Polka Theatre

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Join our storyteller and be transported on our Polka picnic rugs for a teddy bear adventure just like the teddy in The Everywhere Bear. From land to sea and far beyond, take part in our interactive storytelling workshop for babies and toddlers.

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Experience our very own Sensory Space with interactive floor projections and mesmerising scenic settings on our walls. Whether you and your child love playing in sunny fields or splashing at the seaside, you will be transported to different places in our multisensory summertime story workshop.

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Learn how to create a range of Halloween looks! Taught by a professional makeup artist, spend the whole day learning how to master Halloween makeup, a perfect preparation for some trick or treating!

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Join our storyteller and be transported on our Polka picnic rugs for a teddy bear adventure just like the teddy in The Everywhere Bear. From land to sea and far beyond, take part in our interactive storytelling workshop for babies and toddlers.

https://loopla-images.loopla.com/cdn-cgi/image/w=520,f=auto/fa7f9f39b036/d6992abfb3eebc4747a6a94e6633663eaebb1bbc.png

Who’s ready for a giggle? Come join us for an exciting physical theatre family workshop. Try out some new comedy skills and slapstick silliness inspired by the comic adaptation of Oh No, George! Clown around in our creative workshop for the whole family!

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Step into Spring and rock to the beat with your child this Easter. Help us build towers, tunnels and even fairy tale kingdoms in a soft play storytelling workshop like no other, using movement and music linked to our new interactive show, Let’s Build!

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Would you love to learn how to paint dinosaur skin or a giraffe pattern on your child, grown-up, sibling or friend? Or how about having giant eyes or big gnashing teeth for you to scare and surprise your family? There’s a lot to learn with face painting so join us to find out how to complete face paint basics along with tips and tricks!

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Step into Spring and rock to the beat with your child this Easter. Help us build towers, tunnels and even fairy tale kingdoms in a soft play storytelling workshop like no other, using movement and music linked to our new interactive show, Let’s Build!

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At Polka, we have the perfect, music & movement workshop linked to the inspiring dance piece, Remarkable Rhythm. Along with learning rhythmic steps to the beats of the production’s music, come clapping and swaying into our workshop, and leave dancing with joy.

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Inspired by Polka’s baby production Soft or Spiky?, come explore a world of multisensory shapes, textures, music and messy play in our sensory studio!

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Come see the stars shine bright above you in our designated sensory studio. With our unique interactive projectors, you and your child will discover different lights and shades as you are transported on a storytelling journey inspired by How to Catch a Star.

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Step into Spring and rock to the beat with your child this Easter. Help us build towers, tunnels and even fairy tale kingdoms in a soft play storytelling workshop like no other, using movement and music linked to our new interactive show, Let’s Build!

https://loopla-images.loopla.com/cdn-cgi/image/w=520,f=auto/fa7f9f39b036/56f6f4f7d9a4c689f7d1ddadfad5b5a902b8bd82.png

From heroic explorers and perfect princesses to wicked witches and vile villains, characters are what make stories. Inspired by scenes from Polka’s winter season shows, join us in our snowy sensory space to explore different characters in this drama workshop.

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Join children’s author Kathy Urban for this FREE special storytime and crafts workshop event. Kathy will be reading her exciting new book from the 'Hop Lola Hop' series - 'A Magical Christmas Adventure'. Much of the story is set in Wimbledon and features local landmarks, including the Polka Theatre. 'Hop Lola Hop' all centres around a curious toy bunny named Lola and her best friend Ella and what happens when a beloved comfort toy has an adventure of its own. Exciting card making crafts inspired by the book will follow the reading. Copies of the book will be available to purchase from our gift shop. This is a free event but you must have a ticket to attend the book reading and craft workshop. Tickets are not required for the book signing. Time: Reading and card making workshop 3.30 - 4.30pm Book signing 4.30 - 5pm About the book: It’s very nearly Christmas and it promises to be a magical one for Lola and Ella ... that is until our little bunny realises that someone else is about to enter their lives and change everything. Will Ella still have time for her bunny? And what’s Santa got to do with it? About the author: Kathy Urban is a multilingual journalist and the author of the "Hop Lola Hop" series about the adventures of a beloved bunny. Her books are inspired by her experiences as a parent and her daughter's favourite comfort toy. An advocate of reading, Kathy is passionate about promoting a life-long love of literature in the very young. Kathy has lived in the UK, the US, Denmark and Germany, and these days, calls Dubai her home. About the illustrator: Born in London, Siski has lived in various countries and currently resides in Chile with her family of humans and dogs. Painting watercolours gives her the same joy as swimming, eating scones with jam or swinging in a hammock. She is largely self-taught, having taken a handful of watercolour and illustration courses over the years. More than anything, Siski loves children's books. She would eat them if she could. But they don’t taste as good as scones.

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Experience our very own Sensory Space with interactive floor projections and mesmerising scenic settings on our walls. Whether you and your child love playing in sunny fields or splashing at the seaside, you will be transported to different places in our multisensory summertime story workshop.

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Inspired by all the animals of Polka’s Half Term shows, make your own mask with paints, colouring pens or glitter! Once your mask is made, it’s time to learn some new mime techniques by using your body to tell your own story.

