Polka Theatre has announced full casting for the world premiere of its new musical The Rapping Princess, alongside details of its May half-term programme.
The brand-new production will play in Polka’s Adventure Theatre from Saturday 16 May until Sunday 21 June, with a press performance on Saturday 23 May at 1.30pm.
The Rapping Princess is the first stage adaptation of the award-winning children’s book by Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan, adapted for the stage by Annabel Mutale Reed and Jack Trzcinski.
The musical is recommended for children aged 3 to 6 and follows Shiloh, a young princess with a big love for music who cannot sing, as she embarks on a journey to discover her own unique rhythmic voice.
Anu Akinseye will play Shiloh, with Grace Venus appearing as the Queendom Storyteller.
The creative team includes Annabel Mutale Reed as director and adaptor, Jack Trzcinski as composer and adaptor, Laura McEwen as set and costume designer and Jodi Rabinowitz as lighting designer.
The production forms part of Polka Theatre’s wider May half-term programme for families.
From Saturday 2 May to Sunday 31 May, audiences can also enjoy Tortoise and the Hare, a Polka Theatre, Derby Theatre and Hiccup Theatre co-production, playing in the Y C Chan Theatre.
The toe-tapping retelling of the children’s classic is recommended for ages 3 to 7 and features puppetry, original live music and storytelling, with every performance including creative captions, integrated BSL and audio description.
Alongside the productions, Polka will offer a range of creative workshops during half term.
Activities include Baby Beatbox! for children aged 0 to 4 on Tuesday 26 May, Create an Epic Fable for ages 5 to 8 on Wednesday 27 May, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Drama Masterclass in collaboration with Shakespeare’s Globe for ages 8 to 12 on Thursday 28 May.
Polka’s Artistic Director and Joint CEO Helen Matravers said: “Polka’s commitment to staging work that represents every child, celebrates difference and encourages confidence in individuality is exemplified by a Half Term of exceptional theatre that will entertain and inspire in equal measure.”
She added: “And glorious gig-theatre for children breaks down more barriers in The Rapping Princess, proving you can have any unique talent, defy expectation, break with convention and pave your own way in the world.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.Â
