Local Mum Rosie Corriette reviews “Grandad, Me…and Teddy Too," a delightful new show for little ones at The Polka Theatre in Wimbledon
January 26, 2015
I love the theatre, Boo loves the theatre – we love going together and living near Wimbledon means we’re fortunate enough to have the Polka Theatre on our doorstep. The Polka Theatre is a world-class theatre for children and we were invited to watch the Grandad, Me… and Teddy Too in the Adventure Theatre; the perfect afternoon treat for Mummy and Boo.
Grandad, Me… and Teddy Too is an enchanting show based on conversations and research with local grandparents, the show has been commissioned by Polka to explore family and celebrate the special role Grandparents can play in the lives of young children. Created especially for ages 2 – 5 by leading early years director, Sarah Argent
As it’s in the Adventure theatre, it’s a really relaxed and informal performance for the children with two actors as the little ones sit on the carpet and watch. It’s a brilliant introduction to theatre and for those who are a little more experienced like Boo it’s a still engaging enough.
The story itself centres on a little girl who’s Grandad lived abroad and who she video calls almost every day, he then comes to visit and it shows how their relationship develops long distance and how the dynamics change when they’re together in real life, not forgetting Teddy too!
As a parent, Grandad, Me… and Teddy Too is a real treasure; often theatre productions aimed at young ones are loud and energetic which is brilliant, however this show is a gentle journey for the children of discovery and leaves them at the end calm and reflective. I found it a great way for Boo to explore emotions and family relationships. Children are invited to bring their own teddy, and are even given their own ticket!
Can you remember the excitement as a child of going to the theatre and feeling all grown up by having an afternoon (or evening if it was a really special occasion) with Mummy; and getting to stop and have hot chocolate and a pastry before you headed to the matinée performance of the latest craze or even a classic retold for the hundredth time –I do; I’ve had a love affair with the theatre since being very young and some of my fondest memories as a child are from days out at the theatre; including The Polka Theatre – I love how it’s now becoming a firm family favourite for Boo and me.
Grandad, Me… and Teddy Too is playing in Polka’s Adventure Theatre for ages 2 – 5 until 8th February 2015, to book please call the Box Office on 020 8543 4888 or visit www.polkatheatre.com.
Disclosure: We received free tickets to watch Grandad, Me… And Teddy too for the purpose of this review. No payment was received and all opinions are 100% honest.
You can read Rosie’s blog Mummy and Boo here
