February August 2014
snap
your polka donation will be matched
World-class theatre for children aged 0 -14
Help us light up the imagination in every child – whatever their background or ability. As a registered charity, we rely on the generous donations from our supporters to ensure we continue to reach over 90,000 children each year. Every donation you make by June 2014 will be matched £1 for £1 thanks to our Catalyst Arts Award from Arts Council, England. For example your £10 will be worth £20 to Polka children and with Gift Aid potentially as much as £25.
donate today
Just text POLK22 £5 to 70070, or visit www.polkatheatre.com and click DONATE NOW. For more information on how you can support or sponsor Polka, contact Sonja Lahiff, Fundraising Officer on 020 8545 8368 or email sonja@polkatheatre.com
With the support of the Culture programme of the European Union.
Design: Eureka! www.eureka.co.uk
Thank you!
© Moomin Characters ™
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Polka is a registered charity no. 256979
Box Office: 020 8543 4888
For information visit: www.polkatheatre.com
/polkatheatre
Box Office: 020 8543 4888
@polkatheatre
For information visit: www.polkatheatre.com
Welcome!
20 FEBRUARY - 8 MARCH Main Theatre • Running time 50 minutes, no interval Engine House and Lakeside present
A fantastical fairytale adapted by Mike Kenny
There’s plenty to spark the imagination this spring and summer at Polka. Why not get creative and try something new with one of our Take Part activities? See p10 -12 for a great selection of workshops and courses.
Moominmania hits Polka in June. Bring the whole family to meet some very cute and curious creatures as Tove Jansson’s much-loved characters come to life in Moominsummer Madness. For younger children this summer, we are excited to bring back our critically acclaimed puppet opera Skitterbang Island. © Moomin
See you at Polka soon!
The Polka Blog Zone! Check out the Polka Blog for the latest behind-the-scenes news, competitions and activities. Visit www.polkatheatre.com/blog
/polkatheatre @polkatheatre
4-7 years
Please refer to our policy on children under this age range (p17)
“An imaginative treat to warm the heart” Nottingham Post
Once upon a time there was a young girl who went to spend the night at Grandma’s house… and her little brother came too! She wanted to go to sleep but he was having none of it. Grandma’s attic is far too exciting for sleeping! Following a sell-out run in 2012 this delightful adaptation of the children’s classic by the Olivier Award-winning Mike Kenny returns to Polka, directed by Matt Aston with songs by Julian Butler.
Tickets £12.50 • Concessions £9 £1.50 transaction charge per booking
Characters ™
12 - 22 MARCH
What’s coming up? -14 Minotaur 8years
4 - 8 Moominsummer years Madness 3 - 6 Skitterbang years Island 8+ I, Peaseblossom years I, Caliban
For exclusive news, games and competitions:
Performance diary p17 -18 Younger than 4? Join us for an All Ages Welcome performance see p17 -18 for dates and times
For the Easter holidays, ages 8 -14 are transported to another time and place in the gripping adventure Minotaur.
And that’s not all – take a peek at our Visiting Adventures, showcasing the best children’s theatre from around the country.
erm Half-t un! f y holida
3 -13 years
Take Part
Main Theatre • Running time 2 hours approx, including interval
p9 p10 - 12
6 mths -7yrs
Visiting Adventures
Join our www.polkatheatre.com Box e-mail Office list 020at8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
In a town not so far away, a friendly orphaned girl called Momo has a mysterious enemy to fight. Creeping through the alleys are the sinister Men in Grey, intent on stealing as much time as they can. With the help of Professor Hora and his clairvoyant tortoise, Momo must save her friends before the world she knows is lost forever.
p7 - 8
Creative Courses & Workshops
/polkatheatre
A breathtaking musical fantasy based on the novel by Michael Ende, author of The Neverending Story
p5 - 6
Filament Theatre and Greenwich Theatre present
p3 - 4
p13 - 15
Performance diary p17 -18 Younger than 7? Join us for an All Ages Welcome performance on Sat 22 Mar 11am See p17
7+
years
Please refer to our policy on children under this age range (p17)
Momo’s inspirational story comes to life with dazzling vocals, beautiful original songs, puppetry and storytelling. Adapted from the novel by Michael Ende. Devised by Osnat Schmool and Sabina Netherclift with Annie Siddons. Lyrics and music by Osnat Schmool. Directed by Sabina Netherclift. Written by Annie Siddons. Stage rights: Verlag fuer Kindertheater Weitendorf, Hamburg.