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This Easter, join our Early Years storyteller to ‘hop hop hop’ along with Wimbledon local Kathy Urban’s acclaimed storybook 'Hop Lola Hop'! There will be plenty of bouncing, jumping, bopping and of course, hopping during our multisensory storytelling bunny quest!

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Experience our very own Sensory Space with interactive floor projections and mesmerising scenic settings on our walls. Whether you and your child love playing in sunny fields or splashing at the seaside, you will be transported to different places in our multisensory summertime story workshop.

https://loopla-images.loopla.com/cdn-cgi/image/w=520,f=auto/fa7f9f39b036/e9820bf767c7d6e1aafbcce67eb989e7b1dacd39.png

This Easter, join our Early Years storyteller to ‘hop hop hop’ along with Wimbledon local Kathy Urban’s acclaimed storybook 'Hop Lola Hop'! There will be plenty of bouncing, jumping, bopping and of course, hopping during our multisensory storytelling bunny quest!

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Inspired by Polka’s baby production Soft or Spiky?, come explore a world of multisensory shapes, textures, music and messy play in our sensory studio!

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Come see the stars shine bright above you in our designated sensory studio. With our unique interactive projectors, you and your child will discover different lights and shades as you are transported on a storytelling journey inspired by How to Catch a Star.

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Roll up for our drama and circus skills workshop, inspired by The Singing Mermaid production, where you too can join a travelling circus! Learn to juggle, ribbon dance, hula-hoop and more! Amaze each other with your drama skills and new circus acts under the guidance of our Polka Ringmaster.

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This Easter, join our Early Years storyteller to ‘hop hop hop’ along with Wimbledon local Kathy Urban’s acclaimed storybook 'Hop Lola Hop'! There will be plenty of bouncing, jumping, bopping and of course, hopping during our multisensory storytelling bunny quest!

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Based on Three Billy Goats Gruff, create a finger puppet or two with your family. You could even try and make a whole family of finger puppets to fit on a hand, learning to move them, give voice to them and let them play along with our expert Polka puppeteers!

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Be brave at Polka and get inspired by our adaption of Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts practice different drama techniques, create your own action characters and learn some stage combat!

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Come create your own space rocket to blast into space! Inspired by How to Catch a Star and along with Polka’s expert drama and science practitioners, you will not only be able to make a space rocket, you will understand how rockets work and see them shoot off into our sensory space sky up into the magical starry atmosphere.

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Get yourself ready for Halloween with Polka’s drama workshop this October half term. Come in your favourite fancy dress and create your most spooktacular characters ready for a monstrously exciting Halloween party!

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Inspired by Polka’s baby production Soft or Spiky?, come explore a world of multisensory shapes, textures, music and messy play in our sensory studio!

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Come spend some quality time at Polka with your family this festive season. Join us to design and create your very own magical snow globe, inspired by the one in The Night Before Christmas. Shake up your Christmas and craft memories to treasure in this artistic workshop.

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Come see the stars shine bright above you in our designated sensory studio. With our unique interactive projectors, you and your child will discover different lights and shades as you are transported on a storytelling journey inspired by How to Catch a Star.

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Join our storyteller and be transported on our Polka picnic rugs for a teddy bear adventure just like the teddy in The Everywhere Bear. From land to sea and far beyond, take part in our interactive storytelling workshop for babies and toddlers.

https://loopla-images.loopla.com/cdn-cgi/image/w=520,f=auto/fa7f9f39b036/e744aaa8408c6567ceb9be5ad9299f86068760d8.png

Help Handa deliver a fruit basket gift to her friend in our musical and movement workshop. Try different actions and sounds to become one of the cheeky jungle animals and make some magical memories while having fun with the characters and animals found in this much-loved tale. Inspired by Handa's Surprise.

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Join us in this lantern making family workshop inspired by The Storm Whale. Create your very own lighthouse lantern to shine bright during the dark Autumn nights.

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Join us this half term to make and decorate your own crafty creature. Play out your own animal adventure in our free play spaces or even take them into the theatre to see the other creatures in The Adventures of The Little Red Hen production. An ideal treat for you and your children to enjoy time together before or after one of our shows.

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Help Handa deliver a fruit basket gift to her friend in our musical and movement workshop. Try different actions and sounds to become one of the cheeky jungle animals and make some magical memories while having fun with the characters and animals found in this much-loved tale. Inspired by Handa's Surprise.

https://loopla-images.loopla.com/cdn-cgi/image/w=520,f=auto/fa7f9f39b036/6772db8b48de881c865dd30ded2a4d4bdbaf0f99.png

Whether you want to be a gruesome green monster, creepy zombie or friendly ghost, come join us to design, create and make your own Halloween mask to wear on this spooky day.

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Help Handa deliver a fruit basket gift to her friend in our musical and movement workshop. Try different actions and sounds to become one of the cheeky jungle animals and make some magical memories while having fun with the characters and animals found in this much-loved tale. Inspired by Handa's Surprise.

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You are the Sun is a very first opera for babies and grown-ups that explores the magic of nature. Combining the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play, it is an invitation to see beauty in the smallest things and to let plants be our guides. Celebrate the gift of nature as we conjure a world out of breath, water, sunlight and soil in this magical musical adventure for 0-2s. HurlyBurly Theatre make playful theatrical experiences for babies and adults with classical singing at their heart. We make shows where babies are free to be themselves and grown-ups have a chance to relax, bond and play.

