Spring/Summer 2016 Season
Join Us. Support Us. Help us continue to share and create incredible theatre for children Whether you want to become a Family & Friends member or support Polka productions, the choice is yours. For full details, please see Support Us at www.polkatheatre.com or contact the Development team on 020 8545 8368.
Polka is a registered charity no. 256979
www.roalddahl.com Illustration reprinted with permission of AP Watt Ltd on behalf of Quentin Blake
Design: Eureka! www.eureka.co.uk
Co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union
Coming soon: James and the Giant Peach
Where theatre begins‌
What’s coming up? Ages
6 - 18+
Welcome to an action-packed new Spring/
Ages
7 - 18+
Summer Season at Polka. We present fresh new theatre for toddlers to teens, new adaptations of children’s books, classic
Nipt
tales, dance and an array of Take Part activities for children to get creative. Join the Roald Dahl centenary celebrations this summer, as we take to the skies in a very famous flying fruit. Polka’s acclaimed production of James and the Giant Peach is back with songs, laughter and an assortment of quirky creatures. Young people are at the heart of everything we do at Polka, and so
page 8
Kite
Hilarious physical comedy
page 7
An adventure as wild as the wind
The Box of Photographs
Ages
4-8
our thrilling new play by award-winning playwright Daniel Jamieson has been woven together from stories written by children aged 8 – 11.
New to Polka? See page 3 to find out about our theatre and facilities
Come and see the results in The Box of Photographs. Other season highlights include two visually stunning shows that will delight children and adults alike. Kite tells a poignant story with puppetry, dance and a kite soaring above the Polka stage. Nipt is physical comedy at its best; having wowed audiences across Europe we’re thrilled to present the national premiere of this extraordinary show from Belgium.
page 11
page 10
Every picture tells a story
A fast-paced fairy tale for the Easter holidays
Early Years
We look forward to seeing you at Polka soon!
Peter Glanville, Artistic Director
in the Adventure Theatre
April – May 2016 We bring you a
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com polkatheatre polkatheatre
collection of inspiring
Chester Tuffnut page 15
Ages
2-5
pages 9, 17–18 For the perfect introduction to theatre
shows for children as part of A Nation’s Theatre Festival, celebrating theatre created around the UK. www.anationstheatre.org.uk
1
Snow White
Ages
1+
Ages
7 - 11
About Polka
Polka is one of the few theatres in the UK dedicated exclusively to children. There’s always space at Polka to play, laugh, discover and create. Our welcoming theatre is home to a friendly café, garden, playground and a safe, fun-filled foyer with toys, books, dressing up and colouring in.
The Adventure Theatre is a cosy performance space and the perfect place to introduce under 5s to live theatre. Children can sit on the carpet to get as close to the action as they like, with additional seating available for adults. The Main Stage is a larger theatre, but still intimate enough to ensure that everyone feels close to the magic. Expect a range of shows to inspire and entertain; from imaginative new plays to inventive adaptations of popular stories.
Pop-in to Play! All of our play facilities are free and you don’t need a ticket to come inside.
Fri 12 – Sun 21 Feb A Mercury Theatre Colchester production
Not Now,
Bernard
& Other Monster Stories Everyone’s got a monster in them that wants to go Grrrr! It sometimes feels as though everyone’s just too busy to listen to little Bernard, but when he finds a big purple monster in the garden things rapidly go from bad to worse. For a half term family treat, David McKee’s much-loved Not Now, Bernard is joined by two of his other wonderfully funny (and not too scary) monster stories, The Two Monsters and The Monster And The Teddy Bear. Expect masks, puppets, music, possibly the biggest teddy in the world… oh, and LOTS of mess! Tickets £13.50, Concessions £10 Main Stage, 60 mins
Polka’s Take Part programme encourages children to explore and develop creativity through holiday workshops and weekly clubs and courses. See p19–23
Box Office: 0208543 85434888 4888 www.polkatheatre.com www.polkatheatre.com office: 020 33
Ages
3-8
Recommended for ages 3 - 8. Children younger than 3 can attend performances marked All Ages Welcome. See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts £1.50 transaction charge per booking
Now showing until 13 Mar A Polka Theatre and Little Angel Theatre co-production
Ages
3-6
Paper Dolls The
A lyrical tale from the author of The Gruffalo
When a little girl makes a string of paper dolls, she takes them by the hand on a fantastical adventure, whirling through their home and garden. Based on the book written by former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb. Tickets £12, Concessions £9 Adventure Theatre, 45 mins Many performances already sold out
Wed 2 – Sun 6 Mar
Ages
3 - 11
A Ballet Black production
Dogs Ballet Do
Don’t
A New Perspectives production
Tiger’s Bones The
& Other Stories
By Ted Hughes
Biff is a dog, but he’s not your usual kind of dog. Instead of chasing sticks and fetching newspapers, Biff loves tutus, tiaras and ballet! Watch as he practices pirouettes in the park and finally gets to go to the ballet. Full of fun, magic and music by Elgar and Tchaikovsky, this much-loved children’s book leaps off the page with the acclaimed Ballet Black, choreographed by Christopher Marney.