Tickets £12.50 • Concessions £9 £1.50 transaction charge per booking
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
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4 April - 24 May Main Theatre • Running time 1 hour and 40 minutes approx, including interval Polka Theatre and Clwyd Theatr Cymru Theatre for Young People present
Minotaur By Kevin Dyer
Myth meets modern day in a boy’s heroic quest to save his dad Freddie receives a mysterious text message from his dad, a soldier fighting in a faraway war. He is in trouble and only his son can help. Transported to the twisting, turning labyrinth of ancient Minos, Freddie must travel through time to fulfil his destiny. Can he slay the half-bull, half-man Minotaur and rescue his father? The award-winning writer of The Monster under the Bed fuses a modern-day war story with Greek mythology to create a gripping high-stakes adventure. A co-world premiere by Polka Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru Theatre for Young People (Wales) and Young People’s Theatre (Toronto, Canada)
8 -14 years
Please refer to our policy on children under this age range (p17)
Performance diary p17 -18 £9 Saver Shows Fri 4 Apr 7pm, Sat 5 Apr 2pm After-show Talk Sat 19 Apr 2pm Integrated Sign Language Performance Sat 10 May 2pm Signed by Russell Aldersson and Jacqui Beckford Audio Described Performance Sat 17 May 2pm
Tickets £13.50 • Concessions £9 • Previews £9 #minotaur2014
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Take part!
Act, sing, dance and create at Polka. See p10 - 12 for our holiday workshops and creative courses.
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
Illustration by Eamon O’Donoghue
£1.50 transaction charge per booking
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
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11 June - 16 August
Take part!
Main Theatre • Running time approx 1 hour 35 minutes, including interval
Act, sing, dance and create at Polka. See p10 - 12 for our holiday workshops and creative courses.
Polka Theatre and Royal & Derngate, Northampton in association with Little Angel Theatre present
Moominsummer Madness T
Moominsummer Madness
nsson a J ove
By Tove Jansson Translated by Thomas Warburton Adapted by Phil Porter Directed by Peter Glanville and Dani Parr
Meet the Moomins on a summer adventure Breathtaking puppetry, live music and humour bring Tove Jansson’s much-loved Moomins to life on stage. When a huge flood sweeps through Moominvalley, the Moomins find an exciting new home… a floating theatre! But why is there a door in the floor? Why does the scenery start changing? And where do Moomintroll, Little My and Snork Maiden disappear to? As strange things start to happen it seems the only way to bring the family back together is to put on a play! Tove Jansson’s adorable Moomins have charmed children for generations. Now one of her most popular stories jumps from page to stage, for the perfect summer family treat.
Tickets £13.50 • Concessions £9 • Previews £9 £1.50 transaction charge per booking
#moominmadness
4-8 years
Please refer to our policy on children under this age range (p17)
Performance diary p17 -18 £9 Saver Shows Sat 14 Jun 11am & 2.30pm After-show Talk Sat 26 Jul 2.30pm
© M o o m in C h
a ra ct
ers
™
Relaxed Performance Sat 28 Jun 11am Integrated Sign Language Performance Sat 5 Jul 3.30pm Signed by Jacqui Beckford and Martin Fox-Roberts Younger than 4? The whole family can enjoy the show, whatever their age, at an All Ages Welcome performance. See p18 for dates and times
Summer Special Offer! SAVE £2.50 per ticket on Moominsummer Madness when you also book for Skitterbang Island* *Subject to availability. Not available on concessions, saver shows, previews or school performances. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please note that under 4s can only be admitted to All Ages Welcome performances of Moominsummer Madness.
Produced by special arrangement with Agency North Ltd, www.agencynorth.com © Moomin Characters ™
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Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
6
25 JUNE - 16 AUGUST Adventure Theatre • Running time 45 minutes, no interval Polka Theatre and Little Angel Theatre present
Skitterbang Island By Phil Porter and Martin Ward Based on an original idea by Danny Vice-Holt Directed by Peter Glanville
A heart-warming puppet opera for children Storm! Shipwreck! Adventure! Lost on an island in the very north of the world, a brave little girl meets a shy, curious creature… Not only does he look odd, he sounds different too! Meet the Skitterbang. In his cave full of metal and junk washed up from the sea, he shows her his newest treasure which sounds so beautiful. But who does it really belong to? Join us for an exciting tale of discovery and friendship as we journey to a magical world full of music, song, rhythm and harmony. Following sell-out performances at Polka in 2010, the critically acclaimed Skitterbang Island sails back for an enchanting summer treat with a difference.
“Delightful in every way… a real treat for both parents and children” The Guardian
3-6 years
Performance diary p17 -18 Relaxed Performance Sat 19 Jul 11.05am
Take part!
Puppets and Sails Workshop Thu 24 Jul • 10 -11.30am A family puppet workshop inspired by Skitterbang Island for ages 4 - 6 and their parents/carers. See p10 -12 for more holiday workshops and creative courses.
