We are very lucky and often get to visit the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon to preview their shows for the blog. Today we were invited to yet another deliciously exciting show in Three Colours which, as always, we absolutely loved!
I didn’t really know what to expect so hadn’t spoken much to the children about it; I hadn’t even really mentioned we were going at all and Florence was delighted when she realised where we were! You see, going to Polka isn’t just about the experience of the theatre, in fact, you don’t have to go and see a show at all and can just enjoy the play areas both inside and out, a drink on the train in the cafe or just a sit in the garden. When we go and see a show we do like to make the most of it and do all of those things too and the children love it!
We’ve never been able to actually sit and enjoy the garden before because being England it’s not often sunny enough but yesterday was a beautiful day so I spoke to Florence about having our picnic after the show sitting outside instead of on the train and although reluctant to give up the cafe, she did agree! We had a little play indoors first, Jimmy always makes a beeline for the climb on wooden goose while Florence goes straight for the craft table and then it was time to enter the Adventure Theatre for the show to begin.
The Adventure Theatre is lovely with spaces for children to sit on the floor at the front and cushioned blocks around the edges for adults. With Jimmy being so small I sat on the floor with them and for this show we sat on white puffy material shaped like wavy clouds and waves. It’s lovely that the performance happens on the floor and right next to where you sit and makes the children really feel a part of it. The performers brought round spinning crystals and lights which they shone through them and dangled them over children’s legs, hands and arms to create patterns which had all little eyes transfixed! Then the show really started.
Using lights, projections, shadows and their bodies, the performers used the colours red, green and blue (three colours) to provide a feast for the eyes! The scene changed from night to day, the sky to the sea and was absolutely beautiful. Also extremely clever. I loved when the female actress was against the back wall seemingly being splattered with paint when in fact the paint was being spread around the base of the projector. Little ones were extremely engaged, even Jimmy who stood staring for the entire performance! It’s kind of like a sensory room on a grander scale and with two actors conducting the play! After the performance we simply had to have a play outside and a sit in the garden. The play area is one side and the garden the other so you can sit quietly and eat.
Yet another lovely day at the Polka Theatre, no wonder people come from all over to Wimbledon just for their shows. Can’t wait to see what they’ll have next!
If you would like to know more about the Polka Theatre, their performances and workshops then please visit their website www.polkatheatre.com.
I have not been paid to write this post but I was provided with tickets to the performance for the purpose of review.
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