A large grey bear stands in front of a blue background with its hands on its hips.

The Very Cranky Bear

  • Kids & Families
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 55 minutes Subject to change
  • Seating map

A grumpy bear, four unlikely friends and one brilliant sheep 

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.

A musical by Tim McGarry and Gabbi Bolt
Adapted from the series by Nick Bland

Sydney Opera House presents a CDP Kids production

Event details

‘ROAAAAR,’ went the cranky bear, ‘ROAR, ROAR, ROAR!’

You may also like

ZOOOM

26 – 29 Sep 2026

  • Kids & Families
  • Theatre
A woman in striped shirt and overalls stands on stage with a glowing stick figure drawing.

Pay No Attention

4 – 11 Jul 2026

  • Kids & Families
  • Circus
Three performers in various costumes are jumping and have been superimposed on a green background with various blue and orange stars and shapes.

Antarctica!

25 Jul – 2 Aug 2026

  • Kids & Families
  • Theatre
Three people with frosty face paint engage with a model ship on artificial snow. One holds a rope and another a flute, set against icy backdrops, creating a whimsical arctic scene.

Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

  • Checking availability