Dot, Squiggle and Rest, Royal Opera House

With thirty-six years of experience, Wimbledon based Polka Theatre have long stood at the forefront of infant drama. Specialising in children below the age of seven, they have pioneered new ways of engaging the young, and since 1994 have been offering free tickets to disadvantaged children in order to introduce them to the arts. So important is their work that Guardian theatre critic Lyn Gardner has anointed them “a local and national treasure”.

This summer, Polka take to the Royal Opera House’s Clore Studio upstairs to present a new opera for children aged between two and six. Dot, Squiggle and Rest, directed by National Puppet Theatre chief Joy Haynes, will use puppetry, videos and sound to transport its audiences to enchanting new worlds. The music is provided by former Royal Opera Composer in Residence Elspeth Brooke, known for her broad collaborations and interest in educational projects. Although Polka remain tight-lipped about the exact details, their pedigree all but guarantees a first-rate day out.

Throughout its run, Dot, Squiggle and Rest will be performed twice each day, at 11am and 2pm.