Acclaimed children's theatre Polka Theatre launch pop-up space in Wimbledon shopping centre

Polka Theatre will be setting up shop in Wimbledon’s Centre Court Shopping Centre with a new pop up theatre space from 29 July-29 August 2021.

Created and directed by Polka’s artistic director Peter Glanville, Maanika and The Wolf retells the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood, perfect for 3-6 year olds.

Maanika and The Wolf blends the past and the present, the real and the imagined, as a grandmother returns to her childhood bedroom recalling stories from when she was a young  girl. Talking to her granddaughter over Zoom, she brings her Indian dressing-up box back to life  and re-enacts her own version of Little Red Riding Hood. But why is there another wolf on the  phone and why does her granddaughter Ruby keep trying to change the story?  

This incredible pop-up space transforms from Maanika’s house to the grandmother’s cottage and even into the wolf’s lair in the woods. The piece brings a delightful sense of playfulness to the telling of its story with a feeling of rediscovery that all the audience can share in, enhanced  by newly composed music from British-Asian musician Arun Ghosh that reflects the overall cultural fusion. Designer Sophia Lovell Smith has used evocative fabrics and toys to bring to life the cultural heritage of the toy box and Maanika’s parents’ Indian upbringing.

Peter Glanville said: “Prior to our re-opening season at Polka Theatre this autumn, following a major £8.5m redevelopment, Polka are delighted to be premiering Maanika and The Wolf at Centre Court Shopping Centre in Wimbledon . This is an exciting new venture for us - creating a pop-up theatre in the heart of the community, for our local audiences to enjoy.” 

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