Tickets £11 • Concessions £8.50 £1.50 transaction charge per booking
SAVE £2.50 per ticket on Moominsummer Madness when you also book for Skitterbang Island* *Subject to availability. Not available on concessions, saver shows, previews or school performances. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please note that under 4s can only be admitted to All Ages Welcome performances of Moominsummer Madness.
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Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
Illustration by Kristina Swarner
Summer Special Offer!
Photography by Ludovic des Cognets
#skitterbang
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
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come along and...
Wed 28 May - Sat 31 May Main Theatre • Running time 1 hour for each performance Company of Angels presents
erm Half-t un! f y holida
By Tim Crouch
A magical introduction to Shakespeare
8+ years
Please refer to our policy on children under this age range (p17)
Performance diary p17 -18 Younger than 8? Join us for an All Ages Welcome performance on Thu 29 May (see p18 for times)
I, Caliban A sweet and sorry tale of injustice, magic and missing your mum, as told by Caliban, a puppy-headed monster alone on Prospero’s island at the end of The Tempest. Both shows are self contained, so you can enjoy just one or both. Why not make a day of it and stay for lunch at Polka in between the two performances.
Tickets £12.50 • Concessions £9 Per show. £1.50 transaction charge per booking
Ne w!
In partnership with Tea Dance for Little People
The only cafe that serves you art instead of food! Order what you would like from the menu – your very own story, art activity or musical serenade – and enjoy having it delivered by our especially talented tea ladies and waiters who love to get everyone up and dancing! Please book a ticket in advance, online or at the Box Office, to avoid disappointment.
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Opening Hours: Fridays 31 Jan, 28 Feb, 28 Mar 10 - 11am, 11.15am - 12.15pm, 1.30 - 2.30pm, 2.45 - 3.45pm £10 child, £5 for each extra child An adult must accompany children, but there is no charge for adult tickets.
PLAYMAKERS
5 -9 years
Get creative and develop your own performances over 10 weeks.
Paint Splash Splosh
Ocean Motion
Create and Perform
Tue 25 Feb - 25 Mar
Tue 22 Apr - Tue 20 May
Wed 23 Apr - Wed 2 Jul
Five fun-filled weeks of multisensory messy play sessions as children explore colour, painting, movement and music. Wear old clothes as you will get dirty! £35 for 5 weeks 3 - 4 yrs (foundation) 3 - 3.45pm 4 - 5 yrs (reception) 4 - 4.45pm
Move and groove to the rhythm of the ocean in a creative movement course exploring what lies beneath the waves. Become scuttling crabs and galloping sea horses; do the eight-legged octopus dance and the jelly fish jive! £35 for 5 weeks 3 - 4 yrs (foundation) 3 - 3.45pm 4 - 5 yrs (reception) 4 - 4.45pm
(excluding 28 May)
Tue 3 Jun - Tue 1 Jul
*Subject to availability. Not to be used in conjunction with other offers
years
3 -5 years
Use drama and creative play to develop communication and social skills, build confidence and encourage self expression.
Summer Safari
Special offer – book both shows for £18*
The Pop Up tea room 0 -5
Act, sing, dance, direct and create at Polka! Whatever you’re interested in, experience life behind the scenes at a real working theatre. Polka has opportunities for everyone to get involved, have fun and learn new skills with top theatre professionals.
Creative Explorer courses
Shakespeare’s most popular stories come to life in two fresh, fun shows. Meet Peaseblossom and Caliban as they draw you into A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest. I, Peaseblossom A funny, enchanting journey through the world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, brought to life by Peaseblossom, Shakespeare’s most neglected fairy.
