Polka Theatre Season Brochure for Sep 09 - Feb 10 by Polka Theatre

SEPTEMBER 09 - MARCH 10

World-class theatre for children

By bus 57, 93, 219, 131 stop outside at the Polka Theatre stop 156, 163, 164, 200, 493 stop nearby

D R A R D N A X LE

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D ITY R

TRIN

WIMBLEDON

By tube

D N R

S TO

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D ’S R

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PA L

TFIE

E B R O A D W AY

HAR

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DUNDONALD RD

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Wimbledon, District Line South Wimbledon, Northern Line

By train Wimbledon (14 minutes from Waterloo)

By tram

SOUTH WIMBLEDON

Wimbledon

By bike There is a cycle rack at the theatre

There are a limited number of pay-and-display bays near the theatre in Latimer Road (2 hr limit), Bridges Road, Dudley Road, Ridley Road and Kings Road.

Design: Eureka! www.eureka.co.uk Print: PPS Fine Print

Parking

There are car parks in Wimbledon Town Centre, including The Broadway (next to Wimbledon Theatre), Queens Road, St George’s Road, Hartfield Road and Hartfield Crescent.

We are committed to making Polka accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements, please let us know when booking.

Wheelchair Access

Working dogs welcome

Induction Loop

BSL interpreted performances

Disabled toilet Touch tours Specialist workshops Scripts available in advance

Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway Wimbledon London SW19 1SB Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Polka is a registered charity no. 256979

Large print brochure available by request 1

THE EUROPEAN UNION – CULTURE 2000 Sole responsibility lies with the author and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Box Office: 020 8543 4888

www.polkatheatre.com2

Polka Theatre first opened its doors in 1979, so this autumn we’re celebrating 30 years of exciting, entertaining, imaginative theatre for children.

What’s coming up? The Ride of your Life 8 - 11 yrs

3/4

The Word 4 - 13 yrs

5 /6

Goldilocks & the Three Bears 1 - 5 yrs

7/ 8

James & the Giant Peach 6+ yrs

9 /10

Charlie & Lola’s Best Bestest Play 4 - 7 yrs

11 /12

Visiting Adventures 2 - 5 yrs Take Part new courses! 3 - 17 yrs

13 14 / 16

World of Stories Writing the World

Free tickets at Polka!

Polka Café Polka Priority Club

General Information

Diary

Schools Polka has a specialised schools brochure, call 020 8543 4888 to request your copy.

Our shows this season are a festive mix of dinosaurs, bears and giant peaches. We start with The Ride of your Life – a rollercoaster ride through the history of life, for older children, as part of Darwin200. Then there’s an all-new, just-right version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears for younger children, and the return of the most successful, inventive show in Polka’s history: Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach. Help us celebrate our birthday by seeing your favourite children’s authors at this year’s The Word festival and the following day you’re warmly invited to our Big Birthday Bash, a family fun day for everyone.

- 5pm. r from 1 e b o t c look 1O stories, unday 1 e S m n o o s h o ere as nt eryone, ding. Th l thday B nd liste il ir a u B p b u ig e l B h r Dear Ev t u ’s ghout ehearsa Polka, c to Polka es throu atch an open r card for invited m a y e g a r us at a d y h t u t r w o Y in pa ic Bir and en join t t h e n r T g a a . d s p ig r a g a e b k e B ta e day ay make a ician or he Three t part about th n birthd t g w a d o n m r Help us a u g s o k s a roamin nce to make y Goldiloc est! And the be out for ha r olds – u c a g e e y y h r t e 5 t e s b ow for 1 ake by our my will also tmas sh is r the c h C r tting of of ou u c e h t for 4.30pm olutely FREE! bs a ’s is… it ll here! e you a e s o t e We hop at Polka From all

Look out in this brochure for quotes from our Young Voices Panel – a new group of young people aged 8 -13 who are finding out more about Polka, from the inside, and helping to shape its future. If you’re a first time visitor, come and see what’s made Polka Theatre such a welcoming, playful place for a generation of schools and families. And to everyone who’s ever been before, thank you for all your support, as we look forward to the next 30 years! Best Birthday wishes,

Jonathan Lloyd Artistic Director We want your Polka memories! Tell us what Polka means to you. Email your stories, drawings and photos of Polka from the last 30 years to memories@polkatheatre.com

Polka’s work depends on support from people like you. Did you know it costs £1.5 million each year to run Polka? And even if we sold every ticket for every performance we would only raise 60% of our necessary annual budget. Your vital support means we can continue to provide world-class theatre, inspiring education work, and opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We would be grateful to receive any amount, but here are just a few examples of birthday presents we would love to receive: • £20 for one child to come to Polka and experience the magic of theatre for the very first time. • £100 for books for our book corner. • £500 for a class of 30 children to attend a Polka performance and participate in a workshop afterwards. • £2,000 for a school project for pupils with special educational needs.