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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.

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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 loves 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 & songs by Barb Jungr (We’re Going On A Bear Hunt) bring Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved story to life.

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Take a bird’s eye view of the humans in a brand-new family show from M6 Theatre. A tree in a city. Two birds decide to make it their home and soon their cosy nest contains two very precious eggs. The world below is full of stuff but, very quickly, so too is the nest. Filled with clowning, original song and beautiful shadow play, this highly physical show uses minimal language to tell a tale about taking care, discovering what’s important and learning how to fly.

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One bench, two people, and five days. Through music, movement, and mishap, two young people experience the difficulty and joy in connecting with those unlike themselves. Rhythm is spontaneous and experiences life as movement; and all sound as music. Glas loves life smooth and stable; preferring things remain the same. When Rhythm and Glas meet at Bellevue Park they have the five days of half-term to see if their friendship is worth keeping, before they go back to their separate schools. Will they find a way to create something remarkable and discover a rhythm that is theirs alone? Remarkable Rhythm is a dance theatre show for young people 7-12 and their families. With integrated audio description by the two dancers, this show is accessible to audiences who are blind or partially sighted and the physical storyline is visually clear so allows D/deaf audiences the ability to also experience every show fully.

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Comedy-meets-rock-band-meets-punk-clown-mayhem, HAIRY is a playful and frankly laughable exploration of that most versatile and significant feature of human anatomy. 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?! Fear not! Our four super-hairos are on hand to untangle it all for you. Their super-powers mean they can grow hair ANYWHERE on their body! Specialists in all things hairy, this band of bristly buddies are ready to launch themselves fearlessly on a hairy journey of discovery. One thing is for sure: It’s going to get HAIRY! HAIRY is the first show created specially for young people by Spymonkey, the UK’s longest-running comedy theatre company. It will have few words and great generous dollops of bold visual comedy.

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Three dancers shimmy through the audience weaving a tapestry of sticky tape in this tactile dance performance for young children. They invite you to tape, stick and groove, to see and feel sound or to be still, watch and listen. Audiences are encouraged to explore freely, choosing how they engage, and turn the rules upside down. The Sticky Dance is an interactive, engaging and colourful performance installation for children and their families. The Sticky Dance is open for 2 hours for each performance. We recommend you spend approximately 45 minutes in the space, although you can choose to stay for longer or less. Please book one of the entrance slots available every 15 minutes. The first 2 slots have a lower capacity, for children who might prefer a gentler start. Second Hand Dance return to Polka after a sell-out performance at Big Dreams two years ago. This show is part of our Big Dreams Festival. More information here.

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A heart-warming tale of friendship and re-connecting with loved ones. Two people meet, tentatively at first, and journey through building trust and comfort with each other again. Using fabulously flexible willow, they explore sound and movement, creating magic and laughter, and invite the audience in to play. Early Weaves is a wonderful introduction to dance theatre for early years children, using beautiful movement in this non-verbal show with a set and props made almost entirely from willow.

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Armed with just a suitcase, NIE’s ensemble of actor/musicians tell this big, famous (and gruesome!) story in a funny and accessible way. With some help from the audience, the cast bring the story to life, unpacking an old tale with new meaning. What happens when Macbeth is tempted by power and riches? Should he go after what he truly desires? A combination of Shakespearean verse and contemporary language (and the occasional recap!) makes the original story clear and easy to follow. Punctuated effortlessly by an original soundtrack, live music and sound effects, the cast will create comedy, tragedy, fast action, and terrifying power. With minimal set (but plenty of atmosphere!) the show can introduce Shakespeare to first timers and reveal contemporary themes in a play that many know well.  Oh, and we should warn you...there’s lots of death. Please note this production is based on Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and contains similar themes to the original play, including violence, blood and death. Age Suggestion - 8-12 years Polka Theatre creates a range of productions to be enjoyed by children from 0-12 years. Whilst all children may attend our productions, we feel that this story is best suited to the suggested audience. This may be due to the themes or presentation style. We encourage you to consider this when booking tickets. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult or young person aged 16 years or over. Please note this production is based on Shakespeare's ''Macbeth' and contains similar themes to the original play, including violence, blood and death.

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World-famous Shakespearean Professor, Nick Bottom, is about to present his talk on A Midsummer Night’s Dream – but there is a technical problem. Professor Bottom’s laptop cannot contain the magical forces at play and the sprites in the software want to tell the story in their own words.  Nick makes an ass of himself, and we are drawn into a timeless world of love, fairies, and ridiculousness in Norwich Puppet Theatre’s sideways take on Shakespeare’s classic play. Beautiful shadow imagery inspired by Ancient Greek art and natural images are woven together with a musical sound tapestry created especially for this production. 

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Get ready for a GIANT new adventure... Follow the story of Jack, her father (and the family cow, Dotty) in a re-imagined version of the classic fairytale. When all of the gold in town disappears and her father loses his job in the mines, Jack is forced to sell Dotty and unknowingly embarks on an exciting adventure that takes her to new heights: from underground mines, climbing the beanstalk, to a golden castle in the sky. Who has stolen all the gold and can Jack save the day? From the writing team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion, Jack v Giant is an exciting new musical enchantingly brought to life through striking set design, beautiful puppetry and new music.

