Last week as an early Christmas treat myself and my eldest son Noah (12) headed into London’s Covent Garden to watch “Bear Grylls’ Never Give Up” at the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Noah is a massive Bear fan – and has watched his tv shows and read many of his books. To be honest I hadn’t looked too much into the show when I booked it so didn’t have any preconceived expectations- but honestly it blew me away and brought me to tears!
It was an excellent show packed with breathtaking stories, and life lessons that will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the entire audience.
Bear Grylls is best known for his jaw-dropping survival feats, but this show went far beyond tales of adventure. It was an intimate look into his life—the highs, the lows, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He shared everything from his upbringing as the child of a Royal Marine, his experiences of SAS training, to being the youngest Brit to climb Mount Everest and even his devastating parachuting accident that broke his back. We were given a glimpse into his faith and family life, but what stood out most was his vulnerability. Bear reminded us that strength comes not from avoiding failure but from embracing it, learning from it, and moving forward.
The message of resilience was at the heart of the show. Bear’s motto, “Never Give Up,” is not just about physical challenges; it’s about facing life’s obstacles head-on with courage and determination. This was a powerful lesson for his young audience; actually it was a powerful lesson for every member of the audience! Bear’s stories resonated deeply, showing that even the biggest setbacks can be stepping stones to success if you keep pushing forward.
Bear brought his stories to life with never seen before footage from his wildest adventures. From icy peaks to dense jungles, the breathtaking imagery made the audience feel like they were right there with him. For kids especially, this was a thrilling experience—like watching their favourite adventure story unfold in real life. We got to hear about behind the scenes stories of Bears adventure with President Obama, and listen to him tell hundreds of people how nervous talking to large groups of people makes him. Bear also invited two children up on stage to eat Maggots- much to the horror and sheer excitement of everyone else watching (apparently they don’t taste too bad – just a bit salty).
What made Never Give Up truly special though is its universal message. Bear didn’t just talk about survival skills; he emphasised the importance of kindness, empathy, and teamwork. He spoke about how courage isn’t just about scaling mountains but also about helping others, being a good friend, and staying true to your values.
This show was more than just an afternoon of entertainment—it was a roadmap for resilience. It planted the seeds of confidence, teaching children to dream big, embrace challenges, and approach life with an adventurous spirit.
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane was the perfect venue for such an inspiring event. Its grandeur added a sense of occasion, and the staff went above and beyond to make the experience comfortable and welcoming.
In the end, Bear Grylls’ Never Give Up show was an afternoon of excitement, reflection, and motivation. It left every audience member—young and old—ready to tackle their own challenges with renewed determination. Whether you’re a parent, an adventurer, or someone in need of a little inspiration, this show is a reminder that with courage, kindness, and perseverance, anything is possible.
I honestly could have listened to Bear all day long. He is an exceptional role model and now if I’m ever asked that question “if you could invite one person to a dinner party who would it be?” I definitely know that my answer will be Bear Grylls. The way he spoke about his wife and children brought me to tears, I would have loved to have heard more about his Christian faith, but can understand why this particular show wasn’t the place to dive deeply into that. I will definitely not only be getting Noah some more Bear Grylls books to read this year, but I think I’ll be treating myself to one or two also – Never give up is first on the list https://amzn.to/4gALaLB
So, if you ever get the chance to see Bear Grylls live, don’t hesitate. It’s more than a show—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the final applause.
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Bear Grylls book recommendations
- https://amzn.to/3Dz2Vw5Noah read all the books in this series during lockdown 1.0 when he was 8. They are light reads but packed with adventure and survival skills.
- https://amzn.to/4heXjWz Another adventurous series suitable for slightly older children – Noah absolutely devoured these a year or so ago.
- https://amzn.to/41Ug3pC Soul Fuel isn’t one we have read but it’s a late entry to the Christmas list and I’m looking forward to reading it with Noah in the New year (there is also an adults version https://amzn.to/4a15hzO )
- https://amzn.to/3PdY4mG A brilliant series for all Scout members and adventurous families looking for the very best survival skills.
- https://amzn.to/3ZZ34jN This one is for you the parent, its not one I’ve read yet, but after the show I treated myself to it and am looking forward to getting stuck in.
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