Please contact Caroline Downing on 020 8545 8353 / caroline@polkatheatre.com. For more information go to www.polkatheatre.com/ support.asp

25 SEPTEMBER - 31 OCTOBER 2009 • RUNNING TIME APPROX 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES Polka Theatre and On Theatre present

‘When t hey a perfor choose m they cho ance ose very carefull y’ India, ag e8

Written and directed by Mick Gordon Designed by Naomi Wilkinson Lighting designed by Johanna Town Sound designed by Mike Furness

A rollercoaster ride through the history of life

This exciting and funny new play by the award-winning writer and director Mick Gordon is proud to be part of Darwin200, celebrating the life and work of Charles Darwin. It will help answer all the big questions as well as some smaller ones too! Will Fitz find a way to make himself more handsome? Will Charlie get his homework in on time? And will life ever be the same again? 35

Weekends £12 Weekdays £10 Polka Priority £10/£8 Schools £8 Concessions £8 Previews £6

8 - 11 years

Please refer to our policy on under-aged children (page 20)

Illustration: Satoshi Kitamura

Join Charlie and his dog Fitz as they jump onboard The Ride of your Life – a rollercoaster which will send you back in time, from the beginnings of life, through dinosaurs to DNA, and on into the future. How did we get here... and what might lie ahead?

Tickets

Schools Please refer to Learning Lines for all curriculum links and education related information for this show.

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2009

Marcus Sedgwick • 2pm (Adventure Theatre) • 8+ yrs Meet Marcus Sedgwick, writer of The Raven Mysteries, and find out all about Edgar the Raven, Solstice, Lord Valevine and the strange bunch who live in Castle Otherhand with even the possibility of a special appearance by Edgar himself!

Caroline Lawrence: Roman Mysteries • 3pm • 9 -13 yrs Join Caroline Lawrence, author of the hugely successful Roman Mysteries books as she celebrates the last story in the awardwinning series. Flavia, Jonathan, Nubia and Lupus solve their biggest mystery yet and the book ends with a wedding. Find out what happens next!

See some of Britain’s best-loved authors and illustrators at Polka’s annual literary festival. Most events can be BSL interpreted if requested in advance through the Box Office. Tickets for all events £5 or £8 for 2 or more events when booking at the same time (please note this offer is not available online).

Roger McGough • 11am • 8+ yrs Join ‘the patron saint of poetry’ as he amuses us with his warmth, wit and wordplay.

offers ‘Polka nd good al a origin s for the idea ce of n audie ure’ t f e th u 13

Glitterwings Fairy Party • 3.30pm (Adventure Theatre) • 4 - 7 yrs Glitterwings Academy is the fairy school to go to. Come along dressed in your best fairy outfit for lots of fun, glittery games and plenty of pretty prizes with author Titania Woods.

ge Tom, a

As part of Wimbledon’s literary festival, Polka is hosting some fantastic events for adults too!

Leigh Hodgkinson • 11.05am (Adventure Theatre) • 4 - 6 yrs Sunny McCloud has lost her smile! Join animator and illustrator Leigh Hodgkinson to help everyone find their smile with storytelling and craft activities.

Polly Dunbar • 12.30pm (Adventure Theatre) • 4 - 6 yrs Join the popular Flyaway Katie author for stories and drawings from her Penguin and Tilly series.

The Utterly Inventive World of Roald Dahl • 1pm • 6+ yrs David Wood OBE has adapted many Roald Dahl classics for theatre including his adaptation of James and the Giant Peach, which returns to Polka for Christmas 2009. Join him as he talks about Dahl, the master storyteller and the craft of turning his stories into plays.

