Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive Helen Matravers, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive Lynette Shanbury, announce the line-up of exciting new shows and activities for the autumn / winter season.
Prepare to travel across the globe, rediscover much-loved story books and a range of brand-new shows, as well as the return of Polka’s Early Years Theatre Festival – all in Polka’s new season as they celebrate their 45th year.
Polka Theatre and Half Moon present Soft or Spiky? a brand-new baby show from Daryl Beeton for ages 6-18 months, making its premiere in the Adventure Theatre from 19 October – 24 November, which playfully explores the different ways we communicate with each other; The Storm Whale, based on the heart-warming award-winning books by Benji Davies and produced for ages 4-8 by Engine House, York Theatre Royal, Little Angel Theatre and The Marlowe, will run in the Main Theatre from 25 October – 3 November.
Polka’s latest season will also showcase a variety of touring productions including: Little Seeds Music and Z-arts‘ production of Luna Loves Library Day The Musical, for ages 5-8, in the Main Theatre from 11-20 October, based on the critically acclaimed book by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and illustrator Fiona Lumbers; New International Encounter’s brand-new-take on Shakespeare’s big, famous and gruesome story in Shakespeare in a Suitcase: Macbeth for ages 8-12 in the Adventure Theatre from 3-6 October; Maya Productions’ feel-good interactive musical for ages 4-8, Súper Chefs, following the dreams of a boy who longs to become a professional chef, performed in both English and Spanish in the Adventure Theatre from 10-13 October; and Rhum and Clay’s fast-moving, physical, family adventure Everything Has Changed, for ages 6-12 and commissioned and co-produced by New Diorama Theatre, which will run in the Adventure Theatre from 30 October – 3 November.
Polka’s Early Years Theatre Festival, Big Dreams makes a return from 28 – 29 September, presenting five innovative productions, creative digital installation, interactive talks from renowned early years authors in partnership with Wimbledon BookFest, and a range of free activities.
The festive show in the Main Theatre – on sale now – will be The Nutcracker (16 November – 26 January 2025), a co-production between Polka Theatre and Olivier award-winners Little Bulb Theatre, with Polka Theatre and award-nominated company Can’t Stand Still’s new dance adaptation of Ezra Jack Keats’ award-winning picture book The Snowy Day running in the Adventure Theatre over the festive period from 6 December – 2 February 2025.
In spring 2025, Polka will produce two exciting new writing productions with The PEA and the Princess, a collaboration with Singapore Theatre Company by Rachel Barnett Jones for ages 3-7 in the Main Theatre from 15 February – 30 March that sees a brand-new twist to the classic tale, following a Ninja Princess on a fairytale mission; and Sisters 360, a new production from Polka Theatre, AIK and Turtle Key Arts, written by Asif Khan for ages 8-12, which follows two hijabi step-sisters preparing to take part in a skateboarding competition whilst battling huge life changes, will run in the Adventure Theatre from 22 March – 27 April. In addition, Polka Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Derby Theatre present their latest collaboration with a retelling of the classic tale, Chicken Licken, for ages 3-7 from 5 April – 11 May.
The season is presented alongside a wide range of classes, workshops and activities at the venue: from acting workshops and sensory storytelling, to Halloween mask making and a comic book art and writing masterclass. Children of all ages can enjoy weekly classes, one off workshops, drop in and school holiday activities in a creative, fun and supportive space.
Helen Matravers said, “It was so important when curating this season of work that we spoke directly to discovery and change, mental health, identity, curiosity and out-of-this-world adventure – topics which we have listened to young people and adults highlight as important moments and themes to take in at this moment in time. We are tackling big important topics, but also curating space for children to explore and discover their own feelings and opinions.
I am delighted to maintain a commitment to international collaboration, and the return of our Early Years Festival Big Dreams. It’s an incredibly diverse programme of makers, stories and genres – we were asked by our Young Voices Advisory panel to present some brand-new tales they wouldn’t know the endings to, and adaptations which show how theatre can bring familiar characters to life in the most inspiring and magical ways. I hope we have delivered for them!
Polka is creating and presenting some of the most exciting new theatre being made in the UK today, across all ages and platforms, and it is a total honour to be able to share this with our young audiences.”
Tickets are on sale now via polkatheatre.com or via 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.
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.
