Hall for Cornwall has provided the "bear necessities" for a young local prop maker to work on one of its current productions, Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale.

Mabel Chaces, aged 21, from Lostwithiel, is studying for a BA Hons in Prop Making at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. As part of her course she has to make props for theatre productions outside of the college, and for this production she has been asked to make a full-sized brown bear.

Ben Oldfield, Projects Officer at Hall for Cornwall, is directing the production, which is part of the PLATFORM project, which provides an opportunity for aspiring professionals to work with professional theatre practitioners.

He said: "I was delighted when Mabel got in touch, as we are keen at Hall for Cornwall to provide opportunities for all kinds of theatre people, not just actors. And when I saw Mabel's work, I knew she would make us a fine bear!

Mabel added: "I am pleased to be able to help on this production. Making the bear has been a challenge, but everyone is really happy with the results. It's great to be given something of this scale to get stuck into, and this will be a key part of my coursework."

Ben explained: "The bear features in The Winter's Tale only briefly, but it does have a significant effect on the story, and on one character in particular. If you don't know the play, why not come along and find out what happens?"

Shakespeare's fable explores the force of jealousy and the power of forgiveness. This production combines tragedy, anarchy, celebration, magic and fairytale. It also features live music, dance and song.

The Winter's Tale is staged at the Burrell Theatre, Truro School, at 7.30pm on Monday, February 19, to Wednesday, February 21. Tickets are £5 and £4 from Hall for Cornwall Box Office on 01872 262466.