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"Anyone who enjoys a charming, funny, inventive afternoon at the theatre will be sure to come out with a grin on their face." British Theatre Guide A delightful new show full of sparkle and song, for everyone aged 4 and up.  Can you help a very unusual princess solve an unexpected problem? Without the twinkle of fairy lights, the holiday season could be cancelled!  It’s up to our intrepid explorer, her pals and YOU to illuminate the world again. Tutti Frutti Productions have teamed up with One Tenth Human ('Curious Investigators') to create a fun-filled, sparkling extravaganza exploring the sensational science behind electricity.   Featuring catchy original songs from Ziad Jabero and electrifying storytelling, The Lightbulb Princess will light up children’s imaginations and inspire them to learn more about the world around them. Researched with children and scientists in Morecambe Bay and Northumberland.

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Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Handa is taking seven delicious fruits as a surprise – but seven different animals have seven very different ideas… could you resist the sweet-smelling guava? How about a ripe red mango or a tangy purple passion fruit? A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. Come and share in the magical tangerine surprise! Handa’s Surprise is aimed at ages  2 - 5. The small audience sit on cushions and mats around the stage for an intimate experience, and there is a chance to join in the dancing at the end. This play is based on the original book Handa’s Surprise, written and illustrated by Eileen Browne. Published by Walker Books Ltd.

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"Suitable for even the shortest attention spans" The New York Times The very young won’t sit still to watch a show and we don’t expect them to. Egg and Spoon is an interactive romp through the seasons where you come in and out of our magic circle and get to open all the gifts of nature. Percy and April get you settled on our comfortable cushions and introduce you to Birdy, still hiding in his glowing egg. We have to wait till Spring if we want to see him so it’s time to begin our hands-on journey through the year. We’ll run through the rain and the falling leaves and sleep under the snow till the sun wakes us up for the butterfly party. Egg and Spoon is a perfect gentle introduction to the magic of theatre.

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Noi lives with his Dad and six cats by the sea… One summer, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little whale that washed up on the beach. A friendship began that changed their lives forever. The following winter his Dad takes one last trip in his fishing boat. Noi is alone once more and longs to see his friend again. He waits and watches, watches and waits… Will it take another storm to bring them back together? Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming stories of loneliness, love and courage are brought to life as one magical piece of theatre from the team behind ‘Grandad’s Island’. Based on the award-winning books 'The Storm Whale' and 'The Storm Whale in Winter' by Benji Davies.

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Wonder Gigs is a series of family friendly, live events for music-loving grown-ups and little ones aged 0-4. Each themed session includes toe-tapping, acoustic covers of well-known pop, rock and folk tunes from a live, professional musician.  At the same time, experienced play facilitators will ensure that your little one is well catered for with props, puppets, bubbles and gentle child-led play. Aimed at 0-4-year-olds, these sessions offer you a chance to unwind and play with your little one in a welcoming and relaxed space. Dancing, moving and singing along is fully encouraged.

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Pete the badger likes everything to be neat and tidy: the flowers, the leaves, even the other animals. But, when autumn comes, he gets a little bit carried away with cleaning up the forest and accidently destroys his own home! Based on the much-loved children’s book by author and illustrator, Emily Gravett, Tidy is a gentle but cautionary tale about the value of the world around us and what happens if we don’t look after it. With beautiful puppets, original music and a touch of silliness, this playful story will delight young audiences, as it explores how everyone needs a little bit of wild chaos in their lives.

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Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore's much-loved poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, we bring Christmas Eve to life in an exciting original production featuring music, skilful puppetry and a generous sprinkling of festive magic. Amber is six and loves reindeer! It's Christmas Eve but Grandad is feeling tired and Amber's favourite snow-globe gets broken. Then her world is turned topsy turvy by a surprise visitor and Amber begins an adventure she will never forget. Join Amber on a festive journey like no other - after all, on the night before Christmas, anything can happen.

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Once there was a boy who was always looking up. He dreamt of having a star as a friend. This is the story of his adventure. Based on the beloved book by award-winning Irish author Oliver Jeffers, Branar are proud to present How to Catch a Star. This adaptation directed by Marc Mac Lochlainn, seamlessly blends stunning puppet design by Suse Reibisch, a magical original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire, with Branar’s signature storytelling - creating a show which reminds us all to follow our dreams. How To Catch a Star is published by HarperCollins Children’s Publishers.

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Join Designer Sam Wilde and Director Ian Nicholson ('I Want My Hat Back Trilogy') on their next cardboard adventure. Using their trademark sustainable cardboard puppet style explore Boxville, a land made entirely from sustainable cardboard! Work with the Boxville engineers to craft-a-long with the story and build your own way through the tasks and trials of Boxville, earning everything you need to become a fully fledged cardboard engineer!  You will meet paper dragons, corrugated crabs and cardboard space robots in this STEM skilled, hands on, interactive, cardboard adventure!  Aimed at ages 4-8 and their grown-ups. All cardboard creations can be taken home at the end of the show. This show is part of our Big Dreams Festival. More information here.