£1.50 transaction charge per booking TODDLER SHOWS available for ages 1 – 2
Tickets £13.50, Concessions £10 Main Stage, 50 mins
Mischief and mayhem from the author of The Iron Man Welcome to a timeless world of folklore and fable, in a dazzling new production of familiar stories approached from deliciously unexpected angles. Discover a cautionary tale about eating the wrong person’s stew, delve into a hilarious history of humankind and revel in a wild retelling of the nativity. Former Poet Laureate Ted Hughes is one of the giants of modern British literature. Blending drama, comedy, poetry and music this imaginative collection of stories follows in the footsteps of How the Whale Became and The Iron Man.
Recommended for ages 3–11. Children younger than 3 can attend performances marked All Ages Welcome.
Tickets £13.50, Concessions £10 Main Stage, 70 mins
See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts
£1.50 transaction charge per booking
£1.50 transaction charge per booking
5
Ages
7 - 11
A magical ballet based on Anna Kemp’s book
See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts
© Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb, 2013, Macmillan Children’s Books
Thu 25 – Sun 28 Feb
See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com
6 6
Thu 10 – Sun 13 Mar
Kite The Wrong Crowd in Association with Soho Theatre
Ages
77--18+ 11
An adventure as wild as the wind
‘Who needs words when theatre is this expressive?’
HHHH
The Times
A young girl is taken to live in her grandma’s London flat. Memories of seagulls begin to fade until one night a handmade kite comes to life heralding the start of a playful adventure. Inspired by the world of indoor kite flying and stories such as The Snowman, this stunning show takes flight with original music, dance, puppetry and kites soaring above Polka’s Main Stage.
Fri 18 – Sun 20 Mar A Laika production
Hilarious physical comedy in a house that’s too small Meet two neighbours who are too big for their house. They’re the best of friends and a perfect match, but what happens when they decide to live together? How can two people live in such cramped conditions when they have to perform acrobatic feats just to take off their coats? Nipt packs in the laughs as two flexible performers squeeze, twist and contort into some very tight corners, exploring observations from everyday life. Following huge acclaim across Europe, we’re thrilled to bring you the exclusive national premiere of Nipt. Suitable for everyone aged 6+ this funny, insightful play will delight children and adults alike.
Nipt Tickets £13.50, Concessions £10 Main Stage, 50 mins
Tickets £13.50, Concessions £10 Main Stage, 60 mins
Nipt is a play without words, accessible to Deaf/deaf and hearing audiences
Post-show meet the cast and kite: Join the cast to find out more about the performance and indoor kite flying following the 2.30pm show on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March. See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts
‘Small but perfectly formed’ Belfast Telegraph
(Narrow)
Created for everyone aged 7+, Kite is a play for children and adults.
Kite is a play without words, accessible to Deaf/deaf and hearing audiences
Ages Ages
63- 18+ - 11
Visit polkatheatre.com/blog to find out why Nipt is an incredible show for adults and children. See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts £1.50 transaction charge per booking
£1.50 transaction charge per booking
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Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 7
8 8
Sat 19 Mar – Fri 15 Apr
Ages
1-2
A Birdsnest Theatre production in association with Polka
Happy
Ages
3-5
Harry’s Café Based on the book by Michael Rosen Illustrated by Richard Holland
TODDLER PERFORMANCE Enjoy a tailor-made performance of Happy Harry’s Café for ages 1– 2 with a running time of 30 minutes. Look out for the on page 25
An Engine House and LipService production
Ages
4-8
By Mike Kenny
Soup and song in a new staging of Michael Rosen’s playful book
Feast your eyes on a fun-packed fairy tale for the Easter holidays
Happy Harry serves great soup at his café. It’s so deliciously good that his friends – Matt the Cat, Jo the Crow and Ryan the Lion – all rush to get his famous soup before it runs out. But today something’s wrong with Matt; he says the soup’s no good. What is Harry going to do?
