The shows will include a world premiere, a sensory musical journey and a show based on John Klassen’s books.
Artistic Director Helen Matravers, Executive Director Lynette Shanbury have unveiled details of the Polka Theatre’s Summer holiday season of shows and activities to keep families entertained.
Starting the season will be Arvind Ethan David’s stage adaptation of Sir Lenny Henry’s book the Boy With Wings. Playing at the theatre from the 21st June until the 16th August, the story follows that of Tunde who sprouts wings and has to use his unique powers to save Earth from destruction.
Meanwhile, in the Adventure Theatre from the 9th July until the 10th August, the I Want My Hat Back Trilogy based on Jon Klassen’s books will take to the stage. This Little Angel Theatre production features Ian Nicholson and Sam Wilde’s designs.
It has also been announced that Counting Sheeps will head also to the Adventure Theatre from the 13th to the 24th August. Aimed at 0-3 year olds, this is a musical adventure filled with sensory play.
Alongside the productions, the theatre is also offering a range of creative workshops over the Summer Holidays between 23 July and 15 August. Animal Adventures, for ages 0-4 and their grown-ups, brings characters from the I Want My Hat Back Trilogy to life in an interactive storytelling workshop on Wednesday 23 July. Children from 5-8 years can enjoy crafting and drama techniques with the Hat-tastic Characters workshop, taking place on Thursday 24 July. Children aged 9-12 can spend the day designing their own comic character and bringing them to life with animation in the From Sketch to Screen Masterclass, inspired by Sir Lenny Henry’s The Boy With Wings, on Friday 25 July. Whilst children aged 4+ and their grown-ups can enjoy gentle puppet play, singing, and listening to summertime stories in Polka’s sensory garden on Friday 15 August, in Summertime Stories in the Garden.
Meanwhile, Polka’s Youth Theatre Summer School, for ages 8 – 12, will run from Monday 28 July – Friday 1 August. It provides a week of training and working with a professional Theatre Director to explore a variety of drama techniques.
In addition, younger children can join in with the Polka Puppet Summer School from Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 August. It offers a chance to explore, play and perform their own puppet show stories in front of family and friends.
Polka’s Artistic Director, Helen Matravers said: “I am incredibly proud that Polka is delivering for such a wide and diverse community of audiences with our programme of theatre and workshops. Summer at Polka is a vibrant and inspiring hub of creative activity; a place all children can explore and create memories, and this feels more of a vital offer than ever. It is a constant drive with our work to remove barriers so that every child can access our programmes. We continue to provide £10 tickets for all Main Theatre shows, thousands of free tickets through our Curtain Up! and Polka Invites programmes, plus free play spaces for all to enjoy.”
To find out more visit: https://polkatheatre.com/