The Colour of Dinosaurs
This was my first visit to the Polka Theatre, and if you have small children, I highly recommend it. It's not just family-friendly; it places children at the heart of everything. There's plenty of space and activities if you want to arrive early and enjoy a drink in the café. The theatre itself has great views, ample legroom, and chairs at a slightly lower height to accommodate children.
Now, let's talk about the show. 'The Colour of Dinosaurs' is kids theatre done right and you're too busy having fun to realise how much you're learning. The audience interaction is fantastic, and the children loved calling out the names of their favourite dinosaurs.
During my visit, there was a BSL interpreter, and I noticed that many of the dance moves were exaggerated forms of BSL words adding to the theme. This show celebrates our differences in a way children can understand, backed by science. New words are projected on the screen behind the performers, and puppets are used in a way that fascinates children without scaring them.
Written by Malaika Kegode, with music by Lloyd Coleman, the show featured real-life Dr Jakob Vinther teaching us about melanin, accompanied by a catchy song and the passing of cushion shapes around the auditorium. Even as an adult, I found this educational, covering topics like synaesthesia and albinism, all tied to the science of determining dinosaur colours.
A highlight for adults was seeing Dr Jakob Vinther, clearly a leader in his field, demonstrating a very entertaining bottom-wiggly dinosaur walk. I couldn't believe how much science and positivity they crammed into a one-hour show. Devised and performed by the same cast, with thanks to various members of the scientific and arts community, I thoroughly recommend this show.
At the end of the show, the cast was on hand to sign autographs and chat with the children, adding a personal touch to a fantastic experience.
This show was reviewed on the 18th May 2024 at the Polka Theatre, London where it runs until the 9th June 2024. Tickets available here: Polka The Colour of Dinosaurs (polkatheatre.com)
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
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