Polka Theatre launches exciting reopening season following major capital redevelopment
Photo credit: Sam Roberts
Polka Theatre will reopen its doors with an exciting season of new productions and free activities for the whole family this August, bringing world class family theatre and creative learning activities to London following its two- and half-year closure.
The completely revitalised venue now includes two auditoriums: the flexible Adventure Theatre, which is the first purpose-built UK theatre for under 6s, and the fully refurbished Main Theatre, with new seating and decor.
Polka’s first show to take over the redeveloped venue is RED, a visual and physical storytelling promenade adventure, performed with British Sign Language. Directed by Hannah Quigley, the piece has set and costume design by the award-winning Rachana Jadhav. Audiences will journey around the new building, across forests and bogs, on a mission to restore peace to a land overtaken by wolves.
2021 will also see two new winter productions with the world premiere of madcap musical adventure, Cinderella: the AWESOME truth, and a fantastical reimagining of the classic Christmas Eve poem, The Night Before Christmas.
Created in collaboration with children and scientists, Cinderella: the AWESOME truth celebrates the power of friendship and self-worth. Co-produced with One Tenth Human, the show is written and directed by Sarah Punshon, with music and lyrics by the award-winning Felix Hagan and co-created by Toni-Dee Paul. It promises to be a refreshingly modern take on a beloved story.
Drawing inspiration from Clement Clarke Moore's much-loved poem, The Night Before Christmas by Olivier Award-nominee Hattie Naylor is a festive-fuelled adaptation, bringing the joy of Christmas Eve to life. Directed by Roman Stefanski, the production is designed by Kate Bunce, with original music by Julian Butler. This co-production with Northampton’s Royal & Derngate is the perfect sprinkling of seasonal magic packed full of surprises. It will be first production in Polka’s new Adventure Theatre.
Polka’s Artistic Director Peter Glanville said: “The past 18 months have been particularly challenging for children and their families, so we are delighted to be able to reopen Polka, not only with a beautifully redeveloped building, but with a season of new productions designed to create memorable and inspirational experiences.”
Polka Theatre will reopen to the public from Monday 16 August. For more information, please click here.