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Join us for a storytelling adventure all about looking after our environments. Whether clearing leaves in the woodland or tidying up after a picnic in the park, your little one will start learning how to tidy up after play all while humming and jigging along to music from our new co-production Tidy!

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Prepare to soar through the fluffy clouds where flocks of birds and butterflies flutter. Explore the dream-like world that waits above us, in this multi-sensory dance experience for families. Take your little ones on a magical journey with Skydiver and experience how movement, sound and stunning visuals bring whimsical characters to life in an enchanting encounter in the skies. Greek dance artist, dramaturg and director Xenia Aidonopoulou makes visually compelling dance-theatre works filled with wonder and imagination that will captivate even the youngest audience members. Please note: This show uses a small amount of flashing lights and haze and the sound of thunderclaps.

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Trip – Trap, Trip – Trap, Trip – Trap... Who is that going over MY bridge? Join our three adventurer billy goats as they dare to cross the bridge to the other side.   The troll is determined this is his land and you need to get off it – but the billy goats have a few thoughts on that! Hiccup Theatre in collaboration with Derby Theatre and Polka Theatre bring you another exciting treat from the team that brought you ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, ‘Goldilocks and The Three Bears’ and ‘The Gingerbread Man’. Featuring beautiful puppetry, fantastic storytelling, a tricksy troll, three Billy Goats Gruff and amazing live music and original songs. Audio description will be creatively integrated into performances. This will be achieved in a range of ways, such as through live and recorded sounds and music and actors fully embodying their characters.

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Celebrate the 10th anniversary of everyone’s favourite Dinosaur-who-cried-wolf story, 'Gigantosaurus' - as seen on TV! Listen to bestselling author and illustrator Jonny Duddle read the story and join in with a draw-along for his brand-new book 'How to Draw Dinosaurs'. Embark on a dinosaur-doodling adventure with him and create your very own dinosaurs to take home! Enjoy talks with famous early years authors in partnership with Wimbledon Bookfest.

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Join Luna and her Dad for an adventure among the library shelves in this exciting new musical for families. Luna looks forward to one special day… Library Day! It’s the day when she discovers magic among the library shelves, from dinosaurs to mummies, from unexplained mysteries to monsters and magic. But for Luna, Library Day is also a chance to spend time with Dad, making it all the more special. Based on the critically acclaimed book by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and illustrator Fiona Lumbers, join Luna and Dad as they discover magic and mystery, laughter and sadness and, through the power of stories, even start to mend their own history. Adapted for the stage by award-winning poet and author Joseph Coelho, with music and lyrics by family favourite David Gibb, Luna Loves Library Day is the perfect treat for children and their families.

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Is it a bed? Or a boat? Or a giant slice of toast? For Naz and Iggy and their eight friends, their bed is a place where imagination can fill their tummies with tasty treats and take them to familiar warm places. Well, sometimes. Join the boat-bed’s disparate crew as they dream up playful tales of pirates, misunderstood sharks and fishing trips that hook some unexpected catches. But what happens if the bed is not big enough to fit everyone in? How do they decide who gets to stay and who has to go? This humorous and inventive new show celebrates the power of imaginary play and proves there’s always enough room to have fun, even when the world is at its most daunting. Written by award-winning teenage fiction writer Steve Tasane (‘Child I’, ‘Blood Donors’), Ten in the Bed sensitively explores the child refugee experience, where the power of invention offers an escape from reality. Framed by an evocative soundscape, it is the latest exhilarating production for 3-8s from Half Moon, the UK’s leading small-scale young people’s venue and touring company.

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The award-winning Indefinite Articles present their work for the very young: Claytime, a play with clay, where the audience are invited to participate. Come to a place where the earth’s natural material meets with children’s imaginations: a world of fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing monsters. Each Claytime is totally unique - creating its own world, its own characters and its own stories drawn directly from its young audience. Truly, interactive theatre at its most engaging.

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Visit the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense. 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 stagings and ability to make us all laugh, returning to Polka after a hugely successful run of The Gingerbread Man last year.

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Returning due to popular demand after a sell-out run in 2023! 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!  A gentle and relaxing show for ages 2 - 5 years and their families. "A fun and fascinating production" LondonTheatre1 "A unique, poetic, physical theatre experience" Children's Theatre Reviews

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A remixed tale of star-crossed lovers. How much would you risk for the person you love? Forced apart by generations of hatred, young eyes meet across a South London dancefloor on a fateful night that will change their lives forever. Shakespeare’s most famous story is re-told through rap, rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. It’s 'Romeo and Juliet', but as you’ve never heard it before. Put down your swords and pick up your mics, after all, the course of true love never did run smooth. From the makers behind ‘Frankenstein: How to make a Monster’ and ‘Pied Piper the Hip Hop Family Musical’. Made with Beats & Elements.

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Have you ever dreamt of flying to the moon? Visiting a space station? Becoming an astronaut? An out of this world adventure for 3 – 8 year olds. Star Seekers Alph, Betty and Gammo need your help to save their space station, collect all the orbs and delve into the great unanswered question of the universe: what do astronauts really have for tea? Inspired by our childhood wonder of the universe, The Wardrobe Ensemble and The Wardrobe Theatre have created a unique theatrical experience for children. The Star Seekers is an interactive show that explores the limitless majesty of galaxies, the solar system, shooting stars and planets through songs, silliness and anti-gravity antics. Together you will all go on an intergalactic adventure through space, discover new planets, meet an alien and collect all the orbs for Dr. Doctor, before returning to Earth again. Meet Betty and Gammo outside the auditorium to get your name badge.