Gyles Brandreth Sunday 4 October • 7pm Gyles Brandeth will be talking about his latest book Elementary, My Dear Oscar, and giving us a preview of his fascinating memoirs Something Sensational to Read on the Train released late October 2009. £10 (includes a glass of wine) Slumdog Millionaire screening and talk Thursday 8 October • 7pm Screening of Slumdog Millionaire followed by a Q & A with Oscar-winning Screen Adapter Simon Beaufoy and Baftanominated Production Designer Mark Digby. £10

William Boyd Friday 9 October • 7.30pm William Boyd was the hottest ticket of Wimbledon Bookfest 2007 – join him as he talks about his new novel Ordinary Thunderstorms. £7.50 Many other Wimbledon Bookfest author events are happening throughout the borough including Victoria Hislop, June Whitfield, Alison Weir, Penny Vincenzi and Emma Darwin. Go to www.wimbledonbookfest.org for a full programme of events.

21 OCTOBER 2009 - 20 FEBRUARY 2010 • RUNNING TIME APPROX 40 MINUTES

Goldilocks and the Three Bears for under 3s...

Polka Theatre presents

Enjoy a special version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears tailor-made for children aged 1 - 2 yrs and running just 30 minutes in length. Check the calendar to find performances and please note that early booking is strongly advised.

‘It’s ver y and it’s honest great fo r young childre n’ Adele

Directed and devised by Jonathan Lloyd Co-written by Joseph Coelho Designed by Rachana Jadhav Music directed and composed by Julian Butler Lighting designed by Chris Barham Lost in the woods, tired and hungry, Goldilocks spies an empty cottage. There’s porridge to slurp, chairs to bounce on and beds to doze in.... Back from the woods, tired and hungry, Three Bears return to their cottage. But who’s been slurping their porridge and bouncing on their chairs? And hang on a minute, who’s that dozing in the bed?

Tickets Public £8 Schools £7 Concessions £7 Polka Priority £6 Previews £6

1 -2

years

3 -5

Illustration: Teresa Murfin

From the director and composer of How to Catch a Star (2008/09) comes Polka’s brand new treat for younger children. It’s a playful version of this much-loved story, with bears, chairs and plenty of porridge. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right.

, age 9

years

108

13 NOVEMBER 2009 - 13 FEBRUARY 2010 • RUNNING TIME 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES INC INTERVAL Polka Theatre presents

‘Polka i origin s still exciti al and after t ng even hirty y ears’ Finley , ag

Roald Dahl’s

e 13

Adapted by David Wood Directed by Roman Stefanski Designed by Keith Baker Music composed by Olly Fox Lighting designed by Jim Simmons

‘A winning mix of wit and wonder’ Sunday Times

Join James and his new-found insect friends as they embark on an extraordinary adventure which takes them halfway around the world. Along the way there are dangers and excitement, friends and enemies, music and laughter. Will James survive the journey and find the new life he longs for? To celebrate Polka’s 30th Birthday, we’re bringing back this hugely popular show which delighted audiences in 2004/05 with its unique humour and gripping story. It’s a fantastical tale about bravery, new beginnings, and finding friends in very unlikely places! 911

Tickets Weekends £16 Weekdays £14 Polka Priority £14/£12 Schools £10 Concessions £10 Previews £7.50 £10 Saver Shows (*Watch With Baby Shows) 21 Nov 5.30pm, 5 Dec 5.30pm, 24 Dec 11am*, 29 Dec 11am, 30 Dec 11am, 9 Jan 5.30pm, 16 Jan 11am*, 6 Feb 5.30pm

years

Please refer to our policy on under-aged children (page 20)

www.roalddahl.com www.davidwood.org.uk

Festive Fun with James and the Giant Peach

This illustration is reprinted with the permission of A.P Watt Ltd on behalf of Quentin Blake.

One dark night a mysterious man gives James Trotter an unexpected gift… a bag of glowing, wriggling lights, and a promise of magic. When the lights break free, something amazing happens – on a long-dead tree, a single peach begins to grow, and grow, and grow… Little does James realise that the giant peach will become a magical escape from his ghastly aunts.