It’s mayhem in the kitchen for sisters Bella and Bijou, the calamitous cooks who look after the royal household and the King’s daughter Snow White. It’s a kitchen crammed with cooking, chaos and cakes! Written by the Olivier Award-winning Mike Kenny, Engine House return to Polka following recent hit productions of Red Riding Hood and Flat Stanley. For their lively new show director Matt Aston joins forces with LipService Theatre to create a fast-paced fresh take on this famous tale, featuring plenty of music and song.
Join the ever-inventive Birdsnest Theatre as they bring Michael Rosen’s charming book to the stage; weaving together music, words, comedy and dance.
See page 1
Tickets £13.50, Concessions £10 Main Stage, 60 mins
Tickets £12, Concessions £9 Adventure Theatre, 40 mins
Snow White is recommended for ages 4-8. Children younger than 4 can attend All Ages Welcome performances.
See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts £1.50 transaction charge per booking
See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts
Happy Harry’s Café © Michael Rosen and Richard Holland 2012. Licensed by Walker Books Ltd., London. www.walker.co.uk Based on Happy Harry’s Café by Michael Rosen (© Michael Rosen 2012). Reproduced by permission of United Agents an behalf of Anthony Loyd.
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Snow White Wed 23 Mar – Sun 10 Apr
£1.50 transaction charge per booking See page 1
020 8543 4888 polkatheatre.com schoolbookings@polkatheatre.com Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com
10
22 Apr – 15 May A Polka Theatre production
Ages
7 - 11
The
Every picture tells a story… When Chelsea moves into a new flat with her mum, she finds a box of intriguing old photographs underneath her bed. The mysterious lady who lived there before must have left them just for her… The pictures are from another time, but as Chelsea dreams up fantastical stories about the children in the photos, they jump out of their frame and fill the room. Join Chelsea as she escapes to a world where imagination rules. Award-winning playwright Daniel Jamieson has created a thrilling new Polka show based entirely on ingenious stories written by local children, inspired by the photographs of Donne Buck. Tickets £13.50, Concessions and Previews £10 Main Stage After-show Talk Sat 7 May, 2.30pm BSL Performance Sat 7 May, 2.30pm Audio Described Performance Sat 14 May, 2pm See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts £1.50 transaction charge per booking In partnership with
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 11
www.polkatheatre.com
12
27 May – 14 August A Polka Theatre production
Ages
5 - 11
A fantastical musical adventure halfway around the world One dark night a mysterious man gives James Trotter an unexpected gift... a bag of glowing, wriggling lights, and a promise of magic. When James drops the bag underneath a dead tree, something amazing happens – a single peach begins to grow, and grow, and grow. Little does James realise that the enormous peach is the beginning of a marvellous adventure and a chance to escape his ghastly aunts. To celebrate Roald Dahl’s centenary in 2016, we bring you Polka’s acclaimed production of one of his most popular books. Join James and his new-found insect friends as they embark on an extraordinary journey with excitement, songs and laughter.
James
Giant and the
Peach Adapted for the stage by David Wood
Tickets £15, Concessions £10 Main Stage, 1 hour 45 minutes (including interval) All Ages Welcome performances available so you can bring the whole family See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts £1.50 transaction charge per booking
After-show Talk Sat 25 Jun, 2.30pm Relaxed Performance Sat 18 Jun, 11am BSL Performance Sat 18 Jun, 2.30pm Audio Described Performance Sat 2 Jul 2.30pm www.roalddahl.com Illustration reprinted with permission of AP Watt Ltd on behalf of Quentin Blake
‘A winning mix of wit and wonder’ Sunday Times Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 13
Wed 22 Jun – Sun 14 Aug
Chester Tuffnut A Polka Theatre and Gomito co-production
Ages
2-5
Meet Chester, the daredevil treemole on a summer Woodland escapade! Chester isn’t your ordinary treemole, in fact he is one of a kind! He likes jumpers and his armchair, but most of all he loves adventure – digging holes, making friends, reading books and being outdoors. It’s been so long since the curious creatures who live in Woodland have had any excitement, they’ve forgotten what to do. Luckily Chester is at hand to save his friends from boredom and bring happiness and laughter back to the forest. Join Chester as he encourages everyone to have at least one adventure every day, in an action-packed story about discovering new places. Includes a chance to stay and explore Chester’s Woodland at the end of the performance. Tickets £12, Concessions £9 Adventure Theatre, 50 mins including Woodland exploration See p24 – 26 for the Performance Diary, Age Policy and Group Discounts £1.50 transaction charge per booking
Relaxed Performance Sat 2 July, 12.30pm Illustration: Robyn Wilson-Owen
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 15
Visiting
Sat 14 – Sun 15 May, 45 mins Hand to Mouth Theatre
Adventures See page 1
Ages
3-6
Flights of Fancy Puppetry, music and laughter to tickle your fancy! In this menagerie of the imagination, follow the tale of a baby glovebird learning to fly and meet glovebirds who sing, balance and unicycle, and even a flying pig!