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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.

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Gerda is on the magical quest of a lifetime. Her best friend Kai has disappeared with the mysterious Snow Queen, and if Gerda doesn’t rescue him soon, he’ll be trapped in an endless winter forever. Come on an unforgettable and thrilling adventure where the strength of friendship is tested to its limits, and nothing is quite what it seems in the fantastical, frosty world of The Snow Queen. Jude Christian’s ('Hamlet', 'Dick Whittington', National Theatre, 'Jack and The Beanstalk', Lyric Hammersmith) brand new family adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale is brought to life with songs, spectacular storytelling and a flurry of mythical magic. Enter a wintry wonderland of imagination for the whole family at Polka this Christmas.

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Under the Little Red Moon, an Opera for Children Under Two Our story for babies and their grown-ups begins with a red moon rising.   But why is the moon red?  Now it’s turned blue and it’s crying. Do the ladybirds know why?  Perhaps the little pond can tell us? Or maybe the rabbits have the answer…   Made in consultation with paediatricians, English Touring Opera’s Under the Little Red Moon explores the development of language with the help of music and movement. 

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Join us for a storytelling adventure all about looking after our environments. Whether clearing leaves in the woodland or tidying up after a picnic in the park, your little one will start learning how to tidy up after play all while humming and jigging along to music from our new co-production Tidy!

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We’re all trying to work out our story. Who are we? How are we shaped? Sometimes you have to find the courage to be just you - the brilliant you. Following the acclaimed Need a Little Help (“beautifully immersive production” The Family Stage) and Butterflies (“a truly transformative experience” Children’s Theatre Reviews) Tangled Feet present the World Premiere of 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. Where has she been and when will she get back? Piles of clothes become sea creatures, dresses become parachutes and shadows dance as Cleo and two new friends find a place called home. Inspired by working with young people in Kent who don’t live with their birth parents, Belongings is the story of finding your feet, finding your playmates & imagining a new future. Told with Tangled Feet’s unique blend of physicality, innovative design and original music, this is a show for anyone aged 6-12 who is looking to find where they fit in.

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Zoe loves meeting up with her friends, but one day as she’s getting ready, something very peculiar happens… Catapulted one hundred years into the future, Zoe finds herself on a mysterious island made entirely of plastic waste. She doesn’t have time to think before her real adventures begin and she sets off to explore, solving riddles, meeting wonderful creatures, and helping new friends out of trouble. Will she find her way home? Join us in this magical tale exploring themes of friendship and the environment, featuring Theatre-Rites’ award-winning puppetry. A time travelling adventure for ages 6-12.

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A rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig for curious humans of all ages. Have you ever wondered what a dinosaur might do in a day? Or what they actually really looked like? What colour were they? Did they have stripes and spots? Were they really green like they are in the movies? Join five amazing musicians and famous palaeontologist Dr Jakob Vinther as they enter the multi-coloured world of the dinosaurs with soaring music, catchy songs and mind-blowing science. P.S. Bring your own dinosaur!

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A joyful, kaleidoscopic family show about change, why change happens – and how to deal with it. The world has ever so slightly shifted. Things are... different, skewed, off kilter and no one else has noticed. Time feels strange and no one day is the same. Wait. Was that an actual zebra crossing the zebra crossing? Join us for this fast-moving and physical adventure about the chaos of the last few years – allowing young people to take stock and share their hopes for the future. Created by award-winning theatre company Rhum + Clay, made in consultation with a child psychologist and children across London.

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LàQua is a little chant that echoes from the mother’s belly. It’s the sound of the first element that accompanies, protects and cradles intrauterine life - the song of the first journey that a newborn makes. A small hymn to life, to the water that accompanies it. Born of the idea that even a small baby is able to explore the world with their senses, LàQua explores these senses, language, understanding and memory using polyphonic song and rhythms of the first sounds. The title is a sound composition of the word "water" and refers to a baby’s first vocal explorations.

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Acclaimed author Tọlá Okogwu brings her message about the enduring nature of friendship to Polka in her moving and magical book 'Bekah and the Moon'. This enchanting event is centred around the moon with a reading, signing and beginners introduction to all things lunar and helps overcome night-time fears through the power of love. Enjoy talks with famous early years authors in partnership with Wimbledon Bookfest.

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"George sees something in the kitchen. It’s cake! I said I’d be good, George thinks, but I LOVE cake. What will George do?" Oh No, George! is the delightfully playful tale of a dog who wants to be good but just can’t resist temptation. Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Chris Haughton, this brand new show for children aged 3+ (and their grown ups) uses acrobatics, slapstick comedy, Sign Supported English and live music to bring George’s joyful escapades to life. Originally commissioned by ARC Stockton and The Civic, Barnsley in 2020, Oh No, George! is brought to life by Can’t Sit Still, a South Gloucestershire based arts organisation that tells stories and starts conversations with the power to change the world.