take part
A five-week drama, play and creative movement course to inspire young imaginations. Get out your binoculars and see what animals you can spot under the setting sun as we discover the wildlife, stories and music from Africa. £35 for 5 weeks 3 - 4 yrs (foundation) 3 - 3.45pm 4 - 5 yrs (reception) 4 - 4.45pm
4 - 5.30pm Join us for a 10 week course exploring all aspects of theatre and make your own show. You will create characters, scenes and stories; make the props, the music, songs and dances, to perform at the end of the course for family and friends. £85 for ten weeks
Sum Summer schools mer sch ools Polka’s Summer Polka’s Summer Puppet Puppet Theatre Theatre
6 -9
years
Musical Theatre Musical Theatre Summer Summer School School
8 - 13 years
Mon 4 - Fri 8 Aug 10.30am - 3.30pm
Mon 11 - Fri 15 Aug 10.30 am - 3.30pm
Perform Step ontoonthe thePolka PolkaMain MainStage! Stage At this for friends week-long and family! summer At this school you will work week-long summer with aschool professional you will puppet work with maker, a professional director and puppet musician maker, director to design andand musician createto your own design, create puppet andand perform perform witha musical your ownstory puppet. live. £100
A whole Led by theatre week of professionals, music, dance get set and drama to create led bysongs theatre and dance moves in professionals, with your thevery chance own musical to perform theatre on the production Polka stage to for be performed friends and family on the at Polka the end Main of Stage the week. to family £100 and friends at the end of the week. £100
£1.50 transaction charge per booking
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
10 12 For For more more details details and and totobook bookvisit visitwww.polkatheatre.com www.polkatheatre.com oror call call 020 020 8543 8543 4888 4888 12
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM WORKSHOPS Dancing Dragons Tue 18 Feb 10am - 12pm
6-8
years
Create your own Chinese dragon puppet and welcome in the Chinese New Year with a dragon dance! £25
Actor’s Boot Camp Wed 19 Feb 10.30am - 1pm
7 - 11 years
Back by popular demand! Spend the morning working with a professional actor who’ll put you through your paces with games and exercises. £30
Gorilla Magic
3-4
years
Thu 20 Feb 3 - 4 yrs 4 - 5 yrs
4 -5
years
10 -11.15am 11.30am - 12.15pm
Bring in your own treasured toy and work with our storyteller to bring it to life in a special story. £15
Writer’s Lab
easter holiday WORKSHOPS Nursery Rhyme, Story Time, Music Mix
0 -5
years
Tue 8 Apr 9.30 - 10.30am 11.15am - 12.15pm
Spring in Your Step!
Thu 10 Apr 10.30am - 3.30pm
7 - 11 years
Bit of a joker? Then you’ll love this downright hilarious physical clowning and slapstick workshop for all budding comedians and class clowns. £30
years
Experiment with different characters, scenes, plots and endings and create your own unique story. £30
Act Direct
8 - 13
Fri 11 Apr 10.30am - 3.30pm
years
If you love drama, then this is the class for you. Work with a professional theatre director for a day to direct and perform in a brand new piece of theatre. £30
Spring Sing Song
3-4
years
Bouncing 3 - 4 4 - 5 years years Bunnies Bumper Workshop Wed 16 Apr 3 - 4 yrs (foundation) 9.30 - 10.45am 4 - 5 yrs (reception) 11am - 12.15pm Bunny ears at the ready… Get your little ones full of the joys of spring with an Easter-themed creative movement and craft workshop. £18
Awesome Adventures
7 - 11 years
Thu 17 Apr 10.30am - 3.30pm Your story, your play, all in one day! Whether hero or villain, devise your own adventure and create a play to perform for family and friends at the end of the day. £30
4 -5
years
Summer holiday Workshops
Tue 27 May 3 - 4 yrs (foundation) 9.30 - 10.45am 4 - 5 yrs (reception) 11am - 12.15pm Calling all songbirds, create stories and sing along to the sounds of spring in this music and storytelling workshop. £18
West End Work Out
years
8 -13
Fri 21 Feb 10.30am - 3.30pm
Big theatre stage sets start life as a miniature model box. Discover how theatrical designs come to life and create your own small scale theatre in this art and craft workshop exploring stage and costume design. £30
6-9
Step, bounce and leap into spring! Bring your coolest moves and work with a professional choreographer to create a movement and dance piece inspired by spring. £30
Physically Funny!
6-9
years
Tue 15 Apr 10.30am - 3.30pm
This is one for tots and parents. Join us for a family music and story workshop giving a fun new twist to your favourite nursery rhymes and stories. £18 for child and parent/carer
Wed 9 Apr 10.30am - 3.30pm
Behind the Scenes: Miniature Theatre Model Box Making
May Half-Term Workshops
Wed 28 May 10.30am - 3.30pm
7 - 11 years
Sing and dance to your favourite show tunes and flex your musical theatre muscles as you prepare to perform for family and friends at the end of the day. £30
6-9
Thu 29 May 10.30am - 3.30pm
years
Can you spin a good yarn? Explore ways to bring your stories to life on stage in this drama and storytelling workshop, then perform your ideas for family and friends. £30
Fri 30 May 10am - 1pm
Thu 24 Jul 10 -11.30am A family workshop inspired by Polka’s summer show Skitterbang Island. Kids and parents work together to create puppets, paper boats and sails, led by our professional puppet maker. £18 for child and parent/carer
Quirky Characters: Play in a Day
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
6 -9
years
8 - 13 years
An essential workshop for all budding actors. Get expert advice from a professional actor, learn real acting techniques and devise your own short scenes. £25
We’ve raided the Polka wardrobe so you can create original new characters based on our old props and costumes. Everything you need for a play in a day. £30
Summer Fiesta Tue 29 Jul 10.30am - 3.30pm
7 - 11
Blue Sky Flying High
3-4
years
4 -5
years
Wed 30 Jul 3 - 4 yrs (foundation) 9.30 - 10.30am 4 - 5 yrs (reception) 11am - 12pm Shine like the sun or fly away with the birds in a lively movement and drama workshop inspired by the wide blue sky, designed to get children up and moving. £18
Beaches, Bubbles and Boats
3-4
years
4 -5
years
Thu 31 Jul 3 - 4 yrs (foundation) 9.30 - 10.30am 4 - 5 yrs (reception) 11am - 12pm Let’s hit the beach with an imaginative storytelling and drama workshop exploring what we see at the seaside. £18
years
Get the party started at this summer style workshop. Create colourful Carnival masks and headdresses and show them off in a parade through Polka. £30
Take Part supported by
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4 -6
years
Fri 25 Jul 10.30am - 3.30pm
Telling Tales
Acting Up
Skitterbang Island: Puppets and Sails
If you take part in a Polka workshop or see a show at Polka, it counts towards your Arts Award.