Tue 22 Dec 1 - 3pm • 6+ yrs A family workshop with craft, stories and festive music – perfect for getting you in the mood for Christmas! £7.50 per child (accompanying adults go free)

Autism Friendly Performance – Thu 31 Dec 11am For families with children who are on the autism spectrum and children with learning difficulties who may have sensory sensitivities. For this performance the sound is turned down and low lights are left on in the auditorium. For more information on Autism Friendly Performances call Janna on 020 8545 8326 or email janna@polkatheatre.com

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17 FEBRUARY - 15 MAY 2010 • RUNNING TIME 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES INC INTERVAL

NEW FOR 2010! Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Trail!

Polka Theatre and BBC Worldwide present

Charlie and Lola’s

best play s t bes e t

Lola needs to tidy her room, but her things are absolutely, completely EVERYWHERE. Can you help her find them all again? An exciting trail around Polka’s building, to make your visit even more fun. And it’s free!

‘An ideal early theatre experience’ The Guardian

Charlie and Lola’s Extremely Brilliant Workshop Wed 18 Feb 9.45 - 11.45am • 4 - 6 yrs A colourful Charlie and Lola themed morning with songs, craft and drama. £15

Based on the characters created by Lauren Child • Adapted by Jonathan Lloyd Directed by Roman Stefanski • Designed by Sophie Charalambous Music directed by Julian Butler • Lighting designed by Natasha Chivers

I have this little sister Lola. She is small and very funny… Everyone’s favourite brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, come home to Polka, for our 30th birthday year following the soldout smash hit in 2008 and a national tour. The stars of the hit BBC TV series and books by Lauren Child will be brought to life by a magical mix of puppets and music. 2-D and 3-D worlds collide in this play, adapted from some of the freshest and funniest episodes… will Lola ever tidy her messy room? Will Charlie get Lola to sleep, even though she is not sleepy and will not go to bed?

www.charlieandlola.com

Tickets Weekends £16 Weekdays £14 Polka Priority £14/£12 Schools £10 Concessions £10 £10 Saver Shows (*Watch With Baby Shows) 17 Feb 2pm, 20 Feb 11am*, 6 March 12noon, 19 March 4pm, 3 April 12noon*, 17 April 11am, 30 April 4pm, 15 May 11am*

4 -7

years

Please refer to our policy on under-aged children (page 20)

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Tickets for all Visiting Adventures are: £7.50, schools and concessions £6. Group bookings – buy 10 tickets get the 11th free.

Sat 26 Sep - Sat 3 Oct 2 - 5 yrs Little Angel Theatre presents

Handa’s Hen When Handa and her friend Akeyo go looking for Grandma’s black hen Mondi, they find two fluttery butterflies around the hen house, three stripy mice under the grain store, four little lizards behind the pots… But where is Mondi? Based on the book by Eileen Browne, this beautiful show features 55 stunning puppets

We have lots of fun creating inspiring new work for children and we invite you behind the scenes of our magical theatre to take part and create work of your very own. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and learn some fantastic new skills from our theatre professionals. You may even get the chance to perform on Polka’s Main Stage! Remember to bring a packed lunch with you for all day-long events.

all newly created by hand for this production. ‘Sunshiny little show’ Time Out Critic’s Choice on Handa’s Surprise Running time 35 mins

Handa’s Hen Workshop Thu 29 Oct 9.45 - 11.45am 3 - 5 yrs Explore this delightful story about counting through drama, song and crafts. £15

Sat 27 Feb 2 - 5 yrs Banyan Theatre presents the Polka Production of

Princess and the Pea Once upon a stormy night, while the wind and rain were howling outside, the Royals were all tucked up warm in bed. Suddenly there was a knock at the door and a very wet, very untidy girl was brought inside...

Polka Performers Polka Performers work with professional directors and artists to explore their own ideas and create inspiring new theatre. These ten-week courses start w/c 28 Sep and take place in Polka’s Acting Studio during term time. (Please note no groups w/c 26 Oct) A witty and inventive reworking of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic bedtime tale, played out amongst blankets and puppetry, toys and dreamlike projections. Playfully performed by Joy Haynes, who devised and directed the Christmas 2007 production at Polka which we’re delighted to bring back for our 30th birthday season. Running time 45 mins

3 - 4 yrs (Foundation) Tuesdays 3 - 3.45pm £65

11 - 14 yrs (Years 7 - 9) Thursdays 5 - 6.15pm £85

4 - 6 yrs (Reception/Year 1) Wednesdays 4 - 5pm £75

14 - 17 yrs (Years 10 - 12) Thursdays 6.30 - 8pm £95

6 - 9 yrs (Years 2 - 4) Tuesdays 4 - 5.15pm £85 9 - 11 yrs (Years 5 - 6) Wednesdays 5.15 - 6.30pm £85

me makes ore a k l o m ‘P o learn want t the theatre about w it’s run’ and ho e11 , ag

Jessica

Free Scholarship places are available, please call Sheetal on 020 8545 8349. Half price places are available for families in receipt of benefits, please call the Box Office on 020 8543 4888.

