February August 2012
hure Schools broc
World-class theatre for EYFS, KS1 - KS3 Students
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com
L
O
Twist of Gold
KS2 & KS3
16 Feb - 21 Apr 2012 Themes • Immigration • Identity • Faith • Survival • Sacrifice
Run! A Sports Day Musical
KS2
1 - 30 Jun 2012 • Kindness • Helping others • Courage and determination
ND
ON
Calling all budding writers for the last Writing the World competition! 2012 is the fifth and final year of our popular story-writing competition for children of primary school age. For the past four years, we have asked you to write short stories about a different country and culture each year. But with the world coming to London this summer, we want you to write stories inspired by our capital city alongside top children’s author Floella Benjamin. Floella will be writing her own story which will be performed alongside the winning entries on Polka’s stage!
Themes • Ambition and achievement • Overcoming obstacles or dealing with challenging situations • Family • Friendships • Respect for your community • Responsibility
Competition Details
Inside Out 4 Jul - 25 Aug 2012
EYFS & KS1
Themes • Friendships • Discovering who you are • Play and exploration • Working together and getting along • Extends to all areas of learning and development
Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play 18 Jul - 25 Aug 2012 Themes • Siblings and families • Discovering who you are • Play and exploration • Working together and getting along • Daily routines • Imagination
EYFS & KS1
/editorial/ • Visit www.polkatheatre.com 13 January ay Frid writing-the-world from and writing s eline guid tion peti com for full tips to get you started • There are three categories: pictures Years 1 & 2 (storyboard of 6 one) each ath erne und with a caption to 500 words) Years 3 & 4 (short story of up to 1000 words) Years 5 & 6 (short story of up is • The competition closing date Friday 30 March 2012
“Writing the World is such a brilliant idea and I am so thrilled to be this year’s writer. When I was a child my father told my brothers and sisters and I fantastic stories from every continent which opened our minds to the world and made us curious about other cultures. His stories stimulated our imaginations as we visualised the characters and places in them. I hope this exciting project will inspire children, not only to read and enjoy storytelling, but to create their own stories, because everyone can be creative, all it takes is imagination.” Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE
Good Luck!
2
Illustration by Rhett Podersoo
16 FEBRUARY - 21 APRIL 2012 • MAIN THEATRE • APpROX 2 HOURS INC INTERVAL Polka Theatre presents
Adapted by Simon Reade With famine gripping Ireland, Sean and Annie have just one chance of survival – they must find their father. Leaving their dying mother behind, they travel across rough seas to America. With only the gold torc that Annie wears as a necklace to protect them, they embark on a long and dangerous journey. But will they ever be reunited with their family? Join us for an epic adventure as Polka brings to life a classic novel by the masterful storyteller and author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo.
3
Schools Tickets £8 KS2 & KS3
9 -13 years
New Twilight Schools Performances are available on Thu 8 Mar, 5pm & Wed 28 Mar, 4.30pm
KS2 & KS3 History pupils can be encouraged to:
KS2 & KS3 English & Drama pupils can be encouraged to:
KS2 & KS3 PSHE & Citizenship pupils can be encouraged to:
• consider the significance of events, people and developments in their historical context and in the present day
• identify how character and setting are created, and how plot, narrative structure and themes are developed
• think about the lives of people living in other places and times, and people with different values and customs
• understand the diverse experiences and ideas, beliefs and attitudes in past societies and how these have shaped the world
• understand how English varies locally and globally, and how it relates to identity and cultural diversity
• consider social and moral dilemmas that they come across in life
• investigate aspects of personal, family or local history and how they relate to a broader historical context.
• explore the ways that words, actions, sound and staging combine to create dramatic moments.
• identify and respect the differences and similarities between people.
Bringin g curricu the lum to life
Photograph by Piotr Kowalik
1 - 30 JUNE 2012 • MAIN THEATRE • Approx 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES INC INTERVAL Polka Theatre presents
l a ic s u M y a D s t r o p S A Script by Lisa Evans Co-commissioned by Polka Theatre and Royal & Derngate, Northampton Songs and Music by Julian Butler
Ella is late. Again. And on today of all days: Sports Day 2012. It’s her last day at primary school and her last chance to show she’s more than just the shy new girl. If only her Mum could watch her race, but that looks about as likely as her team winning gold… This funny, heart-warming musical follows four students and their teacher, Mr Budge, in a story of falling over, getting up and carrying on. With original music and dance, Polka’s feel-good musical brings an extra-special sports day to life this summer. Cheer and cry for your favourite team as they compete at cycling, archery, the high jump, gymnastics and plenty of running! Is it really the taking part that matters? Join us and find out…
5
Schools Tickets £8
KS2
7 -11 years
Music and lyrics are available to download on our website so your class can sign-a-long during the show from the beginning of February!
