Created and Performed by Stuart Kenny, Grant Robertson and Lewis Gillies

Let’s just get it out of the way: what a bloody beautiful show.

Over the rolling hills of heather, traversing the rough and rugged terrain of the landscape, Scotland’s wilderness is an envy of the world: perhaps some of us need reminding of that. In the arctic tundra, two polar bears debate what to do with their lives – and what the best chances are for their and their child’s survival in this world. Channelling a coming-of-age tale into one of familial love and our connection with nature, Bear With Me: A Polar Bear in Scotland is told through the eyes of a disgustingly charming little bear: Arty.

Inquisitive, somewhat naïve, Arty is a young polar bear born in Scotland, and seems to enjoy growing up with his mum, but can’t shake the feeling of longing to see the rest of the world and what awaits him. Inevitably, Arty sets out, making friends and overcoming adversity in this newly scored piece with words from writer and poet Stuart Kenny.

The craft of spoken word, and its rhythmic structure, come as fluidly as a steady stream of sweet water from Kenny’s performance. Bear With Me flows closer to a narrative piece of theatre than initially suspected, appeasing both the theatre crowd and the hard-core poets (though you can taste which ones are dominating the audience quickly, the finger snaps give it away). What many assume to linger towards a child-orientated plot given the young bear, find that though family-friendly, Bear With Me and Kenny’s words are strikingly poignant and honest – covering fatherhood, migration, and the choice of family and friends.

Above it all, Lewis Gillies’ illustrations (some static, others with motion) set the entire performance off with enough whimsy to fill enough dreams for a decade. Soft, shifting between animation forms of texture and style, they match with Grant Robertson’s music sublimely, who is joined in providing live instrumentals by Lottie Whittingham on the violin and accordion. They never rob focus of Kenny’s words, always an additional charm rather than a distraction. And don’t be surprised if the emotions of it all get to you, particularly in the later visuals as Arty reconnects with his past, his inquisitive wonderings answered.

For any who are still unsure of the spoken word section of the Fringe – take the plunge. What you’ll find is a selection of performances just as, and more so, powerful and dynamic than anywhere else. Wholesome. There’s not anything to not enjoy about Bear With Me, a solid hour of spoken word, rippled with some fabby original music, and charming illustrations. This is a journey across Scotland you won’t want to miss out on, and with only two performances this festival, grab your anorak, pack a snack, and get down to the Scottish Storytelling Centre.