Polka Theatre announces 2023 Christmas shows The Snow Queen and The Night Before Christmas

London’s children’s theatre Polka Theatre has announced its 2023 Christmas season.

The venue will present The Snow Queen from 11 November – 21 January in the Main Theatre for ages 6-12, alongside The Night Before Christmas for children aged 2-6, playing in the Adventure Theatre from 18 November – 14 January.

The Snow Queen is the first commission from new Artistic Director Helen Matravers with writer Jude Christian (Hamlet, Dick Whittington, National Theatre, Jack and The Beanstalk, Lyric Hammersmith) to take on the project.

Speaking about the production Matravers said: “It is incredibly exciting for Polka to be teaming up with Jude to create this ambitious and magical piece of theatre. The themes of The Snow Queen feel so poignant for this moment in time, with reflections on exploring the unknown and sometimes feeling a little lost, but celebrating the ultimate triumph of friendship and love.

“Jude’s ability to pair the hilarious with really fresh, contemporary and accessible adaptation is perfect for this Main Theatre show and family audiences, and I am beyond thrilled that it is my first commission as Artistic Director at Polka, we’re in for a brilliant Christmas.”

For more information and tickets, visit polkatheatre.com

Matravers has also spoken about her artistic vision of Polka being recognised as the UK’s most ambitious and exciting children’s theatre, cementing it as the number one destination for artists who want to create work for children.

She shared; “My vision for Polka is for it to be a creative and inspiring home for all children and families, every one of whom should see themselves, their cultures and backgrounds, and their favourite stories on stage.

“Polka is often a child’s first experience and interaction with theatre. It should be, in that moment, an incredible and unforgettable moment, that can also seek to empower. That experience should show them that theatre is accessible, inclusive, exciting and crucially, for everyone.

“Our home, Merton, is an incredibly diverse borough in one of the most diverse cities in the world. Polka has a responsibility to lead the conversation around ensuring all children have access to theatre that is relevant and representative.

“It also feels more important than ever to put a spotlight on theatre and the arts for young people. We talk as a sector all the time about theatre being empowering and vital, but theatre for young audiences is so often overlooked as a beacon for ground-breaking or high-quality productions and engagement in these conversations. And we are often telling the most important stories, to the most important people.

“I want Polka’s ambitious new theatre spoken about in the same circles of creativity and quality as the major players in the UK’s theatre scene. Meaningful collaboration with artists, organisations and our community are key to achieving exceptional work and securing Polka’s future for years to come.”