Polka Theatre announces stage adaptations of children’s bestsellers for summer 2024
Polka Theatre has announced two new shows coming to its stages in 2024.
The venue will first present the stage premiere of Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts in its Main Theatre from 22 June – 18 August. This new adaptation brings to life the widely acclaimed book by Kevin and Katie Tsang, catering to children aged between 6 and 12.
Sam Wu is NOT a scaredy-cat (except he is). When a trip to the Space Museum goes terrifyingly wrong, Sam begins a mission to prove to everyone that he is a fearless space adventurer…
The creative team will be led by director Emily Ling Williams (recent winner of Best Director at the 2023 Stage Debut Awards for ‘A Playlist for the Revolution’, Bush Theatre) and writer Julie Tsang.
Sam Wu authors Kevin and Katie Tsang said: “We are so thrilled that Polka Theatre is adapting Sam Wu Is NOT Afraid of Ghosts for the stage! Polka Theatre creates incredible shows for children and young people – and we love their commitment to making theatre accessible for all children. It is a privilege to be working with such a wonderful theatre, and to have such a fantastic creative team behind the adaptation. We often take our own children to shows at Polka – and we can’t wait to see Sam Wu on stage!”
In tandem, Polka Theatre will also be presenting How to Catch a Star, a wondrous adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ internationally beloved book, in the Adventure Theatre from 3 July – 11 August. This production is the brainchild of Branar, one of Ireland’s premier theatre companies for children.
Once there was a boy who was always looking up. He dreamt of having a star as a friend. This is the story of his adventure.
Jeffers’ classic, How to Catch a Star, debuted in 2004 and heralded a series of ‘Boy’ books that captivated young readers worldwide. This non-verbal performance, combining Suse Reibisch’s imaginative puppetry with Colm Mac Con Iomaire’s enchanting original score, will be directed by Branar’s own Marc Mac Lochlainn.
For more information and tickets, visit polkatheatre.com
