PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR POLKA THEATRE'S THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

 THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER – A STORY OF ADVENTURE, BRAVERY, AND CHASING DREAMS AGAINST ALL ODDS – 15 NOVEMBER – 18 JANUARY

 PLUS, A RANGE OF FESTIVE WORKSHOPS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 

Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director Helen Matravers, Executive Director Lynette Shanbury and the whole team are pleased to announce the cast and creative team for The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, Polka’s brand-new festive production for young audiences aged 6-12 years. The show, adapted by Jude Christian and directed by Lee Lyford, and based on the much-loved, award-winning book by Philip Pullman, will run in Polka’s Y C Chan Theatre from Saturday 15 November – Sunday 18 January, with a press performance on Sunday 23 November at 2.30pm. 

Lila dreams of becoming a Master Firework-Maker just like her father. However, to become one, she must go on an epic journey that will push her to her limits. Only then can she discover the closely guarded secret to becoming a true fireworkmaster.

But when her father’s life depends on her winning the firework competition and pulling off the best display the world has ever seen, can Lila’s skills save the day and light up the skies?

Join Lila on the quest of a lifetime as she faces friend and foe on her illuminating journey of self-discovery.

The cast for The Firework-Maker's Daughter is Tika Mu’tamir (Mrs. Armitage On Wheels, Farnham Maltings; Love’s Labour's Lost, RSC) as ‘Lila’, Chand Martinez(Life of Pi, UK & International Tour; Story Makers, CBeebies; Little Angel Theatre) as ‘Lalchand’, Jules Chan (The Gardener, Greenwich Theatre; English Ako, Camden People’s Theatre) as ‘Chulak’, and Rose-Marie Christian (Marvin's Binoculars, Unicorn Theatre; Santi & Naz, The Vaults) as ‘Auntie Rambashi’, with Ajjaz Awad(Arabian Nights, Bristol Old Vic) as ‘Hamlet’.

The creative team for The Firework-Maker's Daughter includes Director Lee Lyford (Tidy, Polka Theatre), Writer Jude Christian (The Snow Queen, Polka Theatre; Jack and the Beanstalk, Lyric Hammersmith), composer Ruth Chan (The Jungle Book, Chichester Festival Theatre), with lighting design by Jonathan Chan (Pinocchio, The Watermill Theatre), design by Anisha Fields (Kenrex, Sheffield Theatres; Squirrel, Unicorn, The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath), with Maia Kirkman-Richards(Bear Snores On, Regents Park Open Air Theatre) as Puppet Director, Designer and Maker. 

This production is generously supported by the Chan Yin Chuen Memorial Charitable Foundation and is recommended for ages 6-12.

Helen Matravers said: ‘’It’s a total privilege to be staging Philip Pullman’s magical adventure at Polka, in this bold and beautiful adaptation by Jude Christian. With such an exceptional, caring and ambitious creative team and cast led by Lee Lyford, I know that audiences are in for an inspiring experience this festive season. It’s been incredible hearing from schools, teachers, families and young people about their excitement for this much-loved tale of passion, friendship and courage. It will dazzle and delight with incredible puppetry and staging, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Alongside the productions, Polka are also offering a range of events and creative workshops over the festive period. 

Polka’s annual family fundraising party The Big Bash returns on Sunday 7 December 2025, offering festive fun for all ages while supporting the theatre’s local charitable work. Each ticket includes entry to one of Polka’s Winter productions - The Firework-Maker’s Daughter (ages 6–12) or The Snowflake (ages 3–6) - alongside a lively pre-show celebration with crafts, glitter tattoos, face painting, goody bags, a festive buffet, and complimentary drinks. Running from 2pm until the end of the performances, The Big Bash is the perfect way to kick off the festive season whilst helping Polka bring creativity and joy to children and families across the community.

Step into a magical Winter world with Snowy Snowflake Stories, a sensory workshop inspired by Polka’s production The Snowflake, designed for babies and toddlers aged 0-4. From Tuesday 16 to Wednesday 17 December, little ones and their grown-ups can float, twirl, and explore the wonder of snow through touch, sound and movement in Polka’s Clore Learning Studio during sessions tailored for different ages: 0-12 months, 1-2 years, and 2-4 years. Tickets are £12* for an adult and child, with additional child tickets at £6.

Families are invited to make festive memories together at Family Clay Time on Saturday 20 December, when children aged 4+ and their grown-ups can spend an hour in Polka’s Clore Learning Studio creating a unique clay decoration. Using fingerprints, everyday objects, and natural materials, participants will roll, sculpt and imprint clay to make a textured Christmas tree decoration or keepsake to take home. There are two sessions, 10-11am or 11.30am-12.30pm; tickets are £15* for an adult and child (additional child £7.50).

Polka are excited to offer a Firework Shadow Puppetry Workshop on Monday 22 December for children aged 5-8; a child-only creative workshop inspired by The Firework-Maker’s Daughter. Participants will design their own firework-themed puppets, then use light and shadow to bring them to life in a spectacular mini show. The workshop runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm in Polka’s Clore Learning Studio. Tickets are £50* per child.

In addition to the productions and workshops, Polka is open weekly Tuesday – Sunday as a free to access space with indoor and outdoor play areas, a cafe and shop - you don’t need a ticket to enjoy these spaces. 

Tickets are on sale now via polkatheatre.com or call 020 8543 4888*.

Polka Theatre is one of just a handful of dedicated children’s venues in the UK. Re-opening in 2021 after a major renovation, it continues to present a year-round programme of new work made at Polka, visiting shows, and Creative Learning activities for 0–12-year olds. Last year 125,000 people visited Polka, with another 25,000 seeing our work on tour or taking part in creative activities in the community. Polka enjoys flexible rehearsal and workshop spaces along with two performance spaces: the Y C Chan Theatre has a 300-seat capacity, and the Adventure Theatre can seat up to 90 depending on the show format.

Over the past year Polka has worked with 184 schools through Creative Learning projects and has distributed over 9,000 free tickets to schools through their Curtain Up! scheme.

Polka is a community hub and vital resource, open 6 days per week, 50 weeks per year at a challenging time to be a sustainable public venue with step-free access, free-to-access play spaces and a cosy and welcoming café and shop.