Inspiring shows for early years from around the UK and Europe
Sat 21 May – Sun 22 May, 50 mins
In the Adventure Theatre, Tickets £12, Concessions £9 (£1.50 transaction charge per booking)
Ripstop Theatre
Sat 16 – Sun 17 Apr, 45 mins
Join our intrepid explorer on an enchanting journey as she discovers hidden mermaids and mythical underwater KS1 creatures. An adventure on the high seas with pirates, treasure and magic tricks.
Hand to Mouth Theatre
KS1 Mermaid’s Tale EYFSReal A
Ages
3-6
The Emperor’s New Clothes A funny and gentle version of the Hans Christian Andersen classic. Illusions of grandeur are burst like soap bubbles as this well-known story of vanity is recounted with a washing machine, a clothes line, puppets and song.
Fri 22 – Sun 24 Apr, 45 mins Ripstop Theatre and Norwich Puppet Theatre
Sat 28 – Sun 29 May, 45 mins Old Saw
EYFS
Wed 1 – Sun 5 Jun, 50 mins Theater Nuu
Ages
KS1
Ages
2 -6
EYFS
It’s bed time, but it’s not quite time to go to sleep. Celebrate this special time of day with songs, storytelling, silliness and maybe even a pillow fight! Put on your PJs and join us, just before it’s time to say goodnight.
Freehand Theatre
KS1
Sa and La are building a big suitcase. They dance with it and sing with it, but what can they pack in it? Anything they like! A lively, imaginative performance based on the memory game played by children.
2-6
Bed Time
Fri 10 – Sun 12 Jun, 55 mins Theatr Iolo
EYFS
KS1
Ages
2-5
Boxy and Sticky Ages
3-6
Frogs and Snails and Teddy Bear Tales It’s Bear’s birthday tomorrow. His head is so full of excitement; how will he get to sleep? Stories of course, as imaginative tales about the seasons unfold. Why not bring a teddy bear to share the performance?
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 17
Ages
3-6
I Pack My Bag
Fri 6 – Sun 8 May, 50 mins
EYFS
Meet the animals and insects that lived in the meadow and see their stories come to life. Told with handcrafted puppets made from organic materials found in the meadow and stunning original music.
A woolly wonderland of a show with weaving, puppetry and music. Auntie is spinning wool for the King’s special jumper, but the Prince just wants to be a shepherd. Everyone gets their threads in a twist and then Rumpel you-know-who steps in...
Oxford Playhouse
3 -7
Meadow
Ages
3-7
Rumpelstiltskin
Wed 27 Apr – Sun 1 May, 50 mins
Ages
Welcome to a gloriously imaginative world full of mischief, dressing up and giggle-inducing wordplay, where two characters celebrate the games familiar to all children. Includes a 15 minute post-show play session.
Co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union
Polka is the UK partner within Small size, performing arts for early years
TAKE PART Act, dance, create, explore… at Polka we have opportunities for everyone to get involved. From holiday workshops to term time groups and Youth Theatre, children can step behind the scenes to create their own performances, have fun and learn new skills.
