Artistic Director Helen Matravers, Executive Director Lynette Shanbury and the whole team at Polka Theatre announce details of the variety of activities available for families to enjoy this autumn half term in the Wimbledon venue.
Audiences are invited to experience the story of Noi, his dad, and six cats in their home by the sea and how their lives are changed when Noi rescues a whale after it washes up on the beach. The Storm Whale is brought to life with beautiful puppetry, and produced by Engine House, York Theatre Royal, Little Angel Theatre and The Marlowe. Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming story of loneliness, love and courage takes place in the Main Theatre from 25 October – 3 November and is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Created by award-winning theatre company Rhum + Clay, Everything Has Changed is a fast-moving and physical adventure about the chaos of the last few years – allowing young people to take stock and share their hopes for the future. This joyful, kaleidoscopic family show tackles why change happens – and how to deal with it. Recommended for ages 6 to 12, Everything Has Changed takes place in the Adventure Theatre from 30 October – 3 November
Alongside these shows are a variety of themed workshops for the half term including; a Lantern Making family workshop inspired by The Storm Whale, on 29 October, to create your very own lighthouse lantern, a Creepy Makeup Masterclass taught by a professional makeup artist on 30 October, a Monster Mask Making workshop on 31 October to get ready for Halloween, and join Polka in Exploring Textures with music and messy play on 1 November.
Tickets are on sale now via polkatheatre.com or call 020 8543 4888*
Polka Theatre is one of just a handful of dedicated children’s venues in the UK. Re-opening in 2021 after a major renovation, Polka continues to present a year-round programme of shows produced by Polka and from visiting companies. Polka also offers a full programme of creative learning activities for ages 0–12, with over 21,000 children taking part in the last year. Polka enjoys flexible rehearsal and workshop spaces along with two performance spaces: the Main Theatre has a 300-seat capacity, and the Adventure Theatre can seat up to 90 depending on the show format.
Over the past year Polka has worked with 143 schools through creative learning projects and has distributed over 6,000 free tickets to schools through their Curtain Up! scheme.
Polka is a community hub and vital resource, open 6 days per week, 50 weeks per year at a challenging time to be a sustainable public venue with step-free access, free-to-access play spaces and a cosy and welcoming café and shop.
