Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of Polka Theatre, Helen Matravers, announces details of their 2023 Christmas offering: The Snow Queen will run from 11 November – 21 January in the Main Theatre for ages 6-12, alongside The Night Before Christmas for children aged 2-6, playing in the Adventure Theatre from 18 November – 14 January, returning to Polka after a highly successful run in 2021.
Helen Matravers was appointed Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of Polka Theatre in January 2023, after previously working as the venue’s Senior Producer, and with previous roles at LAMDA, New Diorama Theatre, The Lyric Hammersmith and Theatre503.
The Snow Queen is the first commission of her tenure, and she has commissioned writer Jude Christian (Hamlet, Dick Whittington, National Theatre, Jack and The Beanstalk, Lyric Hammersmith) to take on the project.
Speaking about the production Helen said, “It is incredibly exciting for Polka to be teaming up with Jude to create this ambitious and magical piece of theatre. The themes of The Snow Queen feel so poignant for this moment in time, with reflections on exploring the unknown and sometimes feeling a little lost, but celebrating the ultimate triumph of friendship and love. Jude’s ability to pair the hilarious with really fresh, contemporary and accessible adaptation is perfect for this Main Theatre show and family audiences, and I am beyond thrilled that it is my first commission as Artistic Director at Polka, we’re in for a brilliant Christmas.”
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. Polka underwent a major renovation, re-opening in 2021, and continues to present a year-round programme of shows produced by Polka and from visiting companies, and a full programme of creative learning activities for ages 0 – 12. The redevelopment meant 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.
The space is also fully accessible with a large, friendly café, free-to-access outdoor and indoor play areas, a shop, a book corner and comfy places to sit.
