Adaptations of stories by Michael Morpurgo, EB White and Hans Christian Andersen feature in the new season at Polka theatre this autumn/winter.
However it is an original story by Levi David Addai that kicks off the season at the children’s theatre on 23 September. I Have A Dream… is a time-travelling adventure which switches between present day London and the US at the height of the civil rights movement in 1963. Two children in very different environments become friends as they unite on a journey across decades and continents.
Following I Have A Dream… Polka’s festive line-up comprises two adaptations of much-loved children’s stories.
First, for babies and children aged 1 to 5, is The Ugly Duckling (19 October to 18 February). Jonathan Lloyd’s adaptation uses puppets to bring to life Andersen’s tale of a strange duckling trying to find his way in the world.
Meanwhile for children aged 5 to 11, Polka presents a new production of EB White’s much-loved novel Charlotte’s Web (11 November to 4 February). Telling the story of a pig being fattened for the dinner table who is befriended by a clever spider, White’s tale has been a favourite of millions since its publication in 1952.
The final main house production in the new season is Morpurgo’s Twist Of Gold, adapted by Simon Reade (16 February to 21 April). A story of family and survival against the odds, it follows Sean and Annie as they leave famine-gripped Ireland in search of their father in America.
Morpurgo is the former children’s laureate whose numerous celebrated novels include King Of The Cloud Forests, Private Peaceful, Jigger’s Day Off, Farm Boy, Billy The Kid and War Horse. The latter was adapted into a hugely successful production at the National Theatre which subsequently transferred to the West End and Broadway.
In addition to the main house season Polka theatre presents a number of visiting company productions on Saturdays throughout the year, as well as a programme of practical workshops for children in school holidays. For full details visit www.polkatheatre.com
CB