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Christmas Workshops

Polka Tots Tuesdays 9.45 -10.30am or 10.45 - 11.30am 0 - 2 yrs Explore songs and puppets in this new drama group for babies, toddlers and their carers which starts 29 September. £5 per child/£1.50 every additional child (Drop in session – pay on the day. Term time only)

Polka Puppet Club Sat 3 Oct, Sat 17 Oct, Sat 14 Nov, Sat 28 Nov & Sat 12 Dec 10.15am - 12.15pm 4+ yrs Parents and children can learn to create puppets in this exciting puppet workshop every other Saturday morning, led by a professional puppeteer and director. £100 per adult and child

Polka Parents Thu 12 Nov 7 - 9pm Once a term we will be offering an evening workshop just for parents! We launch with a playwriting workshop led by Polka’s Artistic Director Jonathan Lloyd, who adapted Charlie and Lola and The Jolly Postman for the stage. £15

Magic Christmas Workshop Tue 22 and Wed 23 Dec 9.45 - 11.45am 3 - 5 yrs Discover the magic of Christmas in this craft and drama workshop. £25 (refreshments included) Play in a Day Tue 29 Dec 9.45am - 3.45pm 7 - 12 yrs Create your very own festive play in a day to perform to family and friends with help from a professional musician and actor. £35

‘It’s alm big fam ost a ily an everyth d has for ever ing yone’ Abigail,

October Half Term Workshops Black History Month Family Day Tue 27 Oct 10am -12noon 5 - 8 yrs An interactive, storytelling and craft workshop to celebrate Black History Month. £7.50 per child (accompanying adults go free) NEW! Stuntman Workshop Wed 28 Oct 10am - 12noon 8+ yrs Learn awesome stunt skills in a safe and professional environment. £15

age 9

February Half Term Workshops NEW! Polka’s Young Designers Workshop Fri 30 Oct 10am - 4pm 9 - 17 yrs Learn the practical skills to design for the stage with a professional theatre designer. Perfect for those interested in set and costume. £35

Chinese New Year Family Workshop Tue 16 Feb 10am - 12noon 5+ yrs Come and celebrate Chinese New Year in an exciting family workshop. £7.50 per child (accompanying adults free)

Playwriting Workshop Fri 19 Feb 10am - 4pm 9 - 12 yrs Learn the skills from a Polka professional to write your very own play. £35

Clowning Around Workshop Thu 18 Feb 7 - 9 yrs 10am - 12noon 9 - 11 yrs 2 - 4pm Learn the skills you need to clown around in this fun and physical workshop. £15

Subsidised places are available for those in receipt of benefits, please call the Box Office on 020 8543 4888.

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Due to the huge popularity of these events, please ring 020 8545 8348, from the Monday before each event, for your FREE tickets. Tickets will be issued on a first come first served basis. Sat 3 Oct Join Usifu for an exciting Black History Month celebration! All ages Polka hosts London’s most dynamic spoken word artists in these free drop-in events from 10.30am on the first Saturday of every month. As well as enjoying totally interactive story sessions all visitors receive a free ice cream, courtesy of Criterion ices!

Sat 7 Nov Join John Eastman for some tall tales from around the world. Mysterious journeys, forgotten kingdoms, unlikely heroes and a sprinkling of scary monsters from the deep. 6+

Sat 5 Dec Christmas fun themed around Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach with Dimple Patel. 4+ Sat 2 Jan Kumiko will be entertaining us with Japanese stories. All ages Sat 6 Feb Kumiko brings stories of Chinese New Year to Polka. All ages

‘It’s ve ry co and th lourful are alw e staff ays Polka’s smiling. re welco ally ming’ Beth , age 1

2010 is the third year of our popular storywriting competition for children of primary school age. In previous years we focused on China (2008) and India (2009). In 2010 we want children to write short stories inspired by South Africa. Each year we ask a top children’s author to write a story too, and their story along with the winning entries will be performed on Polka’s stage in June 2010.

