Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director Helen Matravers, Executive Director Lynette Shanbury, and the entire Polka team are delighted to announce the cast and creative team for The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, Polka’s brand-new festive production for ages 6–12.
Adapted by Jude Christian and directed by Lee Lyford, this reimagining of Philip Pullman’s award-winning story runs in the Y C Chan Theatre from Saturday 15 November – Sunday 18 January, with a press performance on Sunday 23 November at 2.30pm.
ABOUT THE STORY
Lila has one dream: to become a Master Firework-Maker like her father. But earning that title means embarking on an extraordinary journey – one that will test her courage, creativity and determination.
When her father’s life becomes tied to the outcome of the grand firework competition, Lila must create the most breathtaking display the world has ever seen. This is a magical, heart-lifting adventure about friendship, resilience and discovering your true spark.
CAST
Tika Mu’tamir (Mrs Armitage On Wheels, Farnham Maltings; Love’s Labour’s Lost, RSC) as Lila
Chand Martinez (Life of Pi, UK & International Tour; CBeebies Story Makers; Little Angel Theatre) as Lalchand
Jules Chan (The Gardener, Greenwich Theatre; English Ako, Camden People’s Theatre) as Chulak
Rose-Marie Christian (Marvin’s Binoculars, Unicorn Theatre; Santi & Naz, The Vaults) as Auntie Rambashi
Ajjaz Awad (Arabian Nights, Bristol Old Vic) as Hamlet
CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Lee Lyford (Tidy, Polka Theatre)
Writer: Jude Christian (The Snow Queen, Polka Theatre; Jack and the Beanstalk, Lyric Hammersmith)
Composer: Ruth Chan (The Jungle Book, Chichester Festival Theatre)
Lighting Design: Jonathan Chan (Pinocchio, The Watermill Theatre)
Designer: Anisha Fields (Kenrex, Sheffield Theatres; Squirrel, Unicorn/The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath)
Puppet Director/Designer/Maker: Maia Kirkman-Richards (Bear Snores On, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre)
This production is generously supported by the Chan Yin Chuen Memorial Charitable Foundation and is recommended for ages 6–12.
Helen Matravers said:
“It’s a total privilege to be staging Philip Pullman’s magical adventure at Polka, in this bold and beautiful adaptation by Jude Christian. With such an exceptional, caring and ambitious creative team and cast led by Lee Lyford, I know that audiences are in for an inspiring experience this festive season.
It’s been incredible hearing from schools, teachers, families and young people about their excitement for this much-loved tale of passion, friendship and courage. It will dazzle and delight with incredible puppetry and staging, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
Polka The Firework-Maker’s Daughter
FESTIVE FAMILY WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Alongside the production, Polka presents a full programme of festive workshops and activities.
THE BIG BASH – POLKA’S ANNUAL FAMILY FUNDRAISING PARTY
Sunday 7 December 2025
A joyful afternoon of family fun supporting Polka’s charitable work. Tickets include entry to The Firework-Maker’s Daughter (ages 6–12) or The Snowflake (ages 3–6), plus:
• pre-show crafts
• glitter tattoos and face painting
• goody bags
• festive buffet
• complimentary drinks
Running from 2pm until the end of the performances, The Big Bash is a perfect festive season kick-off.
SNOWY SNOWFLAKE STORIES – SENSORY WORKSHOP (AGES 0–4)
16–17 December | Clore Learning Studio
A gentle, immersive workshop inspired by The Snowflake, inviting babies and toddlers to explore winter through sound, touch and movement.
Sessions available for 0–12 months, 1–2 years, and 2–4 years.
Tickets: £12 for one adult and child, additional child £6.
FAMILY CLAY TIME – CREATE YOUR OWN DECORATION (AGES 4+)
Saturday 20 December | Clore Learning Studio
Families can roll, press and sculpt their own clay Christmas tree decoration or keepsake.
Sessions: 10–11am or 11.30am–12.30pm
Tickets: £15 for one adult and child, additional child £7.50.
FIREWORK SHADOW PUPPETRY WORKSHOP (AGES 5–8)
Monday 22 December | Child-only workshop
Children design firework-themed puppets and create a mini shadow-show inspired by The Firework-Maker’s Daughter.
Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm
Tickets: £50 per child.
VISIT POLKA
Polka is open Tuesday–Sunday with free indoor and outdoor play areas, plus a welcoming café and shop. No theatre ticket is needed to enjoy these spaces.
Tickets on sale now:
polkatheatre.com | 020 8543 4888*
ABOUT POLKA THEATRE
Polka is one of the UK’s only dedicated children’s theatres. Reopened in 2021 after a major redevelopment, the venue offers year-round productions, Creative Learning activity, and workshops for ages 0–12.
Last year:
• 125,000 people visited the theatre
• 25,000 experienced Polka’s touring and community work
• 184 schools engaged with Creative Learning projects
• Over 9,000 free tickets were distributed through the Curtain Up! scheme
Polka remains a vital community hub, open 6 days a week, 50 weeks a year, offering step-free access, free play spaces, and a relaxed family environment.