KS2, PSHE & Citizenship pupils can be encouraged to:
KS2 & KS3 English & Drama pupils can be encouraged to:
• recognise their worth as individuals by identifying positive things about themselves and their achievements, seeing their mistakes, making amends and setting personal goals
• identify how character and setting are created, and how plot, narrative structure and themes are developed
• consider social and moral dilemmas that they come across in life • investigate aspects of personal, family or local history and how they relate to a broader historical context • consider social and moral dilemmas that they come across in life.
• imagine and explore feelings and ideas, focusing on creative uses of language and how to interest the reader • discuss topical issues that emerge from the performance • explore the ways that words, actions, sound and staging combine to create dramatic moments.
Bringin g curricu the lum to life
Aspects of the show extend into all six areas of Learning and Development, but with the most obvious connections to:
Polka Theatre presents
• personal, social and emotional development: disposition, attitudes, self confidence and self esteem • communication, language and literacy: language for communication • knowledge and understanding of the world: exploration and investigation • physical development: movement and space, health and bodily awareness.
Bringin g curricu the lum to life
If inside’s out, and outside’s in Then where to end, and where to begin? On land or sea, or in the air Think of a place, we’ll take you there… Take a peek into the unknown and join us for an adventure… Inside Out is a story of two worlds – the world around us, and the world inside our imagination, created in collaboration with families from Abbey Children’s Centre. Playful and full of surprises, it’s the perfect summer treat for younger children.
7
Schools Tickets £7 EYFS & KS1
2 -5
years
Photograph by Jenna Foxton
4 JULY - 25 AUGUST 2012 • ADVENTURE THEATRE • APPROX 45 MINUTES
18 JULY - 25 AUGUST 2012 • MAIN THEATRE • 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES INC INTERVAL Polka Theatre and BBC Worldwide present
Based on the characters created by Lauren Child Adapted by Jonathan Lloyd
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 this summer. The stars of the hit BBC TV series and books by Lauren Child are 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? Head to Polka and find out! www.charlieandlola.com
Schools Tickets £10 EYFS & KS1
4 -7
years
Bringin g curricu the lum to life
EYFS & KS1, pupils can explore the following themes: • sibling relationships and sharing • respecting different views
Charlie and Lola TM ® and © Lauren Child 2005. Charlie and Lola is produced by Tiger Aspect Productions and distributed by BBC Worldwide Ltd. BBC logo TM & © BBC 1996
9
• friendship and imaginative play.
KS1 PSHE & English pupils can be encouraged to: • learn social skills such as how to share, take turns, play, help others, resolve arguments
• develop speaking and listening skills and explore the use of language
• use language and actions to explore and convey situations, characters and emotions
• interpret storytelling through the use of puppetry.
Schools Tickets £7 Polka is delighted to be offering some great workshops for both pupils and teachers. Why not bring the magic of Polka to your school? Polka’s directors, puppeteers, playwrights and actors can lead workshops in your school hall. We can work with up to 30 children at a time and tailor-make the experience to suit your group. To book a workshop contact Lucia on 020 8545 8329 or lucia@polkatheatre.com.
Tue 20 - Fri 23 Mar M6 Theatre presents
Fri 1 Jun Theatre of Widdershins presents
Fri 15 Jun Garlic Theatre presents
One Little Word
The Elves and The Shoemaker
Fiddlesticks
A beautiful, moving story of friendship, power struggles and creative play with two characters that explore new space, new objects, dressing up and taking turns. This gentle production captures children’s imaginations and tells a meaningful story with just one little word! ‘Simple and brilliant!’ Early Years teacher
Running time 40 mins
3-6
years
EYFS & KS1
Elvis Schumacher has worked all his life creating the most beautiful footwear. But now everyone is buying shoes from the evil business man Bunyan Sole-less. With just one piece of leather left, can anyone help him? A much-loved, re-heeled tale featuring a beautifully crafted set and puppets, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse. Running time 60 mins
4-7 years
Tap your feet and listen to the beat in this lively blend of clowning, rod and shadow puppets, percussion and live music. A world of musical fantasy with imaginative characters and wonderful puppets created out of musical instruments. Running time 45 mins
4-7 years
EYFS & KS1
EYFS & KS1
Puppet-making Workshops
Page to Stage
Our professional puppet and prop makers deliver workshops exploring either rod puppets, hand puppets, two dimensional puppets, junk puppets or the art of object manipulation. Focusing on a theme or book you are working on in class, we can work with your group to create puppets and bring them to life.
