By TheatreVillage 
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Polka Theatre today announced further programming for their exciting 2023 Spring/Summer Season for 0-12 year-olds, with the premiere of Spymonkey’s hilarious visual comedy HAIRY, a revival of their much-loved co-production of The Everywhere Bear, Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company energetic adaptation of The Adventures of The Little Red Hen, and finally, Angel Exit Theatre’s enchanting toooB.
Previously announced productions include: Polka’s retelling of a classic tale with Jack v Giant, as well as Let’s Build! co-produced by Mapping, and an adaptation of Robert MacFarlane’s book The Lost Spells, Page One Theatre’s playful Rise and Fall, Tangled Feet and Rowan Tree’s Belongings, and the return of the stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s The Singing Mermaid.
In the newly released season, this summer Polka Theatre and Worthing Theatres and Museums present Spymonkey’s HAIRY, a laugh-out-loud exploration of that most versatile and significant feature of human anatomy, in a wonderful new comedy production for ages 6-12 years. Polka’s own productions include The Everywhere Bear, co-produced with Little Angel Theatre and Royal & Derngate Northampton. An adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s heart-warming tale, which invites young audiences to join The Everywhere Bear on his adventure to make it back to Class One, originally adapted and directed by Polka’s Artistic Director Peter Glanville.
Alongside their own productions, also announced today is the return of Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company after a hugely successful run of The Gingerbread Man last year, with their show The Adventures of the Little Red Hen, featuring captivating puppetry and music in their clever story-telling style. Following this, Angel Exit Theatre present toooB for ages 6 – 24 months, a sensory adventure that introduces theatre and dance to very early years.
Polka Theatre will also be hosting some fantastic workshops across the school holidays, linked to the array of productions on offer; including Shadow Puppetry Masterclass, a circus skills workshops and the opportunity to dabble in the make-up and costume departments to create your own theatrical character.
Artistic Director and joint CEO of Polka Theatre, Peter Glanville said today “Polka are delighted to be presenting this wide-ranging season of work, which includes Jack v Giant, a radical reworking of the traditional tale, alongside a new musical adaptation of Robert MacFarlane’s beautiful book The Lost Spells, and lots of HAIRY fun with physical comedy masters Spymonkey. We’d like to thank the Chan Yin Chuen Memorial Charitable Foundation for the support of this wonderful new season ”
In addition to their full new season, Polka intend to extend their free ticket scheme Curtain Up! Having enabled 4,000 primary school children from disadvantaged locations in Merton and the surrounding boroughs to experience theatre in the last academic year, this year Polka are dedicated to extending the scheme and reaching 6,000 children in a response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Curtain Up! is only available by application which enables the scheme to reach the most disadvantaged children living in the most marginalised areas, schools working with children with special educational needs, and schools with financial barriers to taking part in arts activities.
POLKA’S PRODUCTIONS
MAIN THEATRE
Polka Theatre presents
Jack v Giant
Written by Peter Glanville and Barb Jungr
Director: Peter Glanville; Songs and Music: Barb Jungr; Set Design: Laura McEwen;
Puppets by: Keith Frederick
Saturday 11 February – Sunday 26 March 2023
Press Performance: Friday 17 February at 2pm
Ages 4-8
Join Jack, a brave young girl who embarks on a giant adventure when she sells the family cow in return for magic beans… Come on an unforgettable musical journey from underground gold mines, climbing the beanstalk, to a golden castle in the sky.
From the team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion, Jack v Giant is an exciting new musical based on the classic fairytale, enchantingly brought to life through beautiful puppetry and music.
ADVENTURE THEATRE
A Polka Theatre and Mapping co-production
Let’s Build!
Director: Trina Halder; Designer: Verity Quinn
Saturday 1 April – Sunday 21 May 2023
Press performance: Thursday 6 April at 10.30am
Ages 2-5
Calling all builders, makers and shakers of the future. We are building somewhere new to live, that the world has never seen before. Can you help us?
Use your imagination to discover objects and textures as they come to life.
An interactive performance for 2-5 year olds, exploring the places where we live, how they are made and how they change.
Mapping is a Creative Europe funded programme which explores the aesthetics of performing arts for Early Years.
MAIN THEATRE
Polka Theatre, Goblin, Watford Palace Theatre & Theatre by the Lake present
The Lost Spells
Based on the book by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris
Music and Lyrics: Mary Erskine and Will Dollard; Adapted by: Matt Borgatti, Robert MacFarlane
Director: Charlotte Westenra; Designer: Hannah Sibai
Thursday 13 April – Sunday 7 May 2023
Ages 6-12
Journey with us into the wild world…
A girl with no name finds a magical book of spells that conjures up a wild world. Moths appear from nowhere; Owls light up the dark; a Red Fox leads the way down a rabbit hole to a brand-new wonderland. As she journeys on a fantastical adventure like no other, she meets a host of wonderful characters on a quest to find that which was once lost.
