Rusty the Dancing Bear

Dancing bears date back to before Roman times.... and their story has not always been a happy one. Chained, whipped, mistreated and starved into performing, they were a popular attraction in medieval England, appearing often at fairs and markets throughout the country.

Our own Rusty Bear, however, has many a happier tale to tell. Although he represents the bears of medieval attractions, he is played by a character who has been a force for good throughout the land. He was first introduced at a fund-raising event with Sam Wanamaker for the reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. He has appeared at functions in support of 'Clink', the original prison in London, and for the rebuilding of the Golden Hind, a replica of Sir Francis Drake's pioneering sailing vessel.

Rusty's keeper is Trevor Wayland, who has built a reputation as an author of children's stories, a ventriloquist, actor and puppeteer. He has had roles in The Bill, London's Burning and other commercials and TV shows, as well as Comic Relief on the Nickelodeon channel. His books include Three Short Stories of the Little People and The Adventures of Rusty Bear. Trevor has been a mainstay of the Festival, and this is his (and Rusty's) 12th welcome season at Herstmonceux.