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An illustration from the book The Very Cranky Bear, showing a black bear with hands on hips  looking cranky against a blue background.
13 – 16 Jan

The Very Cranky Bear

  • Family and kids
  • Comedy

In the Jingle Jangle Jungle, four friends are caught in a sudden storm. Zebra, Moose and Lion have a plan. Sheep has concerns. And somewhere in a dark cave, one Very Cranky Bear just wants to sleep.

What follows is a funny, heartwarming musical adventure featuring painted stripes, borrowed antlers, a gloriously oversized golden mane and one small sheep with a very big idea…

The producers of The Gruffalo and The 13-Storey Treehouse, The 26-Storey Treehouse, The 52-Storey Treehouse, The 78-Storey Treehouse and The 91-Storey Treehouse bring Nick Bland’s beloved picture book to life in a brand-new musical packed with catchy songs, big laughs and plenty of heart.

Adapted by Tim McGarry, with original music by Gabbi Bolt, The Very Cranky Bear is a roaringly funny musical adventure about empathy, friendship and the magic of truly listening to others.

Hours

Date Times
Wed 13 Jan
  • 10am - 11am 10:00am - 11:00am
  • 12pm - 1pm 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Thu 14 Jan
  • 10am - 11am 10:00am - 11:00am
  • 12pm - 1pm 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Fri 15 Jan
  • 10am - 11am 10:00am - 11:00am
  • 12pm - 1pm 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Sat 16 Jan
  • 10am - 11am 10:00am - 11:00am
  • 12pm - 1pm 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Location

Playhouse
Arts Centre Melbourne
100 St Kilda Rd
Southbank 3004

Open in maps location for Arts Centre Melbourne

Price and bookings

From $22.40 to $30

Adult / general $28
Book online for The Very Cranky Bear

Contact details

  • telephone number: 1300 182 183
  • email address: tickets@artscentremelbourne.com.au
  • Visit website for The Very Cranky Bear

Accessibility

  • Accessible toilets
  • Assisted listening
  • Auslan interpreted
  • Companion card accepted
  • Mobility access

All accessibility information is self-reported by the listing owner. It has not been verified by the City of Melbourne.

Christmas

Christmas starts only in the city
Start here
A man and woman dancing next to a woman dressed in a Santa outfit who is using a DJ deck.

Christmas things to do

The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.

  • Family and kids
  • Entertainment
A man and woman sitting at a table full of food with a Christmas tree in the background.

Christmas eat and drink

Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars and menus made for merry moments.

  • Bar
  • Restaurant
Two women holding several shopping bags while they walk through a shopping arcade decorated for Christmas.

Christmas shopping

Start ticking off your list in the city’s iconic laneways, arcades and malls.

  • Gifts
  • Fashion
Start here

Discover more

A performer dressed as Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream, shirtless and standing in front of a purple celestial sky with a large moon as he makes the 'shh' gesture.
18 Dec – 23 Jan

A Midsummer Night's Dream Under The Stars

There is magic afoot in the Gardens as this much adored play is brought to life under the stars.

  • Family and kids
  • Comedy
The cast of The Wind in the Willows dressed as characters from the book and posed on a carriage; an outdoor family theatre production staged annually at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
18 Dec – 24 Jan

The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows celebrates its 40th Anniversary in the Botanic Gardens!

  • Family and kids
  • Comedy
A spired building on a sunny day

The best kid's theatre shows on in Melbourne

Featuring musical theatre, magic shows and more.

  • Family and kids
  • Comedy
Three acrobats in matching orange and yellow striped vintage swimsuits pose against a blue and white striped backdrop, holding swimming paraphernalia.
21 – 22 Dec

Splash Test Dummies

The circus comes to town with a new watery adventure to delight families this holiday season.

  • Family and kids
  • Comedy
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Australian Aboriginal Flag Torres Strait Islander Flag

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future. For more information, visit Aboriginal Melbourne.

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