Polka’s Young Voices Panel has been working hard to guarantee that our workshops for ages 8+ are fun, lively and engaging.
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
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visiting adventures Polka showcase the best early years theatre from around the country Tickets for Visiting Adventures are £11, £8.50 concessions (£1.50 transaction charge per booking) Group Discount – Book 10 tickets and get the 11th free See p17 - 18 for performance times
Easter holiday
Sat 5 Apr
4 -7
45 mins Ripstop Theatre presents
Wed 19 - Sat 22 Feb 40 mins Major Mustard presents
3 -6
years
Ugly Duckling
Tue 4 - Sat 8 Mar
6 -18 mths
30 mins +10 mins playtime Sarah Argent & Theatr Iolo presents
Out of the Blue
Funky Feathers is feeling low. Can Major Mustard cheer him up? In this lively version of Hans Christian Anderson’s popular story, Major Mustard combines puppetry, music and storytelling to give a new flavour to a well-known tale.
An enchanting performance for babies and toddlers full of captivating images and intriguing sounds followed by playtime. He’s waiting for something to arrive… Ding, dong, doorbell. A parcel. “What’s inside?” There’s paper to play with – scrunch, crunch, rip, rustle. Hiding… “Peek-a-boo!” Then, out of the blue, the most special delivery of all…
Thu 20 - Sat 22 Mar Thu 15 - Sat 17 May
3 -6
years
55 mins Word Pepper presents
The PoetryJoe Show Join PoetryJoe, star of CBeebie’s Rhyme Rocket, for his light-up world of fabulous foods, beastly bugs and peculiar pets! Meet lots of new friends – a naughty but nice hamster, a cheating cheetah and a whole family made out of paper and light. This magical introduction to poetry mixes interaction with live performance, giving children the chance to write their own poem.
45 mins Freehand Theatre presents
3 -6
A playful and musical interpretation of a tale that’s not too big and not too small, but just right. Everyone knows the story of the Three Little Bears, but when they won’t wake up, it’s not so easy to tell! Luckily one little girl is always a step ahead and when small bear gets lost, we all have to go on a bear hunt.
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45 mins + playtime Tell Tale Hearts presents
4 -6
years
45 mins Crooked Timber presents
4 -7
years
Liang and the Magic Paintbrush Liang dreams of being a painter but is too poor to buy himself a paintbrush. Join him on a magical adventure where his wish can come true. An inventive and gentle show that uses puppets, origami, live painting and video images to bring this much-loved Chinese tale to life.
Tue 25 - Sat 29 Mar 45 mins Little Angel Theatre presents
2 -6
years
Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Biff is not like ordinary dogs. He likes moonlight, music and walking on his tiptoes.You see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog, Biff thinks he’s a ballerina. Based on the popular picture book, this hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams comes to life with beautiful puppets, music and comedy.
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
50 mins Filskit Theatre presents
3 -6
years
Yummm!
The Feather Catcher
An imaginative look at food through the eyes of a child using dance, comedy, live music and some amusing eating utensils. This interactive experience where tables can dance and plates spin includes a play session where the children get to serve the adults.
A playful story about friendship, working together and mischievous feathers. Freda loves feathers but there’s one special feather that she just can’t catch on her own. Can Greta help her quest and teach her about friendship at the same time? This non-verbal show uses live music and beautiful projection to tell a delightful tale of teamwork.
Tue 22 - Thu 24 Apr 35 mins + playtime
2 -3
years
Yummm! Enjoy a tailor-made performance of Yumm! for ages 2 - 3 and celebrate all that is messy at meal times! Followed by a short play activity where the children get their own utensils to play with.
Easter holiday
Sat 10 May
A tale of bravery and mousey heroics as Hickory goes into the Big Wide World and meets Lady Dickory the Town Mouse. Expect musical chickens and a guest appearance from The Man in the Moon in a thoughtful, funny and musical puppet play based on the well-known fable.
