderland where, together, they navigate the unknown and rely on each other s they search for a new beginning.
Bek Palmer’s staging is simple yet effective and the perfect example of being able to do and tell a lot with a little, with props seamlessly moved in and out of place by Ho and Speddings in the natural flow of their well-choreographed routines.
There was good use of digital animation from Aaron Howell against the white backdrop to reinforce the storytelling with the occasional use of minimal text to clarify location and/or event, supported by natural sound effects to create the sense of place and space, with original music from Patch Middleton and Richard Smithson sympathetically supporting the action and sense of wonder as Mike interacts with nature, offering a real sense of calm and oneness.
Palmer’s exquisite puppetry delightfully captured the natural essence of wildlife at play in its own home space, with Ho and Speddings bringing them to life through interactions across land, sea, and sky – when icecaps become icebergs become clouds – with subtle hints at the ever-present threat of damage created by humankind.
Ho and Speddings delight, both individually and as a pairing, with their choreographed physical expression of the journey enrapturing the audience throughout. Their natural chemistry and comfort with each other reinforced so many aspects of the story, from a father-daughter relationship, through interactions with nature, before the full engagement between Mika and the polar bear.
Ho wonderfully captured the childish innocence of Mika, which makes this story so believable, particularly for younger audience members, whilst Speddings enactment of the polar bear from initial suspicion through to trust was a touching pleasure to behold.
This is a timely and important production that entertains on many levels, through its celebration of resilience, friendship, and courage, whilst conveying an important message about our future.
Coalesce Dance Theatre’s Mika and the Polar Bear is presented in association with Theatre Porto, supported by Arts Council England, Z-arts, Burnley Youth Theatre, The Riley & The North Wall.
Founded in 2017 by Wareham and Maffei, Coalesce Dance Theatre create innovative, accessible dance works across the North of England, with a focus on supporting the wellbeing and cultural engagement of young people. Further information https://www.coalescedancetheatre.com/
Theatre Porto has been making work for children, young people, and the communities of Ellesmere Port for over 35 years, and in August 2022, opened a brand new, specialist theatre and cultural hub in Whitby Park. It’s a calm, creative space complete with its own café and well worth a visit. Further details https://theatreporto.org/
Mika and the Polar Bear tours to Theatre Porto, Ellesmere Port (11 – 25 Feb), The Riley Theatre, Leeds (14 Feb), Burnley Youth Theatre (17 Feb), The North Wall, Oxford (14 Mar), and Z-arts, Manchester (18 Apr). Booking details https://www.coalescedancetheatre.com/dates
Review Date: 22nd February 2026
Star Rating: FIVE