A fun, wild and boisterous adventure full of paw-tapping music and dancing, played live on-stage by actor-musicians, The Lost Spells celebrates the magic, power and wonder of nature that could be just outside your window. Adapted from the bestselling book that has delighted and inspired people of all ages, by writer Robert MacFarlane and artist Jackie Morris.
ADVENTURE THEATRE
Polka Theatre, Little Angel Theatre and Royal & Derngate Northampton present
The Everywhere Bear
By Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb
Adapted and Directed by Peter Glanville
Saturday 27 May – Sunday 13 August
Press Performance: Friday 2 June at 1.30pm
Ages: 3-7
One small bear’s big adventure…
The Everywhere Bear has a wonderful time with the children in Class One, but one day he gets more than he bargained for when he falls unnoticed from a backpack and embarks on his own big adventure! He’s washed down a drain and whooshed out to sea, rescued by a fishing boat, loaded onto a lorry, carried off by a seagull… how will he ever make it back to Class One?
This captivating and beautiful story, from best-selling author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Rebecca Cobb, springs to life with rhyme, original music and delightfully expressive puppets in Polka’s fun and exciting stage adaptation.
MAIN THEATRE
Spymonkey, Polka Theatre and Worthing Theatres and Museums present
Hairy
Saturday 1 July – Sunday 20 August
Press Performance: Saturday 8 July at 2pm
Ages 6-12
Hair seems to be everywhere! And sprouting in the most unlikely places! Hair to be styled, waxed, fashioned, shaved, plucked, jeri-curled, dreadlocked and shorn. Hair to be striking, funny, scary, surprising, gorgeous and greasy. Long, short, curly, straight, thick, thin, in-growing, up-covered, unwanted or removed. Where’s it going to turn up next?!
HAIRY will have few words and great generous dollops of bold visual comedy.
VISITING COMPANY PRODUCTIONS:
ADVENTURE THEATRE
Page One Theatre presents
Rise and Fall
Director: Chloe Stephens
Wednesday 15 – Sunday 19 February 2023
Ages 2+
Come and explore an ecosystem of balloons: universes in miniature. In Rise and Fall you’ll meet all manner of balloons from small floating moons to vast bouncing orbs. Forever expanding and contracting, balloons are free to float, fly and sway. Hold your breath and go sailing away. Rise and Fall is a poetic and intriguing performance for young audiences about holding on and letting go. At the end of the show, you can take your own balloon home with you!
ADVENTURE THEATRE
Tangled Feet and Rowan Tree presents
Belongings
Director: Nathan Curry; Designer: Becky-Dee Trevenan; Composer: Guy Connelly;
Lighting Designer: Sarah Readman
Dramatherapists: Justin Staley, Bryony Brooker and Alex Ramsden
Dramaturg: Shireen Mula
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February 2023
Ages 6-11
We’re all trying to work out our story. Who are we? How are we shaped? Sometimes you must find the courage to be just you – the brilliant you.
Following the acclaimed Butterflies (“a truly transformative experience” Children’s Theatre Review) Tangled Feet present their new show about how we all need somewhere to belong and someone to belong to.
Cleo is on a journey like no other. She’s trying to discover her past whilst attempting to stay on her feet in the present. Piles of clothes become sea creatures, dresses become parachutes and shadows dance as Cleo and two new friends find a new place called home.
Told with Tangled Feet’s unique blend of physicality, innovative design, and original music, this is a show for anyone aged 6 up who is looking to find where they fit in.
MAIN THEATRE
Watershed Productions present
a Little Angel Theatre and Royal & Derngate, Northampton, production of
The Singing Mermaid
Based on the original book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks
Adaptation: Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr, Music and Lyrics: Barb Jungr, Director: Samantha Lane, Designer: Laura McEwen, Lighting Designer: Sherry Coenen, Puppet Creator: Lyndie Wright
Friday 31 March – Saturday 8 April 2023
Ages 3-8
The singing mermaid is tempted away to join a travelling circus, with the promise of a life of excitement (and her own swimming pool!). The audience love her singing but soon she finds she’s been tricked by the dastardly circus master. Will she ever escape? And who will help her along the way?
A cast of three performers, beautiful puppets and music and songs by Barb Jungr (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) bring Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved story to life.
This play is based on the original book The Singing Mermaid, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks. Text © Julia Donaldson 2013. Illustrations © Lydia Monk 2013. Published by Macmillan Children’s Books
MAIN THEATRE
Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company presents
The Adventures of The Little Red Hen
Directed by Nikki McCretton
Friday 26 May – Sunday 4 June
Ages 3-10
Making bread is hard work, but it would be a lot easier if the lazy farmyard animals got off their reclining sofas and lent a hand! Join our plucky little hen as she finds her own way to get stuff done.
