Two nominations at the 2026 Olivier Award with Cunard
5th March 2026We are absolutely thrilled to have received two nominations at this year’s #OlivierAwards
A massive congratulations to:
- The Boy with Wings, a co-production with Birmingham Rep based on the book by Sir Lenny Henry
- The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, based on the book by Philip Pullman
Creating inspirational experiences for children has always been at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to create theatre that is integral to inspiring the next generation of creative minds.
We are thrilled that the Best Family Show category at the #OlivierAwards shines a spotlight on the work we, and so many other theatres, do in the Theatre for Young Audiences sector. Finally, we want to give a massive shout-out to every person who worked on both of these productions. There are simply too many amazing people to name here, but without you, these shows would never have come to life. These nominations are for you!
The Boy With Wings
“I learnt so many things from doing this show. As it was my stage debut, I wanted to soak up as much as I could. But I’ll list three things. The first things I learnt was to be as courageous and playful as possible, especially during the rehearsal process. That’s where so much of the magic is found – in taking risks, trying things out, and not being afraid to get it wrong. I learnt the importance of truly listening. From your fellow actors, and the audience, being present in each moment allows the performance to stay alive and genuine every time. Finally, I learnt the responsibility that comes with telling stories for young audiences. It made me so aware of the impact theatre can have, not just as entertainment, but as something that can inspire, comfort, and stay with someone long after they leave the theatre.”
Adiel Boboye – Tunde
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★★★★
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★★★★
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★★★★
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★★★★
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“It has a sense of the absurd and of science-fiction, and of personal resilience”
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“Fun features and a talented cast”
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“Promises to enchant a new generation with the art of live theatre”
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“It’s a show with major street cred – awesome rhyme-slinging, gaming and parkour moves.”
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An ordinary kid is about to become an EXTRAORDINARY hero!
Wings? Check.
A super-cool, super-secret past? Check.
An impossible mission to save the entire galaxy. Check.
When Tunde sprouts wings and learns that his father is a ferocious alien warrior, he’s all that stands between the galaxy and total destruction - suddenly homework and school aren’t all he has to contend with.
Luckily, his rag-tag group of pals have got his back, and with his new powers, Tunde is ready to fly in the face of danger - this is his destiny. No pressure then. . .
Adapted by Arvind Ethan David from Sir Lenny Henry’s hilarious book, The Boy with Wings is an interstellar, action-packed adventure about friendships, being brave, and how our differences are our super-power!
“The nomination means young people’s theatre is recognised for the truly transformational medium it is. It means that venues like Polka and Unicorn have a light shone on their incredible teams that make all the magic happen. This nomination is for me to share with my son (who knows all the songs) and my family who still ask what it is i do! This is also a wonderful way to thank the cast and crew for their awesome work.”
Daniel Bailey – Director
“This nomination is validation of making the boldest, weirdest, most personal art you can and of trusting the audience and your collaborators in that making. When we started this, nobody thought we were making a rap-musical with parkour, projections and puppets, but that’s where the process took us and thank Polka for supporting us.”
Arvind Ethan David – Writer
| Cast Tunde – Adiel Boboye Juba – Jessica Murrain Kylie – Millie Elkins-Green Dev – Samir Mahat Aaven – Stephan Boyce Ruth – Mia Jerome Bird Brain, Ship Computer and Suit Computer – Sir Lenny Henry |
Creative Team Based on the book by Sir Lenny Henry Adapted for stage by Arvind Ethan David Songs by Arvind Ethan David and Khalil Madovi Director Daniel Bailey Set & Costume Designer Laura McEwen Composer & Sound Designer Khalil Madovi Lighting & Video Designer Gillian Tan Associate Director Nyasha Gudo Assistant Director Eddie H-M Musical Director Khalil Madovi Movement Director Gabrielle Nimo Parkour Consultants George Mayfield, Alfred De-Souza andArun Maudgil Puppetry Consultant Roman Stefanski
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| Production Team Stage Manager Katie Bingham Assistant Stage Manager Fraser Mallows Sound Operator Alex Eales Production Manager Adam Crosthwaite Technical Manager Peter Hatherall Theatre Technician Fergus O’Loan Wardrobe Manager Annie James Prop Maker Michael Douglas Props Assistants Wallis Hunt and Isobel Hall Puppet Maker Amber Donovan Set Construction Basement94 Scenic Painter Fani Parali Lighting & Video Programmer Jodi Rabinowitz Artistic Director Helen Matravers Senior Producer Kate Bradshaw Assistant Producer Abigayle Bartley |
For Birmingham Rep The Rep Sound & AV Department The Rep Lighting Department The Rep Stage Department The Rep Marketing Department The Rep Producing Department |
Photography by Jake Bush and Adela Ursachi. Trailer by Pip Films.
