There’s someone very special who joins us for every Early Years session at Zozimus Drama. He’s fluffy, full of mischief, and has the biggest heart in the room.
His name is Bertie Bear—and he’s more than just a puppet. He’s our Story Explorer-in-Chief, a trusted friend, a bit of a rascal, and the magical spark that helps children dive headfirst into storytelling and imagination.
Whether we’re visiting a nursery, preschool or reception class, Bertie takes centre stage—and the children adore him.
🧸 Who Is Bertie Bear?
Bertie isn’t just a cuddly character. He’s a bridge between child and story, emotion and action, play and performance. And most importantly—he’s incredibly relatable.
He gets nervous, he asks silly questions, he gets things wrong. He even pretends to be grumpy if someone tries to kiss him… which, of course, results in a room full of giggles, hugs, high-fives and (yes, sometimes) sneaky kisses.
This gentle humour helps break the tension, especially for new or shy children. It gives them permission to laugh, relax, and join in without fear.
🎭 Bertie Doesn’t Just Tell Stories… He Becomes the Story
At Zozimus, we don’t just read stories—we live them. And Bertie is no exception.
Each week, he takes on different roles, pretending just like the children do. If we’re acting out The Three Little Pigs, Bertie might decide he wants to be the Big Bad Wolf. He’ll huff, puff, and stumble over his lines while the children shout, correct him, and gleefully join in.
Sometimes he needs their help to solve a problem. Other times he’s the one causing the mischief. Either way, the children are right there beside him—in the story, not just watching it.
🧠 Why Puppetry Works Wonders in Early Years Drama
Puppets like Bertie open doors. They create comfort, reduce pressure, and turn storytelling into something tangible. Here’s what makes puppetry such a powerful tool in our programme:
💬 1. Children Feel Safe to Speak
Even the quietest child wants to respond when Bertie speaks. Talking to a puppet feels less intimidating than talking to an adult—it invites play, not performance.
💛 2. Emotions Feel Manageable
Bertie can say, “I feel nervous about this story,” or “I’m cross because someone took my porridge!”—giving children the language and permission to explore emotions safely through a character who feels just like them.
✨ 3. Storytelling Becomes Immersive
With Bertie leading the way, stories become full-body, multi-sensory experiences. Children move, speak, imagine, and live the story—all while knowing their furry friend is right there with them.
🎒 What a Zozimus Session with Bertie Looks Like
In our Early Years sessions:
- Bertie greets the children with excitement (and maybe a cheeky joke)
- He introduces the story, often getting things hilariously wrong
- He joins in the action, becoming characters alongside the children
- He helps wrap up the session with a reflection or a song, checking how everyone’s feeling
He gets hugs. He gets high-fives. Sometimes, he dramatically pretends to hate kisses—so naturally, children love showering him with them even more.
It’s fun, it’s safe, and it’s completely child-led.
🌈 Why Bertie Means So Much
Bertie is more than a puppet. He’s a symbol of our ethos:
- Gentle encouragement, not pressure
- Laughter and play, not performance anxiety
- Emotion through imagination, not explanation
With Bertie around, even the most reserved children begin to join in—first with a wave, then a giggle, then a role in the story.
🏫 Bringing Bertie to Your Nursery or School
Our Zozimus Drama Early Years programme brings storytelling, imagination, music and movement to life with EYFS-aligned sessions designed to support communication, creativity, and emotional wellbeing.
We work closely with nursery and school topics to ensure our drama adventures enrich what children are already learning. From “People Who Help Us” (our real-life superheroes theme), to minibeasts, pirate adventures, traditional tales, and even seasonal festivals, our schemes are packed with opportunities to explore the EYFS through imaginative play and story.
At the centre of it all?
Bertie Bear—our fearless (and occasionally flustered) guide who helps children discover, express, and become part of the story.
🎭 Learn more or invite Bertie to your setting:
👉 https://zozimusdrama.com/#class
📣 Follow us on Facebook for more of Bertie’s adventures:
👉 www.facebook.com/zozimusdrama
Because when a bear believes in you, you start to believe in yourself too.
And that’s the real magic of Zozimus Drama. 🐻✨