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Free tickets at Polka! Polka Theatre is delighted to be part of Arts Council England’s A Night Less Ordinary Scheme in association with Metro. The scheme will provide 618,000 free tickets to anyone under 26 in more than 200 venues across England. For more information about the scheme, please visit www.anightlessordinary.org.uk Polka is offering 1 free ticket per person to anyone under 26. You are welcome to use your free ticket to see selected performances but please note it is not valid for Visiting Adventure shows. The only condition is that you provide your name, a full UK residential address, the dates of birth of the people

claiming the free tickets and your e-mail address or telephone number when you book. Please book your free tickets by calling the Box Office on 020 8543 4888 or in person (Tue - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm and Sat 10am 4.30pm). Tickets cannot be booked online. Tickets are offered on a first-come, firstserved basis and are subject to availability and proof of age may be required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Competition Details • From 4 Jan 2010 visit www.polkatheatre.com for full competition guidelines and writing tips to get you started • There are three categories: Years 1 & 2 (storyboard of 6 pictures with a caption underneath each one), Years 3 & 4 (short story of up to 500 words),Years 5 & 6 (short story of up to 1000 words) • The competition closing date is 2 April 2010

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Refunds and Exchanges We do not refund or exchange tickets, so please do check your tickets at the time of purchase. We accept tickets for re-sale if a performance is sold out, but a small charge will be made. Children’s Tea Parties Polka is the perfect place for a birthday treat. Why not book a tea party then see a show? To book please call the café on 020 8545 8330 or email cafe@polkatheatre.com (please note tickets for shows can only be booked through the Box Office or by going to www.polkatheatre.com)

The Polka Café is open all year round and serves a delicious selection of home-made food, sandwiches, salads and snacks. You can also enjoy a selection of teas, coffees and a variety of tempting cakes! Child-sized portions are always available and the café will happily warm up baby food and milk.

Mailing list To join our free mailing list, or our emailing list, please contact the Box Office or sign up online – www.polkatheatre.com.

How to Book By Phone Call 020 8543 4888 Mon 9.30am - 4.30pm Tue - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4.30pm In person Tue - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Sat 10am - 4.30pm Online Buy over the internet via our secure server – visit www.polkatheatre.com.

Priority booking and discounted tickets for just £10 a year! As a Polka Priority Club Member you will get: • Priority booking 2 weeks ahead of the general public • Advance Information about Polka shows • £2 off up to six full-priced tickets per show during the priority booking period (not valid for Visiting Adventure shows)

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Stop Press! As a special introductory offer we have extended the priority booking period until 1 August 2009. Call the Box Office on 020 8543 4888 or pick up a leaflet the next time you visit to start enjoying the benefits and sharing the magic of Polka with your family.

Discounts Concessions are available for those registered unemployed or receiving benefits (includes Pension Credits). For group bookings, every eleventh ticket is free. Reduced-price preview tickets, where available, are limited to four per family. Free tickets are available for escorts of disabled people. Reservations You can reserve tickets for up to one week. After this period, tickets will be released if not paid for. We recommend booking in advance.

Babies and Toddlers Baby-changing facilities and a buggy park are available at the theatre. Hiring the Theatre The Main Theatre and other rooms are available to hire for conferences, meetings, parties, film screenings and launches. Call Kim on 020 8545 8334 or email kim@polkatheatre.com

Recommended Age Ranges Please take note of the lower age-limits on shows in the Main Theatre. Our experience shows that children below the specified age are more likely to be disruptive and spoil other people’s enjoyment. We will not sell tickets for under-age children and reserve the right to refuse them admission. Exceptions to this rule are the designated Watch with Baby performances – please check the Season Diary.

Polka Partners Polka Theatre has a Corporate Membership scheme with a range of fantastic benefits. Call Caroline Downing on 020 8545 8353 for more details. Thanks to

Pop in to Play at Polka Why not make time when you visit to use the café, playground or garden, see the Teddy Bear Exhibition or read in the book corner? You are welcome to drop in any time we’re open – the facilities are free for all, you don’t need a ticket to come inside!