4 -7
years
50 mins Norwich Puppet Theatre presents
3 -6
years
Town Mouse Country Mouse Fri 14 - Sat 15 Mar
Fri 2 - Sat 3 May
A show full of wonder and mayhem for anyone who believes in magic. Follow the quest to uncover the exciting story about a child who has ventured into Fairyland and must be rescued from the clutches of the Fairy Queen. Inspired by the Cottingley Fairies, this fantastical tale blends shadow puppetry with stunning projections and animation.
45 mins Hand to Mouth Theatre presents
years
Who’s Been Sitting in my Chair?
Tue 15 - Sat 19 Apr
A Real Fairy Tale
Tue 8 - Sat 12 Apr Fri 28 Feb - Sat 1 Mar
years
The Frog and the Princess Fri 25 - Sat 26 Apr Thu 22 - Sat 24 May
6 mths - 3 yrs
35 mins + 10 mins playtime Birdsnest Theatre presents
Wash Join the adventures of a favourite toy needing its very first wash, with song, rhythm, puppetry and movement. From its first dip in the warm soapy water to styling his soft clean fur, this multi-sensory experience allows you to touch and feel each stage of the journey. With the support of the Small Size Seeding Fund
An entertaining and musical retelling of the traditional Brothers Grimm story that follows the journey of a Princess and a Frog as they become friends. These humorous characters display traits that children can recognise and empathise with, in a puppet play that looks at what can happen when different cultures meet.
More Visiting Adventures over the page.
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
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Small size, big citizens
27 May - 7 Jun 35 mins Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic present
2 -5
years
How Cold My Toes A fun-filled journey through the seasons performed by the award-winning theatre company Travelling Light. From the seed-sprouting vitality of spring to the frosty frozen fingers of winter, this magical mix of performance, music and dance will captivate and delight young children and their families. Winter’s never been this hot and summer’s never been this cool!
Fri 13 - Sat 14 Jun
3-6
years
45 mins Hand To Mouth Theatre presents
Jack at the Beanstalk Cafe Customers at the Beanstalk Cafe tell each other stories using anything they can lay their hands on, including the tables, tablecloths, food and cutlery. Watch as two full-grown adults play with their food and learn how many beans make five, using live animation, shadows, puppets and music.
As the UK partner within Small size, the network project funded by The European Community EACEA to promote the performing arts within early childhood across 12 countries, Polka receives funding to support our programme of visiting productions for early years and in particular to develop, promote and subsidise theatre for babies and toddlers. Two of our featured productions this season have benefited from the project’s Seed Fund and we are delighted to bring back Out of the Blue and Wash previously developed with the support of Small size and in collaboration with Polka.
With the support of the Culture programme of the European Union.
“This charming show bursts with a heightened sense of fun”
General information How to Book Online: Select your own seats at www.polkatheatre.com By Phone: 020 8543 4888 Mon 9.30am - 4.30pm Tue - Fri 9.30am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4.30pm
Wheelchair access
Induction loop
Discounts
Integrated Sign Language Performances
Audio Described Performances
Concessions are available for those registered unemployed or receiving benefits (includes Pension Credits). A 20% concessionary rate is available for workshops. For group bookings, every eleventh ticket is free. Reduced-price preview tickets, where available, are limited to four per family. Free carer/companion tickets are available.
Refunds and Exchanges
Get inspired with a free Saturday morning of storytelling featuring some of the most dynamic spoken word artists and storytellers in the UK today. 3+ years
How do I get tickets? Email storytelling@polkatheatre.com by 5pm on Monday 17 Februrary with your name, address, the date you would like (up to four per family). We’ll let you know if you have been allocated tickets by Monday 24 February.
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Sat 1 March We welcome Jeanette Barrett for some African Caribbean Stories with a twist.
Sat 7 June Usifu Jalloh entertains us with drumming, dancing and songs from Sierra Leone.
Sat 5 April Acclaimed storyteller and musician Winston Nzinga joins us to share the Ghanian story of Kofi and the Lion and Mother and Baby Fish from Guyana.
Sat 5 July We welcome Samantha Adams with new and old tales from the African and Caribbean tradition. In this exuberant story performance, listeners are invited to share their own favourite story characters too!
Sat 3 May Join Christine Cooper for tales of the seven seas where you’ll fight pirates, visit the Sea King’s palace, board a ship of the dead, and sing plenty of sea shanties along the way.
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
We are committed to making Polka accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements, please let us know when booking.
In person: Opening times Tue - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Sat 10am - 4.30pm
The Guardian
World of Stories and Music
access
We are unable to 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.
Access at Polka Enjoy free wireless internet access throughout Polka.