Let us help you make books and stories more accessible by bringing them to life in your classroom using drama games and techniques.
Playwriting Workshops Our playwrights visit your class and work with them on devising their own script using creative drama techniques to focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing.
An Actor’s Life Workshop Learn warm-ups, acting techniques, improvisation exercises and some of the tricks of the trade.
Play in a Day
Embracing areas of Learning and Development within the EYFS, these shows have particular relevance to aspects within personal, social and emotional development; communication, language and literacy; knowledge and understanding of the world and creative development.
11
Bringin g curricu the lum to life
Our director visits your class and works with them throughout the day to devise a play. We can focus on a specific theme or aspect of the curriculum and through improvisation, role play and storytelling techniques, use drama to explore other areas of learning.
Multi-sensory Workshops These workshops are for SEN groups and can be adapted to suit your group’s individual needs. Contact Lucia for more information.
Teacher Training If you and a group of colleagues would like to learn more about creativity and using drama to teach across the curriculum why not book an inset session to take place at your school. Contact Janna on 020 8545 8326 for more information.
Run! A Sports Day Musical Workshop and Show Packages Behind the Scenes After-show Talk Package
New!
Book a behind the scenes aftershow talk package and find out how special effects are created in our productions for an extra £2 per ticket. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to talk to the director of the show and find out how the show was created and discover some of the magic behind the scenes on Friday 22 June. Show-related Workshop Why not book a show-related workshop package and save £’s! Our workshops will inspire and bring the shows to life using drama to explore key themes and issues from Run! A Sports Day Musical. Our workshop packages are £350 for up to 30 children and include tickets to the show, a workshop at your school, a free teacher resource pack and free teacher tickets – all at a discounted package price. Limited number of packages available. For more information call the Box Office on 020 8543 4888 today!
12
Playhouse
2012 Schools performances are usually scheduled for 10.30am and 2pm. Please check with the Box Office for further information.
Calling all Year 5 & 6 teachers! Would you like the chance to work with a leading playwright and professional theatre practitioners? We are giving your school the opportunity to perform a new play written by one of Britain’s top playwrights at Polka. Polka is now recruiting six Year 5 & 6 class teachers to take part in Playhouse 2012. This unique creative learning and teacher development project has been running since 2005, in partnership with York Theatre Royal, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Dundee Rep. This year’s fantastic writers include children’s laureate Julia Donaldson, Nell Leyshon, Jane Thornton and David Wood. For your chance to be a part of Playhouse 2012 and work with one of these writers then please contact Janna@polkatheatre.com or call 020 8545 8326 for more information.
Main Theatre shows in violet Adventure Theatre shows in pink
“Working with the project was a great experience from start to finish. The drama workshops helped the children develop their confidence as well as their acting ability through taking part in fun games and activities. The actual performance at the theatre was an excellent opportunity… it was amazing to see the children rise to the occasion and give fantastic performances!”
June 12
Th 1 Twist of Gold
Fr 1 Run! Elves & Shoe… Tu 12 Run!
Fr 2 Twist of Gold Tu 6 Twist of Gold
We 13 Run! Th 14 Run! Fr 15 Run! Fiddlesticks Tu 19 Run!
We 7 Twist of Gold Th 8 Twist of Gold Fr
5.00
9 Twist of Gold
Tu 13 Twist of Gold
Th 15 Twist of Gold
10.35/2.05 10.35/2.05 10.35/2.05
Free tickets for teachers One teacher or accompanying adult goes free for every ten students. Teachers are also invited to claim free tickets to performances in the first week of a production, should you wish to preview a show before making a group booking. Contact the Box Office to book your free tickets.
13
Risk Assessment Polka can provide a written risk assessment for your visit to the theatre if you require it or download this from our website at www.polkatheatre.com/ editorial/booking-a-school-trip
Ices and drinks are available but must be ordered in advance. Contact the Polka Front of House team on 020 8545 8335 or download an order form from the Polka website.
