One hundred years of a bear named Pooh, and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, are being celebrated with a stage show in Ōamaru next weekend.

Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin are excited to be heading to Ōamaru on Saturday, March 16 to share Pooh Bear Live with locals young and old at the Ōamaru Opera House, playwright Aaron Keown says.

The show brings to stage the story of Pooh Bear, Christopher Robin, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet on one of their many adventures in the wood.

Things take an unexpected turn when Christopher Robin discovers a time machine and decides to use it.

The show includes large-scale illusions, comedy, and catchy musical numbers as well as interactive portions where some guests will get to step into the woods and join their favourite characters. 

Most of the actors are Christchurch-based, and Ōamaru is one stop on the southern part of the tour this month, which includes Dunedin, Gore and Invercargill, Aaron says.

“The southern tour is part of a bigger nationwide tour taking place in the July and September school holidays, before the show looks to make its Australian debut in 2025.”

The show includes magic tricks, musical numbers and special effects, and has a “healthy serving of comedy” to keep all ages entertained.

“The type of comedy you can expect is like you would get in a Shrek movie where the kids find the delivery funny but the adults get the comedy on another level,” Aaron says.

There is a VIP ticket option, where the audience not only gets to sit in an interactive part of the theatre during the show but also gets a meet and greet experience with the characters after the show. 

“This is a not to be missed day out for all Winnie the Pooh fans and fans of large-scale theatre productions where there is never a dull moment in this rollicking 90-minute production.” 

Tickets are available from the Ōamaru Opera House either online or from the box office.

The show involves plenty of crowd interaction. Photos: Supplied