INTERVIEW: Lauren Conroy, The Bear Snores On

The Bear Snores On is a stage adaptation of the beloved picture book by Karma Wilson is currently performing at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, inviting families to experience a theatrical adventure. Playing the lead character of Mouse is Lauren Conroy and she spoke with Theatre and Tonic’s Emmie about this new show which runs until 21 April.

1. Hello Lauren, to begin with, can you tell us a little bit about your journey into the theatre industry?

I was completely obsessed with the idea of being an actor from about 11 and joined theatre groups and dance classes and then moved to Glasgow when I was 16 to go to The Dance School of Scotland. Best place ever. After two years there, I moved to London to go to Mountview and graduated in 2021 and have been lucky enough to work on various, wonderful, acting jobs since.

2.Before your current contract you’ve worked on new musicals like Babies as well as revivals like The Sound of Music and Into The Woods; what has it been like to work on things like that at the start of your career?

It’s been a blast. I’m so grateful and proud to have been a part of each of them. Brilliant pieces, brilliant shows and brilliant people. 

3. You are currently playing Mouse in the stage adaptation of Bear Snores On at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, what is it like to work on bringing a children’s book to the stage?

It is magic. There’s a wonderful simplicity and clarity in the messages of children’s books that is such a joy to share. Karma’s story is so heart-warming and lovely, and Cush and Katy’s script is so full of vibrancy and fun that the whole rehearsal process made me feel like I was a wee girl going out to play with her pals. And the shows feel like that too! We just have more pals and most are under 10. 

4. It must be fun to be able to become an animated character in this production. How did you develop Mouse for this show?

Mouse is the youngest of the animals and throughout the story she has to, maybe for the first time, balance the pull of her heart vs her head. She needs to find shelter and food and safety, but she also has a desire for friendship and fun. A lot of things on the journey are new to her but she is curious to learn, brave enough to question and kind enough to accept. Hopefully the young audiences want to be a bit like Mouse in that way too!

5. A lot of this show is brought to life by puppetry, do you think this is an important element of the storytelling in the case of Bear Snores On?

Yes absolutely! You can see how important it is when you watch the faces of the audience light up when Bear makes his entrance. He is completely mesmerising and can’t help but engage everyone in the story. Thanks to Maia, our puppet designer and director, and her guidance and Ashley, who plays Bear, he feels so, so alive. Something that makes me emotional is seeing the kids (and adults, actually) completely ignore Ashley’s visible face to stare into Bear’s eyes. He is a figment of their imagination. But he’s right there! That is such a special thing and it helps to make a story unforgettable. 

6. As well, of course this show is partly performed outdoors - does that add another layer to this show and if so, why? 

Beginning outside means that the audience get to make the journey into the cave for shelter with Mouse which helps them really feel part of the story. They get to explore a new space too! It’s also possible that some kids think that the whole show will be outside which makes Rebecca’s stunning design in the tunnel and cave even more surprising and exciting. 

7.This production is obviously aimed at children and it is really important to bring young audiences into the space. Can you remember what production it was you saw as a child that really inspired you?

I remember seeing a production of ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ at the Edinburgh Playhouse when I was about 11 and when the actor playing Annie held the long note in ‘Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better’ I felt really overwhelmed and wept and wept. I think that feeling was inspiration. 

8. Why do you think it’s important that children go to the theatre and see shows like Bear Snores On?

It fires up their imaginations and can make them laugh and feel clever while helping them to understand the world, their relationships and their feelings. 

9. What has been the best part of working on this show so far?

Hearing the bizarre, funny, sincere and kind things that the kids say during the show; sometimes in response to questions or invitations to engage and sometimes just because they have something they feel they must say. I love that the show lets them be a part of it. At the start of the show, Gardener asks the audience to shout when they see me and one time a little boy furiously hushed a group of kids shouting ‘MOUSE!’ and told them that ‘we should hear what she has to say’. They quietened, and he formally gestured to me to continue. He was about 5. It was funny. Hope my retelling does it justice. We all have new stories every day and we share them after the show. I think some even go on the show report.

10. What other children’s book do you think would be great if it was adapted for the stage?

I’m not well versed enough in children’s books to say but I do think that the magic that often exists in stories for kids is perfectly matched by the limitlessness (to an extent) of theatre.

11. Finally, why should people book their tickets to see Bear Snores On?

It’s a really special show because it is aimed at children but there’s so much in it for grown-ups too. And everyone in between. It’s something that can be shared between the generations and will leave you with a good cosy warmth in your heart and some banging tunes in your head.

Catch Lauren in The Bear Snores On at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 21 April.