The Polka Theatre Wimbledon and Half Moon this autumn presents Soft or Spiky?, what they describe as “Early Years Theatre”, with an all-new show from Daryl Beeton which playfully explores the different ways we communicate.
This playful and interactive new show is full of shapes, sounds, textures and words exploring different ways to connect and understand each other. The production explores the multiple ways we communicate, ensuring that no one is left out. At the end of the performance, there is a stay-and-play session where audiences can enter the sensory landscape of the production.
Chris Elwell, director of Half Moon, said, “We’re thrilled to be part of this interactive new theatre show designed specifically for babies, where we explore the magic of sensory experiences. It’s an incredible opportunity to create a nurturing space where the youngest audiences can discover the joy of theatre from their very first moments.”
Soft or Spiky? runs at the Polka’s Adventure Theatre from October 19 to November 24.
And Polka’s Early Years Theatre Festival, Big Dreams, returns on September 28 and 29 with five innovative productions, creative digital installations, interactive events from renowned early years authors in partnership with Wimbledon BookFest, and a range of free activities.
Shows on Saturday September 28 will be: Kaleidoscope, where a multi-coloured kaleidoscope is brought to life for babies aged from six to 18 months; Wonder Gigs, a music-filled session for ages up to four years with gentle child-led play (both from Filskit Theatre Company); and Second Hand Dance return to Polka, with The Sticky Dance – tape, stick and groove in this interactive colourful performance installation for three- to five-year-olds.
Shows on Sunday September 29 will be: LàQua from Teatro Koreja, an exploration of the senses, language and understanding using polyphonic song and rhythms for the under-threes; and four- to eight-year-olds are invited to help the Boxville engineers to build their way through the story in Boxville from Cardboard Adventures.
Wimbledon BookFest events during the festival include: a story-telling and live draw-along session based on the beloved Storm Whale stories with Benji Davies; a 25th anniversary celebration of Debi Gliori’s No Matter What; an interactive reading and signing of World Book Day 2024 author Tọlá Okogwu’s moving and magical book Bekah and the Moon; and Gigantosaurus’ author Jonny Duddle will do a draw-along and read through of his brand-new book Doodle with Duddle: How to Draw Dinosaurs.
Tickets for performances and talks are £12 each, with a multi-buy saving available when booking two or more events.
Tickets are on sale now via polkatheatre.com or call 020 8543 4888
Polka Theatre on Wimbledon Boradway is one of just a handful of dedicated children’s venues in Britain, presenting a year-round programme of shows and creative learning activities. The Main Theatre has a 300-seat capacity, and the Adventure Theatre can seat up to 90 depending on the show format.
Over the past year, Polka has worked with 143 schools through creative learning projects and has distributed more than 6,000 free tickets to schools through their Curtain Up! scheme.
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