CHILDREN'S SHOWS
Below is a selection of shows for young children being shown over the next few months. We haven't listed performance times for all of them because they vary from day to day.
You can also find out all about the Unicorn Theatre for Children and Polka Children's Theatre with details of their locations, how to get there and information on disabled access.
There is also a UK tour of Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Medicine going on until the end of the year which you can find out more about by clicking on the link.
If you click on the image for the production or the booking link you are interested in it will take you through to the online booking site where you can find out more about show times and book tickets.
Charlie and Lola's Best Bestest Play
Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, SW19 1SB
17th February-15th May with performances at various times
For children aged 3-6, the show is based on the characters created by Lauren Child who are stars of the hit BBC TV series. They are brought to life by a mix of puppets and music where 2-D and 3-D worlds mingle.
Will Lola ever tidy her messy room? Will Charlie get Lola to sleep, even though she is not sleepy and will not go to bed?
Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
Maria Studio, Young Vic, 66 The Cut, London SE1
28th January to 13th March 2010.
The 45-minute production is an adaptation of Dr Seuss's much-loved book about a mischievous cat whose instantly recognisable style involves a tall red-and-white-striped hat and a natty bow tie. Age 3-6.
My House
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
6th-13th March
My House was developed as an experimental part of an artist project in early years' settings in Edinburgh.
My House is a very special house - where all is not as it seems. You can watch the rooms and chimneys grow, and spot as many shapes and textures you can.
2-3 years
The London Eye Mystery
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London. SE1 2HZ
6th March - 18th April
Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim get on the London Eye and assume they will see him again 30 minutes later. But when the pod completes its journey and everyone gets off there is no sign of Salim who seems to have disappeared into thin air?
Ted and Kay follow a trail of clues across London in a desperate bid to find their missing cousin taking them on a frightening ride ranging from despair to hope.
For age 10+
Jake and Cake
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London, SE1 2HZ
10th - 14th March
www.unicorntheatre.com
Jake has moved to the country and misses his best friend Raymond who he has left back in London. Then one day a local girl called Cake enters his life with stories of magic and ancient myths.
Does she have special powers to find Raymond? As storm clouds gather they go into the woods in search of friendship and the winding path home.
For age 6+
My Mother Told Me Not to Stare
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London, SE1 2HZ
17th - 21st March
www.unicorntheatre.com
A dark operetta for curious children.
In Upper Crumble where Bobby Rogers lives everyone leads very normal lives. But Bobby notices that a child has suddenly disappears and digs a hole through the earth down to kangaroos and upsidedowness. He could have stayed there forever, but Bobby Rogers decides to return home to settle a score…
Told in an operatic, gothic style, My Mother Told Me Not To Stare is about the “disappeared” who are children who did something naughty and got sent to The Fixing Kitchen - a place from which they never returned. The only boy who can stop it is the naughtiest one of all.
Running time: 90 minutes plus interval
For ages 8+
How Cold My Toes
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London. SE1 2HZ
7th - 18th April
www.unicorntheatre.com
Devised in collaboration with urban dance company Champloo, How Cold My Toes goes on a fun-filled magical journey through the seasons, from seed-sprouting spring all the way to the frosty frozen fingers of winter.
Children of all ages will be captivated by the combination of performance, music, design and amazing urban choreography.
Running Time: approx. 50 minutes, no interval.
For ages 2 – 7
Something in the Air
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London, SE1 2HZ
23rd April - 8th May
An interactive aerial show where seated in suspended nest-chairs, young people and their carers will fly amongst the aerial performers in this kinaesthetic adventure. Due to the nature of this show there is a maximum capacity of six young people and six adult companions for each performance.
For young people aged 3-19 with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities or an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
The Tempest by William Shakespeare
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London. SE1 2HZ
23rd April - 9th May
www.unicorntheatre.com
With its enchanted island, magician’s daughter and shipwrecked prince Shakespeare’s tale of romance, comedy and magic is told in a very clear and enjoyable way.
Miranda has grown up with only her father Prospero and the strange islander Caliban for company, but her world is changed forever as a violent storm brings ashore her father’s greatest enemy, a handsome stranger and two drunken rascals with plans of their own.
For age 9+
Pirates
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
19th June-7th August
Jim is kidnapped from his bedroom by pirates wanting their treasure back. He sets sail on the high seas for thrills and adventures, but can he escape the pirates and find a way home from the year 1718? And can he solve the mystery of the treasure chest? ever be solved? This is a ship full of fun, magic, excitement....and sharks!
Adventures for 7-11 year olds
Skitterbang Island
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
7th July-21st August
Shipwrecked in a bad storm and washed up on a bleak and craggy island in the north of the world, a brave little girl meets a strange and curious creature who has a cave full of old metal and junk washed up from the sea. He shows her his latest collection, which sounds so beautiful, but who does it really belong to?
This is a heart-warming tale of discovery and friendship which reveals a fantasy world full of music, song and harmony. Drawing on the expertise from the world of puppetry and opera, Slitterbang Island is a summer treat for younger children.
