Polka's Script Library

Original new work is a core part of Polka Theatre’s artistic programme. We are committed to supporting the most exciting UK writers and artists, and encouraging them to explore new and innovative ways of reaching young audiences. Over the past 30 years, we have commissioned and produced an amazing range of new plays for children. Below is a taster of some of those plays – all of them commissioned by Polka, and all first staged here.

For more information on the full scripts, the writers and the contact details for their agents, please e-mail Jonathan Lloyd.

Under One Roof by Lizzie Allen

A story about finding a home. For ages 3 to 6

Todd and Florrie have travelled far and wide. They long for a home of their own with a cat and a rabbit and a garden with an apple tree. But when they receive a mystery gift, of their dream home, they find there is already someone living inside...
First performed at Polka Theatre, 13th December 2006. Also produced at Bristol Old Vic in January 2009 under the title Home.  Shortlisted for 2008 Brian Way Award.  Lizzie Allen is a co-director of Freehand Theatre.
Cast size: 2
Click here for a sample scene.

Cloud Pictures by Mike Kenny

 A story of friendship and change. For ages 5 to 8

Theo and Beeny have been best friends for a long time, forever. Every day they look out of the window and imagine fantastic worlds, carved out in the clouds. One day Beeny has to go away. What will happen to their friendship? What will happen to their Cloud Pictures?
First performed at Polka Theatre, 20th June 2007.
Cast size: 2
Click here for a sample scene.

The Monster under the Bed by Kevin Dyer

Imagine swapping places with a monster for day... For ages 6 to 11

Ben has a BIG problemo. His best friend Vince has stolen his precious binoculars, his Dad is far, far away... oh, and there’s a monster under his bed. When he swaps places with this underbed monster, Ben’s life – and his school – are turned inside out and upside down.
First presented as a staged reading in April 2008, at the John F Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C, USA, as part of New Visions/New Voices.
First produced at Polka Theatre, 6th June 2009. Due to be produced at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, Toronto, in March 2010.
Also shortlisted for 2009 John Whiting Award.
Cast size: 5
Click here for a sample scene.

Ghosts in the Gallery by Paul Sirett

500 years of British history comes to life one Halloween in the National Portrait Gallery... For ages 8 to 13

It’s closing time in the gallery. A girl is hiding. She’s drawn towards her favourite portrait of Anne Boleyn – when two hands reach out from the painting and grab her. Will she escape or will she end up on the gallery walls? This new play was developed in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery.
First performed at Polka Theatre, 26th September 2008.
Cast size: 4
Click here for a sample scene.

There’s Only One Wayne Matthews! by Roy Williams

A fast-paced two-hander about football, racism and growing up in London in the late 1970s. For ages 10 to 13

Wayne Matthews wants to be the greatest footballer in the world. There’s only one problem – he’s rubbish at football. If only Wayne was more like Carl Wilkins, the most popular boy in school and star of the school team.
First performed at Polka Theatre, 28th September 2007. Due to be produced by Sheffield Theatres in spring 2010.
Cast size: 2
Click here for a sample scene.

Child of the Divide by Sudha Bhuchar

An epic yet intimate story of the partition of India and Pakistan, and its effect on a young boy. For ages 10 to 13

In the chaos of border crossing between India and the newly formed Pakistan, Pali finds himself lost and alone. Taken into a Muslim family he is given a new name and a new faith. In his changed world, he learns to find love and forge friendships in the most unexpected places.
A co-production with Tamasha Theatre
First performed at Polka Theatre, 5th May 2006.
Cast size: 5
Click here for a sample scene.