Looking for something new and exciting to do with baby? Then enter the wondrous world of baby learning with a fascinating theatre experience for tiny tots at Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre
Scientists from the Baby Lab at London’s Birkbeck University have teamed up with the children’s theatre to create Shake, Rattle and Roll. A fun and unique performance aimed at 6-18 month old babies and toddlers, and inspired by their latest research into a baby’s early behaviour and development.
We arrive early at Polka for the 1pm performance and I’m already looking forward to an afternoon of mother/baby bonding time with my daughter. It is nice to be in a place that is dedicated purely to the entertainment of children. As a mother of two tots under the age of two, this instantly puts me at ease. Friendly staff are on hand to hold doors open for the buggy and as we walk through the foyer I can see a large open space ahead with toys, a cosy book corner and various children’s activities. I’m already wishing that my 2 year old was with us, she would love it here. There is a small café area and easily accessible baby change facilities. A charming garden and playground will keep little ones entertained before shows.
The show starts outside the Adventure Theatre where we are eagerly awaiting the performance. We are soon invited inside and asked to take a seat with baby on the rug. The room is dimly lit and comfortably intimate – perfect for baby. As the show starts it is soon apparent that this is not your average baby sensory session. Theatre is brought to life through sounds, emotions and movement based on cutting edge research on how infants view objects, what makes them laugh and how they identify rhythm. The one-woman sketch runs seamlessly between light shows, giant block building and sound effects. With a fair few impressive headstands thrown in, it is just as entertaining for us adults.
The room is filled with outbursts of laughter as we watch our babies’ reactions to different parts of the show. The atmosphere is very relaxed as the little ones take it in turns to crawl towards the performance area on their quest to get hold of a prop that has taken their fancy. We actually end up having an impromptu bottle feed mid-show whilst the performance carries on around us. After the performance, the babies are encouraged to join in a dance and play session. Fairy lights fall from the ceiling, coloured lights are projected onto the floor and bubbles are ejected through the air to light rock ‘n’ roll music. We watch on in delight as the babies bounce and jig along to the music.
Although my own was one of the youngest babies there (not quite 6 months old) we both really enjoyed the performance and I would love to go back with my older daughter. The performance lasts for about 45 minutes (including the dance session) and is the perfect way to introduce your little one to theatre.
Shake, Rattle and Roll is showing now and runs until the 16th October. Enjoy the show!
For tickets visit polkatheatre.com
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