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Sa 26 Ride of Your Life 2.00 / 5.00 Handa’s Hen 10.45/12.15 2.05/3.45 Tu 29 Ride of Your Life Handa’s Hen 10.35/12.45/2.05 We 30 Ride of Your Life Handa’s Hen 10.35/12.45/ 2.05/4.00

Main Theatre shows in violet Adventure Theatre shows in pink Free Storytelling and other events in blue

Th 1 Ride of Your Life 10.35/12.45/2.05 Handa’s Hen Fr 2 Ride of Your Life 10.35/12.45 Handa’s Hen 2.05/4.00 Sa 3 Storytelling 10.30 - 11.30 Ride of Your Life 2.00/5.00 12.00/2.05/3.45 Handa’s Hen Su 4 Gyles Brandreth 7.00

Diary Key Schools performance Reduced-price preview performance After-show talk Signed performance

Watch With Baby performance

Free Storytelling Autism friendly performance

Us or call Caroline on 020 8545 8353.

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Ride of Your Life Slumdog 7.00 Millionaire Ride of Your Life William Boyd 7.30 The Word 11.00 - 5.00 The Word 11.00 - 5.00 Birthday Bash 1.00 - 5.00

Tu 13 Ride of Your Life

We 14 Ride of Your Life

Th 15 Ride of Your Life

Tu 20 Ride of Your Life

Merton schools Half Term

www.polkatheatre.com and click on Support

10.30/2.00

Th 5 Goldilocks

10.30 /12.30 2.00 10.30/2.00

10.30/2.00

6 Goldilocks

Sa 7 Storytelling Goldilocks Tu 10 Goldilocks

We 21 Th 22 Fr 23 Sa 24 Tu 27 We 28 Th 29 Fr 30 Sa 31

10.30/12.30/2.00

Th 12 Goldilocks

10.30/2.00

Fr 13 Sa 14 Tu 17 We 18 Th 19 Fr 20 Sa 21 Tu 24 We 25 Th 26 Fr 27 Sa 28

/7.00 10.30/2.05 2.00/5.30 11.00/12.30/2.05

James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks

10.35/2.05

10.35/12.30/2.05

10.35/2.05 2.00/5.30 11.00/12.30/2.05

10.35/2.05

10.35/12.30/2.05 2.00/6.00* 11.05/12.30/2.05

Ride of Your Life Goldilocks 10.35 /2.05 Ride of Your Life Goldilocks 10.35 /2.05 Ride of Your Life Goldilocks 10.35 /2.05 Ride of Your Life 2.00/5.00 Goldilocks 11.00 /12.30/2.05 Ride of Your Life 2.00 Goldilocks 11.00 /2.05 Ride of Your Life 11.00/2.00 Goldilocks 11.05 /12.30/2.05 Ride of Your Life 2.00 Goldilocks 11.00 /2.05 Ride of Your Life 11.00/2.00 Goldilocks 11.05 /2.05 Ride of Your Life 2.00 Goldilocks 11.00 /12.30/2.05

Watch with Baby Watch with Baby performances are not adapted for a younger audience but we welcome younger children to them in order that you can share all our shows with your whole family. Babies under 12 months are admitted free. Normal ticket prices apply for all other children. Please note: children younger than the age specified on each show may only be admitted to Watch with Baby performances.

Box Office: 020 8543 4888

10.30 - 11.30 12.00/1.30/3.00 10.30/2.00

Sa 17 Ride of Your Life 2.00/5.00

Families are very welcome to attend schools performances but please check times and availability in advance with the Box Office on 020 8543 4888. Tickets to schools performances cannot be booked online. Schools performances are usually scheduled for 10.30am and 1.30pm or 2pm.

and supporters. For more information go to

Fr 16 Ride of Your Life

Schools Performances

*Galas are exclusive events for Polka Players

Tu 6 Ride of Your Life We 7 Ride of Your Life Th 8 Fr 9 Sa 10 Su 11

Special toddler version

We 4 Goldilocks

We 11 Goldilocks

OCTOBER 09

Tu 3 Goldilocks

Merton schools Christmas Holidays

Fr 25 Ride of Your Life

DECEMBER 09

NOVEMBER 09

Tu 1 We 2 Th 3 Fr 4 Sa 5 Tu 8 We 9 Th 10 Fr 11 Sa 12 Tu 15 We 16 Th 17 Fr 18 Sa 19 Tu 22 We 23 Th 24 Fr 25