Every Wednesday 20 Apr – 29 Jun
Supported by
Every Friday 22 Apr – 1 Jul
Ages
3-5
Creative Explorers These weekly 45 minute sessions delivered by one of Polka’s experienced workshop leaders will focus on using imaginative play, movement, games and stories to develop communication and social skills, build confidence and encourage self-expression. £70 per term Ages 3 – 4 (Foundation) 2.45 – 3.30pm Ages 4 – 5 (Reception) 3.45 – 4.30pm
Ages
5-7
1st Act
Polka’s weekly drama group for ages 5 – 7 in Key Stage 1
No session 3 Jun
A gentle introduction to drama. Polka’s acting experts will lead children through aspects of creative drama using storytelling, movement and imaginative games. £85 per term Ages 5 – 7 (Key Stage 1) 4 – 5pm
Every Thursday 21 April – 30 June
No session 1 Jun
If you take part in a Polka workshop, it counts towards your Arts Award.
Polka’s Young Voices Panel guarantees our workshops for ages 8+ are fun, lively and engaging.
Ages
9 - 14
Polka Youth Theatre Every Wednesday 20 Apr – 29 Jun
Ages
7-9
Act 2
Polka’s weekly drama group for ages 7 – 9 in Key Stage 2 A chance to start exploring acting and performance skills in a fun, friendly environment. Participants will learn improvisation and role play techniques, characterisation and start devising their own scenes as a group. Throughout the year there will be opportunities to work with Polka directors, to explore mask, puppetry, mime and physical theatre. £85 per term Ages 7 – 9 (Key Stage 2) 5.15 – 6.15pm
A unique opportunity to get expert drama training and develop new performance skills, for everyone aged 9-14 who enjoys theatre and performance. - Work with leading theatre professionals - Devise and create a piece of original theatre - Perform on Polka’s Main Stage every year - Explore drama techniques used by professional actors. - Receive free tickets to selected Polka Theatre productions - No need to audition, just book and come along £90 per term Ages 9 – 14 4.30 – 6.30pm Performance date Thu 7 Jul No session 2 Jun
Box office: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 19 19
No session 1 Jun
20
Easter Holiday Workshops Wed 30 Mar
Ages
3-5
Bouncing Bunnies Jumpy Jive
Spring into action this Easter with an energetic, creative movement and dance morning inspired by Easter bunnies and other colourful creatures. £18 10 – 11am Thu 31 Mar
Ages
10-14
THEATRE UNLOCKED:
Animation Masterclass
Ages
7 - 11
Ages
5-7
Dahl Day! Celebrate Roald Dahl’s 100th anniversary year! You can even come dressed as your favourite Dahl character for this fun-packed workshop. We’ll spend the day playing games inspired by Roald Dahl’s books, before creating some new stories using Dahl’s fantastic characters. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm Thu 7 Apr
Join professional illustrator and animator Helen Piercy to find out the tricks of the trade, create your own animations and bring them to life using a variety of traditional and digital styles and techniques. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm Fri 1 Apr
Wed 6 Apr
Ages
6-9
Moves and More: A Day of Dance
Summer Holiday Workshops
Wed 1 Jun
Wed 27 Jul
Ages
6-9
PLAY IN A DAY
James and the Giant Peach A gigantic peach of a workshop! Explore acting and performance skills with a Polka Theatre director whilst creating your own version of James and the Giant Peach to share with friends and family at the end of the day. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm Thu 2 Jun
Ages
3-5
Thu 28 Jul
Ages
6-9
Summer Senses
Sound Off
Celebrate summer as we explore the many sounds and colours of the season in this gentle multi-sensory drama workshop. £18 10 – 11am
A workshop for jokers and class clowns! Use mime, your best facial expressions and physical theatre in this clowning workshop exploring the art of silent comedy. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm
Fri 29 Jul
Ages
10-14
THEATRE UNLOCKED:
Music Masterclass Join our professional composer to discover all you need to know about creating music for stage and screen. If you play an instrument, sing or are interested in music come along and create your own composition. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm
Ages
10-14
THEATRE UNLOCKED:
Have you got the moves? Join our choreographer for a chance to experiment with different styles of dance and create your own unique movement and dance pieces. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm Fri 8 Apr
May Half Term
Ages
7 - 11
Improvise Devise
Stage Craft
An essential workshop for all budding actors. Work with a professional director to improvise and devise your own short plays to share with family and friends at the end of the day. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm
Anyone interested in art and design will love this creative workshop led by Polka’s prop maker. Give a new lease of life to unwanted materials and discover what happens backstage in a professional props department. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm
Polka’s Young Voices Panel guarantees our workshops for ages 8+ are fun, lively and engaging.
