In The Winter Wood Polka Theatre review

The Polka Theatre is the most inviting place for little people; with an indoor/outdoor play section, on-site café and kids art everywhere – even hanging above clothes pegs which kids can reach to hang their coats up – everything about it just feels easy. Our visit there for Jan Blake’s In the Winter Wood (catch it through 17 February 2019) didn’t disappoint – the first good sign was that we were handed blankets upon entering the theatre and told to snuggle up. The option of sitting on the floor made the atmosphere feel more relaxed since the mini audience members had some breathing/bum wiggling room – although crying babies were asked to step out temporarily so the show could continue.

In the Winter Wood, created in conjunction with Apples and Snakes, is an immersive, interactive experience where you chant, field questions, roar and stamp your feet along to the animal adventure stories happening in the wood. Pig and Goat have escaped from the farm to avoid slaughter, and with the help of Cockerel, Hare and Goose, they form a friendship in the woods, working hard together to build a home and share stories of courage, endurance, overcoming fear as brave, unexpected heroes. The stories are told with humour and highlight the power of positive thinking and working together, and delve into cultures around the world (my kids definitely know all about the African baobab tree now, and that it’s excellent for storing water).

With music, light and sound effects, interactive elements like wolf masks and falling snow, and those blankets to cuddle whenever a scary animal appeared, for audience members there was a definite stories-around-a-campfire feel to this show – which kids love. Jan Blake has a booming delivery and does all of the voices, accents and musical sound effects brilliantly. My kids were absolutely entranced with her performance and storytelling abilities.

Kids aged 4-6 are likely to appreciate it most – it calls on that early-school years knowledge of animals and places in a way they’ll like – although it also captivates slightly older kids and even younger ones (my one-year-old mostly sat still through it).

Oh, and when you’re visiting the Polka, don’t forget to book into their other winter show this season, The Wind in the Willows.