Polka theatre is to celebrate the work of former Children’s Laureate Quentin Blake this summer with a new show entitled All Join In And Other Stories, which runs from 13 May to 6 August.
Blake is one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators. As well as illustrating over 300 books by writers including Michael Rosen, Carol Ann Duffy and Roald Dahl, Blake has also written and illustrated his own books, including Patrick, Jack And Nancy, Angelo, Snuff, Simkin, Mister Magnolia, Mrs Armitage On Wheels, Fantastic Daisy Artichoke and All Join In.
All Join In And Other Stories – which is suitable for ages 4-7 – celebrates Blake’s colourful characters and stories using song, music and dancing, with ample opportunity for kids to join in.
The show is part of a new season at Polka theatre that also kicks off with a show for 9-13 year-olds based on a Rudyard Kipling story. Little Elephant, which plays from 13 to 23 April, is performed in Italian and English by Bruno Cappagli.
That is followed from 26 April to 7 May by Scarecrow, which uses puppetry and music to tell the story of an unlikely friendship between a scarecrow and the crows he is meant to scare away. Scarecrow is written by Mike Kenny, the adaptor of the recent stage version of The Railway Children, which enjoyed a run at Waterloo Station.
The summer season also includes a show for very young children aged 1-3, playing from 6 July to 20 August. Created by actor/director Andy Manley and visual artist Rosie Gibson, Archaeology – A Worm’s Story invites children to come and explore the underground world of a wiggly worm.
The main season is accompanied by Polka theatre’s programme of Visiting Adventures, which play on Saturdays and school holidays throughout the year. The spring/summer line-up includes visits from Oily Cart, Lyngo theatre, Half Moon theatre and Theatre Iolo.
The theatre also offers creative workshops in school holidays, including a new Backstage Workshop and a Musical Summer School.
For full details, visit www.polkatheatre.com
CB