A Polka Theatre and Birmingham Rep co-production.
The Firework-Maker’s Daughter
It meant to much to me to represent Southeast Asia for an audience in the UK – it’s the world of my mum and my grandparents and it’s a brilliant world – hot, crazy, diverse, creative, with amazing food and very down-to-earth people. I’m so proud that we got to bring it to life for young audiences, whether it’s their own culture or completely new to them, and that we’ve proved that Christmas is just as Christmassy in a tropical climate.
Jude Christian – Adapter
| ★★★★★ “Excitement for audiences of all ages” Stage to Page Theatre Reviews |
★★★★★ “Just purest stage magic” Sadie Takes the Stage |
| ★★★★ “A breathtaking climax to a shimmering show” The Stage |
★★★★ “A world of sparkle and spectacle” The Spy in the Stalls |
| “Spellbinding adaptation… extravagantly breathtaking in ways I won’t spoil!” The Guardian |
“Sparks of exciting, imaginative colour and puppetry” Everything Theatre |
Lila dreams of becoming a Master Firework-Maker just like her father. However, to become one, she must go on an epic journey that will push her to her limits. Only then can she discover the closely guarded secret to becoming a true firework master.
But when her father’s life depends on her winning the firework competition and pulling off the best display the world has ever seen, can Lila’s skills save the day and light up the skies?
Join Lila on the quest of a lifetime as she faces friend and foe on her illuminating journey of self-discovery. Polka Theatre present a brand-new production directed by Lee Lyford, based on the much-loved, award-winning book by Philip Pullman.
Local theatre is all about making high quality work genuinely accessible within your own community. Growing up in Croydon, Polka for me was definitely one of those special spaces where you could go to engage with quality theatre without it feeling like an intimidating event. Being able to form a relationship with the arts like that as you’re growing up often informs how you see it and engage with it for the rest of your life really.
Maia Kirkman-Richards – Puppet Director, Designer & Maker
Generously supported by the Chan Yin Chuen Memorial Charitable Foundation.
Extracts from THE FIREWORK MAKER’S DAUGHTER by Philip Pullman, published by Doubleday. Copyright © 1995 by Philip Pullman. Reprinted by permission of The Random House Group Limited. Licenced by arrangement with United Agents. Illustration Hesh Creative.
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Cast Creative Team |
Production Team Stage Manager Katie Bingham Assistant Stage Manager Fraser Mallows Production Manager Adam Crosthwaite Technical Manager Peter Hatherall Deputy Technical Manager Jerry Parsons Theatre Technician Sarah Marsh Wardrobe Manager Annie James Wardrobe Assistant Ruth Norwood Birkbeck Resident Assistant Director Peter O’Connor-Smart Senior Producer Kate Bradshaw Assistant Producer Abigayle Bartley Set Construction Basement 94 Scenic Painter Fani Parali Head Prop Maker Michael Douglas Scenic Painter Ash Appadu, Rachel Darwood, Janelle Joseph and Sophia Press Lighting Programmer Billy Highfield Production photography Jake Bush Trailer by Ben Hewis |
A Polka Theatre production