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
Mailing List To join our free mailing or email list, please contact the Box Office or sign up online www.polkatheatre.com
Working dogs welcome
Relaxed performances Accessible toilet Touch tours Specialist workshops Scripts available in advance
Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway Wimbledon London SW19 1SB Building opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9.30am - 4.30pm Sat: 10am - 4.30pm
How to Find Us Polka Theatre is a short walk from Wimbledon Station for the Tramlink, Underground (District Line) and National Rail (14 mins from Waterloo) and South Wimbledon Underground Station (Northern Line). For a map and details on how to get to Polka please visit www.polkatheatre.com
Parking There are car parks in Wimbledon Town Centre and limited pay-anddisplay bays near the theatre. See www.polkatheatre.com for details.
Large print brochure available by request. Babies and Toddlers Baby-changing facilities and a buggy park are available at the theatre and café staff will happily warm up baby food.
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? Drop in any time we’re open – play facilities are free to use and you don’t need a ticket.
Polka Café and Children’s Parties Open Tue - Fri, 9.30am - 4.30pm, and Sat, 10am - 4.30pm, serving a delicious range of hot and cold meals and snacks. Children’s tea parties are also available. For more information call 020 8545 8330 or email cafe@polkatheatre.com Sample menus can be viewed at www.polkatheatre.com/ editorial/polka-cafe
Box Office 020 8543 4888 • Book online @ www.polkatheatre.com
16
After-show Talk All Ages Welcome Relaxed Performance
Integrated Sign Language Performance
Audio Described Performance Free Storytelling (see p 15) Schools Performance
Families are very welcome to attend schools performances. Please check times and availability in advance by calling the Box Office.
All Ages Welcome Designated performances where the whole family can enjoy the show, whatever their age. These performances are not altered in any way, but allow you to still see a show if you also have children under the recommended age range.
Recommended Age Ranges To help you chose the most suitable show for your children please take note of age ranges. We cannot admit children under the recommended age range into the Main Theatre, except for performances marked All Ages Welcome.
Th
We 19 Ugly Duckling
Fr 2 Minotaur Feather Catcher 10.35/2.05
Sa 7 World of Stories How Cold… 12.00/3.00 We 11 Moomins
Fr 28 Pop-up Tea Room See p9 Dogs Don't… 10.30/2.00
Sa 3 World of Stories Minotaur 2.00 Feather Catcher 12.00/2.05
Sa 29 Dogs Don't…
Tu
Th 20 Fr 21 Sa 22 Tu 25
11.05/2.35
Red Riding Hood 11.00/2.30 Ugly Duckling 11.05 / 2.35 Red Riding Hood 11.00 /2.30 Ugly Duckling 11.05/2.35 Red Riding Hood 11.00 /2.30 Ugly Duckling 11.05/2.35
We 26 Dogs Don't…
10.30/2.00
Th 27 Dogs Don't…
10.30 /2.00
10.30/12.00/2.30
April 2014
We 26 Red Riding Hood
Fr
Th 27 Red Riding Hood
Sa 5 World of Stories Minotaur 2.00 Real Fairy Tale 12.00/2.05
Fr 28 Pop-up Tea Room See p9 Red Riding Hood Who's Been… 10.35/2.05
March 2014 Sa 1 World of Stories Red Riding Hood 12.00 /2.30 Who's Been… 12.05/2.35 Tu 4 Red Riding Hood Out of the Blue 10.35/2.05 We 5 Red Riding Hood Out of the Blue 10.35/12.30/2.05
We 12 Momo Th 13 Momo
Fr 14 Momo Liang & Magic… 10.35/2.05 Sa 15 Momo 11.00/2.30 Liang & Magic… 11.05/2.35 Tu 18 Momo
4 Minotaur
7.00
Tu 8 Minotaur Town Mouse…
2.00 11.05/2.05
We 9 Minotaur Town Mouse…
2.00 11.05/2.05
Th 10 Minotaur Town Mouse…
2.00 11.05/2.05
Fr 11 Minotaur Town Mouse…
2.00 11.05/2.05
6 Minotaur
Sa 12 Minotaur Town Mouse…
2.00 11.05/2.05
Th 17 Minotaur 2.00 Yummm! 4-6yrs 11.05/2.05
Fr
9 Minotaur
Sa 19 Minotaur 2.00 Yummm! 4-6yrs 11.05 /2.05
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Th 19 Moomins
Tu 13 Minotaur
Fr 20 Moomins
We 14 Minotaur
Sa 21 Moomins
11.00
Th 15 Minotaur PoetryJoe Show 10.35/2.05
We 25 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.05/1.35
Fr 16 Minotaur PoetryJoe Show 10.35/2.05