James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks Storytelling James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks Christmas Day

JANUARY 10

10.35/2.05

10.35/12.30/2.05

10.35/2.05 10.30 - 11.30 2.00/5.30 12.30/2.05/3.45

10.35/2.05

10.35/12.30/2.05 11.00 /2.30 11.05/12.30/2.35 11.00 11.05/2.35 11.00 11.05/2.35 11.00/2.30 11.05/2.35 11.00 11.05/12.30/2.35 2.00/5.30 11.05/12.30/2.05 11.00/2.30 11.05/2.35 11.00/2.30 11.05/2.35 11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35

Sa 26 Boxing Day Tu 29 We 30 Th 31

James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks

11.00/2.30 11.05/12.30/2.35 11.00/2.30 11.05/2.35 11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35

1 New Year’s Day

Sa 2 We 6 Th 7 Fr 8 Sa 9 Su 10 Tu 12 We 13 Th 14 Fr 15 Sa 16 We 20 Th 21 Fr 22 Sa 23 Su 24 Tu 26 We 27 Th 28 Fr 29 Sa 30

Storytelling James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks

10.30 - 11.30 2.00/5.30 12.30/2.05/3.45

10.35/12.00/2.05

10.35/2.05

10.35/2.05 2.00/5.30 10.35/2.05/3.45 2.30 1.00/2.35

10.35/12.00/2.05

10.35/2.05

10.35/2.05 11.00 /2.30 11.05/12.30/2.35

James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks Storytelling James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks

www.polkatheatre.com

We 10 Th 11 Fr 12 Sa 13 Tu 16

James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks James & Peach Goldilocks Goldilocks

We 17 Th 18 Fr 19 Sa 20 Tu 23

Charlie & Lola Goldilocks Charlie & Lola Goldilocks Charlie & Lola Goldilocks Charlie & Lola Goldilocks Charlie & Lola

10.35/2.05

10.35/12.00/2.05

10.35/2.05 11.00 /2.30 11.05/12.30/2.35 11.05/2.05 2.00 11.05/2.05 11.00 /2.00 11.05/2.05 11.00 /2.00 11.05/12.30/2.05 11.00 /2.00 11.05/12.30/2.05

We 24 Charlie & Lola

Th 25 Charlie & Lola

Fr 26 Charlie & Lola

/4.00

Sa 27 Charlie & Lola 11.00 /2.00 4.00 Princess & Pea 11.05/12.30/2.05

10.35/2.05

10.35/12.00/2.05

10.35/2.05 2.00/5.30 11.05/12.30/2.05 2.30 1.00/2.35

10.35/2.05

10.35/12.00/2.05

10.35/2.05 2.00/5.30 11.00/12.30/2.05

FEBRUARY 10 Tu 2 We 3 Th 4 Fr 5 Sa 6 Tu 9

Merton schools Half Term

SEPTEMBER 09

10.35/2.05

10.35/12.00/2.05

10.35/2.05

10.35/2.05 10.30 - 11.30 2.00/5.30 12.30/2.05/3.45

10.35/2.05

MARCH 10 We 3 Charlie & Lola

Th 4 Charlie & Lola

5 Charlie & Lola

Sa 6 Storytelling Charlie & Lola Su 7 Charlie & Lola

10.30 - 11.30 12.00/3.00 2.30

We 10 Charlie & Lola

Th 11 Charlie & Lola

Fr 12 Charlie & Lola

Sa 13 Charlie & Lola

11.00

Su 14 Charlie & Lola

2.30

Tu 16 Charlie & Lola

We 17 Charlie & Lola

Th 18 Charlie & Lola

Fr 19 Charlie & Lola

/4.00

Sa 20 Charlie & Lola

11.00

Tu 23 Charlie & Lola

We 24 Charlie & Lola

Th 25 Charlie & Lola

Fr 26 Charlie & Lola Sa 27 Charlie & Lola

/2.00

11.00

Tu 30 Charlie & Lola

We 31 Charlie & Lola

/2.00

Charlie and Lola runs until 15 May 2010. For a full list of performance times go to www.polkatheatre.com

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