Design Masterclass
A unique opportunity to find out what goes on behind the scenes and spend the day working with the professional set and costume designer of James and the Giant Peach to create your own set model box and costume designs. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm Fri 3 Jun
Ages
7 - 11
Puppetry Skills Meet some of Polka’s puppets and spend the day with our professional puppeteer to create your own and learn the art of bringing puppets to life. £30 10.30am – 3.30pm
Polka Summer Schools 1 - 5 Aug
Ages
6-9
Musical Puppet Theatre Perform on the Polka Main Stage! Spend five days working with our professional puppeteer and musical director to create a brand new show t o perform for family and friends at the end of the week. £150 for the week 10.30am – 3.30pm
8 - 12 Aug
Ages
8 -14
Page to Stage Budding actors can spend a week training and working with a professional theatre director to explore a variety of drama techniques, learn new skills and create a new piece of theatre to perform for friends and family on Polka’s Main Stage. £150 for the week 10.30am – 3.30pm
Please remember to bring a packed lunch to all-day workshops
Take Part Age Policy: Before booking please take note of the specified age range for each Take Part activity
Box Office: 0208543 85434888 4888 www.polkatheatre.com www.polkatheatre.com office: 020 21 21
22
Polka Young Voices Panel
POP IN TO PLAY!
Do you love theatre? Are you 8 – 14 years old? Polka’s Young Voices Panel meet throughout the year to explore and learn about different aspects of theatre production. Members also give feedback about what happens at Polka and write show reviews. For more information email beckie@polkatheatre.com or call 020 8545 8349
Polka’s play facilities are free to use and you don’t need a ticket. Drop in any time we’re open to use the café, playground, garden, toys, dressing up box and book corner.
General information HOW TO BOOK
ACCESS
HOW TO FIND US
Online: Select your own seats at www.polkatheatre.com
We are committed to making Polka accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements, please let us know when booking.
Polka Theatre is a short walk from Wimbledon Station and South Wimbledon Underground Station.
By Phone: 020 8543 4888 Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 5.30pm Sat – Sun: 10am – 4.30pm In person: Opening times Wed – Fri: 9.30am – 4.30pm Sat – Sun: 10am – 4.30pm
PARTY TIME AT POLKA!
Looking for a magical children’s party experience? Celebrate with a show at Polka followed by a children’s Tea Party and the use of Polka’s playground.
World of Stories and Music Get inspired with a FREE Saturday morning of storytelling, featuring some of the most dynamic spoken word artists and storytellers in the UK today. Free tickets for World of Stories and Music are available to book online one month before each storytelling session but are limited in number. Tickets are only bookable online and are subject to a £1.50 transaction charge
Sat 12 Mar Griot Chinyere
Sat 4 Jun Kate Corkery
Sat 2 Apr Jenna Drury
Sat 2 Jul Jeanette Angela Barrett
Sat 7 May Winston Nzinga
• Group discounts available on theatre tickets • Choose from our hot or cold menu • Tea Parties last for 1 hour in our Party Room • Let us decorate and tidy up For information on Tea Parties call 020 8545 8330 or email cafe@polkatheatre.com
POLKA CAFÉ
Open all day, Wed – Sun, serving a delicious range of hot and cold meals and snacks.
To be the first to hear when tickets are released: Like us on Facebook – facebook/polkatheatre Follow us on Twitter – @polkatheatre
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 23
CONCESSIONS Available for those registered unemployed or receiving benefits (includes Pension Credits). A 20% concessionary rate is available for workshops. GROUP DISCOUNTS Main Theatre shows: Save £1 per ticket – book 6+ Save £2 per ticket – book 12+ Adventure Theatre shows: Save 50p per ticket – book 6+ Save £1 per ticket – book 12+ Group discounts cannot be used in conjunction with other offers or concessions. For school group ticket prices call 020 8543 4888 REFUNDS AND EXCHANGES 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. MAILING LIST Please contact the Box Office or sign up online www.polkatheatre.com
Wheelchair access Induction loop BSL Performances Audio Described Performances Working dogs welcome
Relaxed performances
Accessible toilet
Touch tours
Specialist workshops
Scripts available in advance
Large print brochure available by request
For a map and details on how to get to Polka please visit www.polkatheatre.com Bus 57, 93, 219, 131 stop outside Polka Theatre 156, 163, 164, 200, stop nearby Tube Wimbledon (District Line) South Wimbledon (Northern Line) Train Wimbledon (14 minutes from Waterloo) Tram Wimbledon Bike There is a cycle rack at the theatre Parking There are car parks in Wimbledon Town Centre and limited pay-and-display bays near the theatre.