An energetic adaptation of this much-loved story, featuring a breath-taking combination of brilliant puppetry, live music, and unforgettable comedy. Stuff and Nonsense are well-known for their clever, captivating storytelling, ingenious staging, and ability to make us all laugh.
ADVENTURE THEATRE
Angel Exit Theatre present
toooB
Saturday 19 – Sunday 27 August
Ages 6-24 months
Introducing toooB, a curious and friendly shape-shifting creature. She’s not quite sure where she’s landed but she’d love to meet and play with you.
toooB is an enchanting wordless show for 6–24-month-olds and their grownups. A gentle sensory adventure with an original soundtrack, captivating movement and interactive fun and games; toooB is a perfect introduction to theatre and dance for the very young and includes a stay and play session with the performer.
LISTINGS POLKA THEATRE
Polka Theatre
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
Box Office: 020 8543 4888 / boxoffice@polkatheatre.com
polkatheatre.com
MAIN THEATRE
JACK V GIANT
Saturday 11 February – Sunday 26 March 2023
Press performance: 17 and 18 February at 2pm
Tickets from: £10
Running time approx. 1 hour
Access performances: Relaxed Sat 4 Mar 11am, Audio Described Sat 11 Mar 2pm, BSL Sat 18 Mar 2pm
ADVENTURE THEATRE
RISE AND FALL
Wednesday 15 – Sunday 19 February 2023
Tickets: £12
Running time approx. 35 mins + 15 min stay and play
ADVENTURE THEATRE
BELONGINGS
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February 2023
Tickets: £10
Running time approx. 55 mins
ADVENTURE THEATRE
LET’S BUILD!
Saturday 1 April – Sunday 21 May 2023
Press Performance: Friday 7 April 1.30pm
Tickets: £12
Running time approx. 1 hr
Access Performances: BSL Sat 22 Apr 3.30pm, Relaxed Sun 23 Apr 10.30am, Audio Described Sun 7 May 1.30pm
MAIN THEATRE
THE SINGING MERMAID
Friday 31 March – Saturday 8 April 2023
Tickets from: £10
Running time approx 55mins
MAIN THEATRE
THE LOST SPELLS
Thursday 13 April – Sunday 7 May 2023
Press Performance: Saturday 15 April 2.30pm
Tickets: From £10
Running time approx. 90 mins including interval
Access Performances: Relaxed Sat 22 Apr 11am, Audio Described Sat 29 Apr 2.30pm, BSL Sun 30 Apr 2.30pm
ADVENTURE THEATRE
THE EVERYWHERE BEAR
Saturday 27 May – Sunday 13 August
Tickets: £14
Running time approx. 50 mins
Access Performances: Relaxed Sun 18 Jun 1.30pm, Audio Described Sun 9 Jul 1.30pm, BSL Sun 16 Jul 1.30pm
MAIN THEATRE
HAIRY
Saturday 1 Jul – Sunday 20 August
Press Performance: Saturday 8 Jul 2pm
Tickets form: £10
Access Performances: Relaxed Sun 9 Jul 2pm, BSL Sun 30 Jul 2pm, Captioned Sat 5 Aug 11am, Audio Described Sun 6 Aug 2pm
MAIN THEATRE
THE ADVENTURES OF THE LITTLE RED HEN
Friday 26 May – Sunday 4 June
Tickets from: £10
Running time approx. 1 hour
ADVENTURE THEATRE
TOOOB
Saturday 19 – Sunday 27 August
Tickets: £11
Running time approx. 25 minutes and 20 minutes post show to stay and play
HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
BOOGIE ON UP THE BEANSTALK!
Tickets: £20 (child only)*
Ages 4-7
Tuesday 14 February
10am-12pm or 2-4pm
MAKE-UP MAGIC
Tickets: £45 (child only)*
Ages 8-12
Wednesday 15 February
10am-4pm
MIND, BODY AND SOUL
Tickets: £10 (adult and child) *
Ages 0-4
Thursday 16 February
0-12 months: 9.30-10am, 1-2 years: 10.45-11.30am, and 2-4 years: 2-2.45pm
BUILD TO THE BEAT
Tickets: £10 (adult and child)*
Ages 0-4
Tuesday 4 April
0-12 months: 9.30-10am, 1-2 years: 11-11.45am, and 2-4 years: 2-2.45pm
“ROLL UP! ROLL UP FOR MERMAID TALES!”
Tickets: £20 (child only)*
Ages 4-7
Wednesday 5 April
10am–12pm or 1.30-3.30pm
SHADOW PUPPET MASTERCLASS
Tickets: £45 (child only)*
Ages 8-12
Thursday 6 April
10am–4pm
POLKA SUMMER FUN DAY
Tickets: Free, no booking required
Ages 0-12
Saturday 12 August
9.30am-5pm
*£1.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings