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Follow two very curious builders who are committed to getting the job done. Their biggest challenge is they have never built anything before… A hilarious, interactive exploration of how we learn to live amongst the buildings, noises and people all around us. Let’s Build! embraces the magic of discovering things for the first time, where mistakes are a door to something new. Audiences will be invited to get building too. Will things turn out wonderfully or could they topple to the ground? Calling all builders, makers and shakers of the future - we need your help! Join us for Let's Build!, a new interactive performance made especially for 2-5 year olds. Duration Approx. 45 mins (incl. a special stay and build!)

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Join award-winning author and illustrator Benji Davies for this fun session based upon his much-loved 'Storm Whale' stories. Find out how Benji creates his picture books, where he gets his ideas from, and enjoy a storytelling of the latest book in the series 'The Great Storm Whale'. There’ll also be a live draw-along that everyone can join in with! Enjoy talks with famous early years authors in partnership with Wimbledon Bookfest.

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Debi Gliori shares her timeless classic, 'No Matter What', with a new generation of readers. This beautifully told and exquisitely illustrated gem of a tale by the Kate Greenaway-shortlisted author has been repackaged for the next wave of readers. Come and enjoy this heartfelt story all about the unconditional love each parent feels for their child. Enjoy talks with famous early years authors in partnership with Wimbledon Bookfest.

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Join us for a storytelling adventure all about looking after our environments. Whether clearing leaves in the woodland or tidying up after a picnic in the park, your little one will start learning how to tidy up after play all while humming and jigging along to music from our new co-production Tidy!

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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 grown ups. 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. Duration Approx. 25 mins plus 20 mins stay and play

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Sam Wu is NOT a scaredy-cat (except he is). When a trip to the Space Museum goes terrifyingly wrong, Sam begins a mission to prove to everyone that he is a fearless space adventurer… Adapted for stage from Katie and Kevin Tsang’s best-selling book, join Sam and his deadly pet snake sidekick as he faces his fears and tries to defeat the Ghost King once and for all at the premiere of this brand-new adventure. Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts by Katie & Kevin Tsang. Illustrations © 2018 Nathan Reed. Published by Farshore, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.

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Blink. Blink again. What do you see? Day by day your world is filling up with colour, little one. Reds and blues, yellows and greens. Twinkling lights that glisten and gleam. Your reflection is staring back at you. Wide eyed and full of hope. Mirrors, lights, colours and sounds. The world is your kaleidoscope. Inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops and how they instinctively begin to categorise colour, watch as a multi-coloured kaleidoscope is brought to life for you and your baby. This show is part of our Big Dreams Festival.

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Using spoken word, lyrics, visuals & DJ-ing, PLOT17 is an interactive performance for audiences aged 7-12. Join underground hip-hop hero Kenny Baraka AKA The Green Man and DJ D'Vo as they work to save the environment one sick track at a time. PLOT17 is a mobile block party travelling the world raising awareness, inspiring action and spreading the message of "making things green", with a soundtrack guaranteed to make you want to plant a tree and sure to help the seeds grow.

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Explore the wonderful world of colours with a curious little owl, who is determined to stay awake and see what day light brings. From the warm, pink glow of dawn through to a day filled with the bright colours of green leaves, blue sky, white clouds and, finally, a stunning rainbow — ‘WOW!’. But despite the beauty of the daytime world, the little owl decides that the night-time stars are the most beautiful of all. WOW! Said the Owl, the acclaimed children’s book by award-winning author, Tim Hopgood, is brought to life through a blend of beautiful storytelling, puppetry and music. Directed by Joy Haynes, this show will delight and excite very young audiences.

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6-year-old Manny is bursting with excitement at the thought of preparing a welcome home dinner for his dad Tony, who’s been away. Together with his mum - professional chef Valeria - his granny Abuela Alma, and his superhero companion Mighty Mujer, he’s planning to cook a family meal of arepas, guacamole, and a delicious Brigadeiro dessert. Abuela, however, would rather Manny go and play with his toys than help in the kitchen – she thinks it’s ‘a woman’s place’. Manny feels differently - Why can’t he cook and learn to be a professional chef, or a superhero when he grows up? Or both? But when his mum has to get a missing ingredient and his abuela falls asleep, a mishap puts the whole dinner on the line. Manny will have to be resourceful and take on the challenge to put things right with the help of Mighty Mujer – and the audience! Join us for this award-nominated musical that invites children and their families to sing, dance, and cook with a Latin American family.

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Due to popular demand, our make-up experts are back with a vengeance – this time to show how you can make your very own terror-ific look. With spooky and spectacular designs to demonstrate, monstrous make-up to apply and wicked wigs to try on, come and transform this Halloween!

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Unpick the world’s greatest inspiration, William Shakespeare and his romantic language, to relearn it for today! Guided by the creative team behind our updated and innovative production of Romeo and Juliet, explore the poetic language, unravel the verse and rhymes and remix it into a rap ready to share with family and friends at the end of this 2 day rapping course.

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Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of mimicking drum machines, using your mouth, lips, tongue and voice. Join our ‘Beatbox master’ to learn new skills and create your own different rhythms to perform in front of your peers and family at the end of the day!

