11 Feb - 09 Apr

It's 1940, and Britain is at war.  Young Chas McGill has the second best collection of war souvenirs in town but desperately wants it to be the best. Amidst the bombs and air raids, Chas and his friends plan their own war effort in their newly built bunker.  Friendships are forged and loyalties tested, in the adventure of a lifetime...

The Machine Gunners won the Carnegie Medal and was recently voted one of the 10 most important children’s novels of the past 70 years. This moving and touching story vividly re-creates life in Britain during World War II, and is guaranteed to resonate with children and adults today.

Running time: approx 2 hours 10 minutes including interval.

Take a peek behind the scenes in the rehearsal room for The Machine Gunners.....

Weekends £12

Weekdays £10

Concessions £8

Words From War - Postcard exhibition at Polka

Polka asked those in years 5 - 8 to send in postcards on what war means to them. After receiving many wonderful postcards, they will now be displayed in an exhibition exhibition in Polka's foyer throughout the run of The Machine Gunners. Drop into Polka anytime to see our collection of Words from War.

Signed Performance

A synopsis of The Machine Gunners is available to download, simply click here. This synopsis will give a breakdown of the scenes and explain who the characters are in the show with some images from the production. This will prepare you and your family for the visit to Polka and seeing the show.

Autism Friendly Performance

The Autism Friendly Performance of The Machine Gunners will take place on Saturday 19 March 2011 at 11am. 

These performances are aimed at families whose children are on the autism spectrum or who have sensory sensitivities. The sound will be at a lower volume and the lights will be dimmed rather than a completely dark auditorium.  Please click here for the Autism Friendly Pack which will assist you before coming to see the show. 

For more information email Lucia or call the Box Office on 020 8545 4888. 

Polka Theatre presents The Machine Gunners

Based on the novel by Robert Westall

Adapted by Ali Taylor

Director Adam Penford

Designer  Simon Kenny

Sound Designer  Tom Gibbons

Lighting Designer  Emma Chapman

The Machine Gunners is being staged in collaboration with Once Upon a Wartime: Classic war stories for children, a new exhibition at Imperial War Museum London, opening in February 2011.