30 September - 21 October 2005
Polka Theatre presents
The Shoe
by Roger Lang, directed by John Wright
Following on from the huge success of 2004's The Playground
(Time Out Critics' Choice of 2004), The Show is Polka's prodction
for this year's Black History Month production. In a world which
is both here and everywhere, three street kids have nothing but
each other, their dreams, and a high-heeled shoe. For Kof, Ped and
Trace, the shoe is hope - hope of a home, a mother, of wealth, of
comfort. If they can just find the matching shoe, the other half
of the pair, they know they can escape, and find their way to safety.
The Shoe is a fast-paced, exciting and funny play which is
sure to delight young people from age 8 up to teenagers . Full of
magic as well as moments of gritty realism, it will be a rollercoaster
ride of emotion, laughter and thrills!
18 November 2005 - 4 February 2006
Polka Theatre presents
A Bear Called Paddington
From the books by Michael Bond
Published by HarperCollins Ltd
Adapted and directed by Annie Wood
For ages 5+
Join Paddington Bear for a story After the smash hit success of last
year's James and the Giant Peach, Polka presents another classic
story with this brand new adaptation of Michael Bond's treasured books.
The creative team including Annie Wood (Stuart Little, Selfish
Giant), Roman Stefanski (the man behind James and the Giant
Peach), and Frantic Assembly's Scott Graham, this is sure to be
a show full of magic, mayhem and lots of marmalade!
13 December 2005 - 4 March 2006
Polka Theatre presents
Bear Stories
Devised by Polka Theatre
For ages 3-4, with a version for younger children
These funny, charming and hugely popular stories, told using puppetry,
will strike a chord with all young children, and their parents and
teachers. They are tales of growing up, learning, playing and, most
importantly, about love.
Bear Stories for Babies and Toddlers
After the popularity of the baby and toddler performances of The
Ugly Duckling, Polka once again creates tailor-made performances
for children aged 1-2 years . Responding to audience feedback there
are more shows on different days throughout the run - see the online
calendar for show times.
Books for Children of all ages!
The Word @ Polka Theatre, is a unique festival celebrating all the
brilliant books for children and young people. It's a thrilling opportunity
to hear some of Britain's best-loved authors, illustrators and poets
read their work, give advice and answer all your questions, and get
your books signed too. There'll also be an on-site bookshop provided
by BOOKSetc, plus Face Painting, a Craft Zone and a Drama Zone, in
addition to the cafe, garden and playground.
This year's programme:
Sat 8 October
Books for Babies (a free singing, rhyming and storytelling event).
For ages 0+
Morris Gleitzman (Two Weeks with the Queen, Bumface).
For ages 8+
Mairi Hedderwick (the Katie Morag books). For ages 5+
Michael Rosen (We're Going on a Bear Hunt). For ages 5+
Philip Ridley (Krindlekrax, Scribbleboy). For ages
9+
Marcia Williams (illustration workshop). For ages 6+
David McKee (King Rollo, Elmer the Elephant). For
ages 4+
Anne Cassidy (Looking for JJ). For ages 12+
Sun 9 October
Books for Babies (a free singing, rhyming and storytelling event).
For ages 0+
Jacqueline Wilson (The Diamond Girls, Midnight). For
ages 7+
Michael Bond (A Bear Called Paddington). For ages 5+
Malorie Blackman (Nought & Crosses, Knife Edge).
For ages 12+
Michelle Paver (Wolf Brother). For ages 9+
Alexis Deacon (Slow Loris, Beegu). For ages 3+
Mini Grey (Traction Man is Here!). For ages 4+
Simon James (Baby Brains, Dear Greenpeace). For ages
6+
