Polka Theatre returns with a Christmas season tailored for younger audiences and their families.
The season will include the return of their heart-warming show Grandad, Me and Teddy Too in their Adventure Theatre, a magical story that celebrates the importance of family, even at long-distances – a treat for audiences aged two to five (and their adults). To entertain children aged five to twelve, Polka will stage its brand-new Christmas comedy Crackers, a hilarious family farce in the Main Theatre that will have the whole family in stitches! Both productions are perfect festive activities for young audiences in the lead up to Christmas.
There is more to a trip to Polka than the performance: with outdoor and indoor play areas, an enticing shop and café, it makes for a full family day out. There are also workshops for children this Christmas which include activities such as decorating your own Christmas crackers in Polka’s magical, snowy sensory space, storytelling sessions with your favourite teddy and comedy workshops to make your own laugh-out-loud scenes, with options available for a range of ages.
Peter Glanville, Artistic Director of Polka, today said: “We are delighted to be presenting a couple of beautiful productions this Winter. Crackers is a hilarious new farce for all the family, by award-winning playwright Charles Way; whilst for younger children we have a timely revival of one of our most-loved productions Grandad, Me and Teddy Too, written and directed by Early Years specialist Sarah Argent.
These shows are accompanied by a range of holiday workshops, all designed to inspire children’s creativity. We hope to see you soon – there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy at Polka.”
Sarah Argent, Director of Grandad, Me and Teddy Too, added: “I am so delighted to be returning to Polka Theatre to work again on Grandad, Me and Teddy Too, a show much-loved by audiences, cast, creative team, and staff at Polka when we first created it back in 2014. We are thrilled to have our original cast members, Gordon and Katie (and Teddy Too!), back with us – it is testament to their fondness for this piece and the characters they play that they were so eager to revisit their roles. The touching and heart-warming story revolves around Mia who keeps in touch with her Grandad in Argentina via the internet; this online relationship resonated for some children when we first made the show; since the pandemic, so many more children have experienced this so we hope the show will resonate even more than it did originally. It will be really special to make this show again in the beautiful new Adventure Theatre and to be rehearsing and spending time in the wonderful new spaces in and around the redeveloped Polka building.”
Nicky Allpress, Director of Crackers: A Festive Family Farce further said: “I’m looking forward to directing this heart-warming comedy for families – I can’t wait to get started on this joyful blend of fast paced fun, and pet shop shenanigans. Expect giggles galore from the youngest to the oldest audience members. Join us as our 10-year-old hero, Joe, unites with his awesome Great GREAT Grandma to see off the villainous estate agent who threatens to spoil the festivities. Join us to see if they can save the day in time for Christmas!”