BABIES AND TODDLERS Baby-changing facilities and a buggy park are available at the theatre and café staff will happily warm up baby food. HIRING THE THEATRE The Main Theatre and other rooms are available to hire for conferences, meetings, parties, film screenings and launches. Call Chloe on 020 8545 8334 or email chloe@polkatheatre.com
OPENING TIMES Wed – Fri: 9.30am – 4.30pm Sat – Sun: 10am – 4.30pm (Open later for evening shows)
Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway Wimbledon London SW19 1SB
www.polkatheatre.com 24
ADVENTURE THEATRE IN GREEN
Sa 13 Not Now, Bernard 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/12.45/2.35
Su 13 Kite Paper Dolls
Su 14 Not Now, Bernard 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/12.45/2.35
Fr 18 Nipt 7.00
Tu 16 Not Now, Bernard 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/2.35
We 23 Snow White Happy Harry’s 10.20/1.05
Th 18 Not Now, Bernard 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/2.35
Th 24 Snow White Happy Harry’s 10.20/1.05
Fr 19 Not Now, Bernard 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/2.35
10.30/1.05
Th 25 The Tiger’s Bones Paper Dolls 10.30/1.05 Fr 26 The Tiger’s Bones Paper Dolls 10.35/1.05
Merton school holidays
Sa 20 Not Now, Bernard 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/12.45/2.35
We 24 Paper Dolls
Sa 27 The Tiger’s Bones 11.00/2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/12.45/2.35 Su 28 The Tiger’s Bones 11.00/2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/12.45/2.35
March 2016 We 2 Dogs Don’t Ballet Paper Dolls 10.35/1.05 Th 3 Dogs Don’t Ballet Paper Dolls 10.35/1.05 Fr 4 Dogs Don’t Ballet Paper Dolls 10.35/12.00/1.30 Sa 5 Dogs Don’t Ballet 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/12.45/2.35 Su 6 Dogs Don’t Ballet 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/12.45/2.35 We 9 Paper Dolls Th 10 Kite Paper Dolls Fr 11 Kite Paper Dolls
10.30/12.00/1.30 10.35/1.05 10.35/1.05
Sa 12 World of Stories 10.30 Kite 2.30 Paper Dolls 12.35/2.35
Sa 26 Snow White Happy Harry’s We 30 Snow White Happy Harry’s
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Th 31 Snow White Happy Harry’s
2.30 11.05/2.35
Fr 1 Snow White Happy Harry’s
Su 3 Snow White Happy Harry’s
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
We 27 Box of Photos Bed Time
10.20
Su 5 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 I Pack My Bag 11.05/2.35
Fr 15 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50
We 8 James and Giant
Th 28 Box of Photos Bed Time
10.20
Sa 16 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35
Fr 29 Box of Photos Bed Time
10.20
2.00 11.00/2.05
2.00 11.00/2.05
2.00 11.00/2.05
We 11 Box of Photos
Th 12 Box of Photos
Fr 8 Snow White Happy Harry’s
11.00 11.05
Sa 21 Mermaid’s Tale
11.00/2.00
Su 22 Mermaid’s Tale
11.00/2.00
10.00/11.30/2.35
Fr 15 Happy Harry’s
10.00/11.30/2.35
Su 17 Emperor’s Clothes 11.00/2.30 Fr 22 Box of Photos Rumpelstiltskin
10.20/1.05
Th 16 James and Giant
2.00 11.00/2.05
Fr 27 James and Giant Sa 28 James and Giant 2.30 Meadow 11.05/2.35 Su 29 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Meadow 11.05/2.35
June 2016 We 1 James and Giant 2.30 I Pack My Bag 11.05/2.35 Th 2 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 I Pack My Bag 11.05/2.35
www.polkatheatre.com
Su 17 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35 We 20 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50 Th 21 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50 Fr 22 James and Giant 2.00 Chester Tuffnut 11.05 /2.05 Sa 23 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35
Fr 17 James and Giant Sa 18 James and Giant 11.00
/2.30
Su 19 James and Giant 11.00
/2.30
Th 23 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50
2.00 11.00/2.05
Th 14 Happy Harry’s
Su 12 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Boxy & Sticky 11.05 /2.35
Sa 7 World of Stories 10.30 Box of Photos 2.30 Frogs & Snails 12.30/2.35
Su 15 Box of Photos Flights of Fancy
10.00/11.30/2.35
Sa 11 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Boxy & Sticky 11.05/2.35
We 22 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50
2.30 11.05/2.35
Sa 16 Emperor’s Clothes 11.00/2.30
Th 7 Snow White Happy Harry’s
We 13 Happy Harry’s
Fr 10 James and Giant Boxy & Sticky 10.20/1.50
Fr 6 Box of Photos Frogs & Snails 10.20/1.50