Eating at Polka Polka makes a nominal charge of £10 for groups wishing to eat packed lunches at the theatre. Space for your group to eat must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. Please enquire with the Box Office when booking your group’s show tickets.
£10 saver show
11.00/2.05
Additional Copies of the Schools Brochure If your school requires more copies of the schools brochure or the family brochure then please email samantha@polkatheatre.com or call the Box Office.
We 27 Run! Th 28 Run! Fr 29 Run!
10.35/2.05
july 12 4.30
Th 29 Twist of Gold
Refreshments
Watch with baby performance
11.00/2.05
Fr 22 Run! Tu 26 Run!
Fr 16 Twist of Gold Tu 20 Twist of Gold One Little Word We 21 Twist of Gold One Little Word Th 22 Twist of Gold One Little Word Fr 23 Twist of Gold One Little Word Tu 27 Twist of Gold
We 20 Run! Th 21 Run!
We 14 Twist of Gold
Reduced-price preview performance After-show talk
march 12
We 28 Twist of Gold
Cheques are payable to Polka Theatre. In most cases, payment must be made at least 6 weeks before the date of your visit.
Twist of Gold runs from the 21 Feb.
Jenny Peqini, Playhouse Teacher Merton Park Primary
Reservations and payments
Twilight schools shows
Fr 30 Twist of Gold
April 12 Tu 17 Twist of Gold We 18 Twist of Gold Th 19 Twist of Gold Fr 20 Twist of Gold Polka will be closed for a month from 24 April - 26 May for vital maintenance work. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
We 4 Inside Out
10.30
Th 5 Inside Out
10.30/2.05
Fr 6 Inside Out
10.30/2.05
Tu 10 Inside Out
10.30/2.00
/2.05
We 11 Inside Out
10.30/2.00
Th 12 Inside Out
10.30/2.00
Fr 13 Inside Out
10.30/2.00
Tu 17 Inside Out
10.30/2.05
We 18 Charlie and Lola Inside Out Th 19 Charlie and Lola Inside Out Fr 20 Charlie and Lola Inside Out
10.30 10.35/2.00 10.30 10.35/2.05 10.30 10.35/2.05
Box Office: 020 8543 4888
NEW Twilight Schools Shows We are pleased to announce that we are offering schools twilight performances for selected shows this season, after feedback from you. Please look out for this symbol. If you have any feedback then please email samantha@polkatheatre.com
www.polkatheatre.com
By bus X
A
N
D
R
A
R
D
57, 93, 219, 131 stop outside at the Polka Theatre stop 156, 163, 164, 200, stop nearby
D ITY R
LE A
U
’S
TRIN
Q
N EE
RD
RD
WIMBLEDON
S
G
LD
Wimbledon, District Line South Wimbledon, Northern Line D ’S R
D N R
RD
S TO
RD
TO N
D
MER
EL
MER
FI
TFIE
A D W AY PA L
RT
HAR
By tube
D K R
ON
A
CRE
ST
H
DUNDONALD RD
E B RO
PA R
YD
TH
TH
HA
EO
RG
E’
S
SOU
KIN
ON GST
By train Wimbledon (14 minutes from Waterloo)
By tram Wimbledon
RD
SOUTH WIMBLEDON
By bike There is a cycle rack at the theatre Design: Eureka! www.eureka.co.uk Print: PPS Fine Print
Coach Parking We would suggest that coach drivers are informed that parking on The Broadway is not permitted. Once the children have been dropped outside the theatre, coaches are welcome to wait in Morden Park Car Park (Merton College), London Road, Morden, SM4.
Did you know that you and your school can get FREE travel through TFL? Simply email school.party@tube.tfl.gov.uk for more information and an application form or phone The School Party Admin Team 0845 330 9876 then select option 2 then option 4.
Wheelchair access
Induction loop
BSL interpreted performances
Working dogs welcome
Autism friendly performances Accessible toilet Touch tours Specialist workshops Scripts available in advance
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Tue - Fri: 9.30am - 4.30pm Sat: 10am - 4.30pm Polka is a registered charity no. 256979
With the support of the Culture programme of the European Union.
Printed on mixed source paper from responsibly managed forests
We are committed to making Polka accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements, please let us know when booking.
Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway Wimbledon London SW19 1SB