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Inspired by the animals in the production of The Lost Spells, this workshop gives you the chance to decorate, animate and bring shadow animal puppets to life! You will learn the tips and tricks of shadow puppetry animation and record your own magical show.

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Everybody put your hands together for our stand-up comedy masterclass! Working alongside our professional team, learn how to improvise, deliver and perform funny spontaneous acts either in a group or solo. Whether using physical comic tricks or writing your own cracking jokes, come along for some half term laughs!

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Make your own mini show on our 2-day musical theatre adventure inspired by Three Billy Goats Gruff! If you enjoy singing and acting, then this workshop is for you. As well as practising how to perform as an ensemble, you will write your own song and have the chance to share your musical talents with family and friends.

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In this creative 2-day drama workshop, children will design, create and become wacky characters from our production of HAIRY. Learn how to mime, move and tell a story in your mask - whether your character is funny, serious or silly, it will be sure to entertain hair there and everywhere!

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Come learn about different styles of puppetry in this 3-day puppet-making summer school. Explore, play and perform your own puppet show stories in front of family and friends.

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From hero hedgehogs to brave badgers, join our specialist puppet-maker and make your very own hand puppets inspired by the crafty creatures of Tidy. Use your imagination to create an adventurous animal and role-play scenes from this environmental story about helping to keep the world around us tidy!

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Have you ever imagined your own comic book character, superhero or villain? Join us in our masterclass on comic book art and writing where you will get the opportunity to work with a professional creative! We will cover learning how to draft your ideas on paper, drawing and writing your characters and their scenes in a comic book strip style, then sharing your own comic book scenarios among friends at the end of the day.

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Budding actors can spend a week training and working with a professional Theatre Director to explore a variety of drama techniques, learn new skills and create a new piece of theatre that will be performed for family and friends!

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Polka presents an Artist Day in celebration of Early Years Theatre. Join in with panel discussions with industry specialists on reviewing and commissioning priorities for TYA, Q&A’s and a first look at brand-new scratch performances from participants of Polka’s Artist Development Programme (Catapult), and networking opportunities with industry peers. This event is part of our Big Dreams Festival. More information here. Scratches: Ashton Owen and Natalya Martin, Farrell Cox, Mikayla Teodoro, Layla Bradbeer, Ruby Kitching, Kiota Collective Meet the Catapult Programme participants here. Panel talks: Reviewing Theatre and Dance for TYA Chaired by Lyn Gardner, Join Donald Hutera, Mary Pollard, Rosie Heafford and Sarah Argent to discuss progress and priorities in reviewing theatre and dance for young audiences, and how the sector can garner more recognition and understanding. Co-Curated with Polka Associate Artists Second Hand Dance. Priorities for commissioning and programming in TYA How are we supporting artists developing work, and what priorities are being considered when programming and commissioning Theatre for Young Audiences? Panel will include Rachel Bagshaw (Artistic Director, Unicorn Theatre), Noel Gay (Artistic Director, Imaginate), Chris Elwell (Artistic Director, Half Moon) and Helen Matravers (Artistic Director, Polka Theatre).

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Join us for the Polka Summer Fun Day! Free fun activities for the whole family. Join us for face painting, glitter tattoos, colouring, activities, dressing-up and more. No ticket required!

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Join us for a moonlit journey in our sensory studio. Explore colours, light and shade and hear sounds of the nighttime as we travel through dusk to dawn on a storytelling adventure. Come say hello to the nighttime creatures, catch a twinkling star and greet the smiling moon this Autumn inspired by the production of Under The Little Red Moon.

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It’s that time of year when the lights are twinkling and the bells are jingling! So come down to Polka and get rocking to the beat with your child in this magical music and movement workshop just before Christmas!

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It’s that time of year when the lights are twinkling and the bells are jingling! So come down to Polka and get rocking to the beat with your child in this magical music and movement workshop just before Christmas!

https://loopla-images.loopla.com/cdn-cgi/image/w=520,f=auto/fa7f9f39b036/907590cd1f4b12da55199e59852a09b42fa87ec7.png

Join us for a moonlit journey in our sensory studio. Explore colours, light and shade and hear sounds of the nighttime as we travel through dusk to dawn on a storytelling adventure. Come say hello to the nighttime creatures, catch a twinkling star and greet the smiling moon this Autumn inspired by the production of Under The Little Red Moon.

https://loopla-images.loopla.com/cdn-cgi/image/w=520,f=auto/fa7f9f39b036/d69c3816bf76775aef63675cec7b3705a9519c53.png

Join us for a moonlit journey in our sensory studio. Explore colours, light and shade and hear sounds of the nighttime as we travel through dusk to dawn on a storytelling adventure. Come say hello to the nighttime creatures, catch a twinkling star and greet the smiling moon this Autumn inspired by the production of Under The Little Red Moon.

https://loopla-images.loopla.com/cdn-cgi/image/w=520,f=auto/fa7f9f39b036/8fc0965cf81dae9be90f1ca8bad250f9fd1472ec.png

It’s that time of year when the lights are twinkling and the bells are jingling! So come down to Polka and get rocking to the beat with your child in this magical music and movement workshop just before Christmas!

https://loopla-images.loopla.com/cdn-cgi/image/w=520,f=auto/fa7f9f39b036/8c37b98203da276f784103fe2406984689d9feab.png