Th 26 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.05/1.35
Sa 17 Minotaur 2.00 PoetryJoe Show 11.05/2.05
Fr 27 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.05/1.35
Sa 28 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Su 29 Moomins Skitterbang…
12.00/3.00 12.05/3.05
Th 22 Minotaur Wash
10.35/2.05
Fr 23 Minotaur Wash
10.35/2.05
Sa 24 Minotaur Wash
2.00 11.05/2.05
Tu 27 How Cold…
2.30
Th 29 I, Caliban 11.30 I, Peaseblossom 2.00 How Cold… 10.30/2.05 Fr 30 I, Peaseblossom 11.30 I, Caliban 2.00 How Cold… 10.30/2.05 Sa 31 I, Caliban 11.30 I, Peaseblossom 2.00 How Cold… 10.30/2.05
Th 20 Momo PoetryJoe Show 10.35/2.05
Fr 25 Minotaur Wash
10.35/2.05
Fr 21 Momo PoetryJoe Show 10.35/2.05
Sa 26 Minotaur Wash
2.00 11.05 /2.05
Sa 22 Momo 11.00 /2.30 PoetryJoe Show 11.05/2.35
Tu 29 Minotaur
Tu
3 How Cold…
10.30/2.00
We 30 Minotaur
We 4 How Cold…
10.30/2.00
june 2014
Th
10.35/2.05
Sa 14 Moomins Jack… We 18 Moomins
Th 24 Minotaur Yummm! 2-3yrs 10.35 / 2.05
2.00
Fr 13 Moomins Jack…
Sa 10 Minotaur 2.00 Frog & Princess 11.05/2.05
We 19 Momo
Tu 25 Dogs Don't…
5 How Cold… 10.30/2.00
/2.30
Tu 1 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.05/1.35
We 2 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.05/1.35
Th 3 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.05/1.35
Fr 4 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.05/1.35
Sa 5 World of Stories Moomins 12.00 /3.30 Skitterbang… 12.05/3.35 Tu
8 Skitterbang…
10.35/2.05
We 9 Skitterbang…
10.35/2.05
Th 10 Skitterbang…
10.35/2.05
Fr 11 Skitterbang…
10.35/2.05
Sa 12 Skitterbang…
11.05/2.35
Tu 15 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.35/2.05
We 16 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.35/2.05
Th 17 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.35/2.05
Fr 18 Moomins Skitterbang…
10.35/2.05
Sa 19 Moomins Skitterbang…
2.30 11.05
Tu 22 Moomins Skitterbang…
2.30 11.05/2.35
We 23 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Th 24 Moomins Skitterbang…
2.30 11.05/2.35
Fr 25 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Sa 26 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Tu 29 Moomins Skitterbang…
2.30 11.05 /2.35
We 30 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Th 31 Moomins Skitterbang…
2.30 11.05/2.35
/2.35
august 2014
July 2014
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 17
10.30/2.00
Tu 17 Moomins
We 28 I, Peaseblossom 11.30 I, Caliban 2.00 How Cold… 10.30/2.05
Fr 18 Minotaur 2.00 Yummm! 4-6yrs 11.05/2.05
We 23 Minotaur Yummm! 2-3yrs 10.35/2.05
8 Minotaur
We 21 Minotaur
We 16 Minotaur 2.00 Yummm! 4-6yrs 11.05/2.05
Tu 22 Minotaur Yummm! 2-3yrs 10.35/2.05
Th
6 How Cold…
Th 12 Moomins
Tu 20 Minotaur
Tu 15 Minotaur 2.00 Yummm! 4-6yrs 11.05/2.05
Th 6 Red Riding Hood Out of the Blue 10.35/2.05
Sa 8 Red Riding Hood 10.30 /2.30 Out of the Blue 10.35/12.30/2.35
Fr
We 7 Minotaur
Red Riding Hood
Fr 7 Red Riding Hood Out of the Blue 10.35/2.05
1 Minotaur
Merton school holidays
£9 Saver Show
February 2014
Merton school holidays
Reduced-price Preview Performance
may 2014
Merton school Holidays
Aimed at children with autism, learning disabilities and sensory and communication disorders. Tickets for these performances must be booked by calling the Box Office.
Adventure Theatre shows in pink
Merton school holidays
Diary Key
Merton school holidays
diary
Relaxed Performances
Main Theatre shows in violet
Fr 1 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Sa 2 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Tu 5 Moomins Skitterbang…
2.30 11.05/2.35
We 6 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Th 7 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Fr
11.05/2.35
8 Skitterbang…
Sa 9 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Tu 12 Moomins Skitterbang…
2.30 11.05/2.35
We 13 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Th 14 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Fr 15 Skitterbang…
11.05/2.35
Sa 16 Moomins Skitterbang…
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
www.polkatheatre.com 18