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
10.30 /1.30 10.35/12.35/2.35
Th 9 James and Giant
We 15 James and Giant
We 6 Snow White Happy Harry’s
Su 10 Snow White Happy Harry’s
We 13 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50
2.00 11.00/2.05
Sa 14 Box of Photos Flights of Fancy
10.30 /1.30 10.35/12.35/2.35
Su 24 Box of Photos Rumpelstiltskin
Fr 13 Box of Photos
Sa 9 Snow White Happy Harry’s
Toddler Performance
Th 14 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50
Su 8 Box of Photos Frogs & Snails
Sa 2 World of Stories 10.30 Snow White 12.30 /3.30 Happy Harry’s 12.35/3.35
Relaxed Performance
Sa 4 James and Giant 2.00 /5.30 I Pack My Bag 12.30/2.35
Th 5 Box of Photos
2.30 11.05/2.35
All Ages Welcome
We 4 Box of Photos
April 2016
Integrated BSL Performance Audio Described Performance
2.00 11.00/2.05
Su 1 Box of Photos Bed Time
Su 27 CLOSED
Reduced-price Preview
After-show Talk
Fr 3 James and Giant 2.30 I Pack My Bag 11.05/2.35
May 2016
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Families are welcome to attend school performances, but please check availability in advance by calling 020 8543 4888
Sa 23 Box of Photos Rumpelstiltskin
Sa 30 Box of Photos Bed Time Fr 25 Snow White 2.00 Happy Harry’s 11.05/2.05
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 25
2.30 11.05/2.35
Su 20 Nipt 2.30 Happy Harry’s 11.05/2.35
We 17 Not Now, Bernard 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/2.35
Su 21 Not Now, Bernard 11.00 /2.30 Paper Dolls 11.05/2.35
Sa 19 Nipt Happy Harry’s
2.30 11.05/12.45/2.35
Merton school holidays
Merton school holidays
February 2016
Schools Performance
Merton school holidays
DIARY
KEY
MAIN THEATRE IN BLUE
Fr 24 James and Giant 6.30 Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50 Sa 25 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05 /2.35 Su 26 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05 /2.35
Su 24 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35 We 27 James and Giant 2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35 Th 28 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35 Fr 29 James and Giant 2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35 Sa 30 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35 Su 31 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35
We 29 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50
August 2016
Th 30 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50
We 3 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35
July 2016
Th 4 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35
Fr 1 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut 10.20 /1.50 Sa 2 World of Stories 10.30 James and Giant 2.30 Chester Tuffnut 12.30
Fr 5 Chester Tuffnut
11.05/2.35
Sa 6 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35
/2.35
Su 7 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35
Su 3 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35
We 10 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35
We 6 Chester Tuffnut
10.20 /1.50
Th 7 Chester Tuffnut
10.20 /1.50
Fr 8 Chester Tuffnut Sa 9 Chester Tuffnut
10.20 /1.50 11.05 /2.35
Su 10 Chester Tuffnut
11.05 /2.35
Th 11 James and Giant 11.00 /2.30 Chester Tuffnut 11.05/2.35 Fr 12 Chester Tuffnut
11.05/2.35
Sa 13 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut Su 14 James and Giant Chester Tuffnut
11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35 11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35
Relaxed Performances Aimed at children with learning disabilities, autism and sensory and communication disorders. Tickets for these performances must be booked by calling the Box Office.
Age policy To help you choose a suitable show for your child, please take note of the age recommendation for each performance. Main Stage: Unless otherwise stated, children under 4 will only be admitted to All Ages Welcome performances, indicated by an in the diary. All Ages Welcome: These performances, available for certain Main Stage shows, allow you to bring younger siblings and friends, including babes in arms and toddlers. Please note that these shows are not altered in any way but allow the whole family to see the show together. Adventure Theatre: This is a more informal space and so you are welcome to bring younger children of all ages, although we do still ask you to take note of the age recommendation for each show.