Ben Winger, Maggie Robin, Suzie Ferguson and Diane Thornton. Picture: Eoin Carey<\/p>\n
A PLAY dedicated to Scotland\u2019s favourite bear is set to visit Cromarty later this month.<\/p>\n
Hercules the Bear tells the completely true story of the grizzly bear bought by Andy and Maggie Robin for \u00a350 from Kingussie\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Chat show appearances, a documentary and a co-starring role alongside James Bond would follow \u2014 and now, Hercules\u2019 story will be told on stage for the first time.<\/p>\n
Hercules the Bear stars Ben Winger and Diane Thornton as Hercules\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
Archive image of Hercules and Maggie.<\/p>\n
Maggie Robin, adopted mother of Hercules the Bear, commented: \u201cI\u2019m so excited that the story of Hercules \u2014 and Andy and I \u2014 will be told on stage for the first time. Our time with Hercules was so precious so it\u2019s 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\u2019m so thrilled to be involved with the tour and can\u2019t wait for Hercules to meet audiences the length and breadth of Scotland once again.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The 50-minute show will visit Eden Court in Inverness on October 22, before heading to Cromarty\u2019s Victoria Hall on October 26.<\/p>\n
Archive image of Hercules, Maggie and Andy.<\/p>\n
To buy tickets, visit www.cromartyartstrust.org.uk or eden-court.co.uk<\/p>\n