Comedy legend Sir Lenny Henry’s best-selling book about an ordinary boy who becomes an extraordinary hero, The Boy With Wings, has been adapted for the stage and is scheduled to run at the Polka Theatre in London from June this year.
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.
The stage production of Sir Lenny Henry’s best-selling book The Boy With Wings, will run in Polka’s Main Theatre, London, from Saturday 21s June – Saturday 16th August, before transferring to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham, from Thursday 21st - Saturday 30th August.
“It’s so important for children to experience live theatre… There’s nothing quite like the magic of seeing a story come to life on stage.”
Sir Lenny Henry
Adapted by writer Arvind Ethan David and directed by Daniel Bailey, winner of Best Director at The Stage Debut Awards 2024, the show is recommended children aged 7 – 12 years.
“It’s so important for children to experience live theatre, and this is going to be totally cool – a really fun show for the whole family to enjoy,” said Sir Lenny Henry.
“There’s nothing quite like the magic of seeing a story come to life on stage – it sparks imagination, inspires creativity and creates unforgettable memories. Perfect for those who know the book to see the characters brought to life, but also an exciting, out-of-this-world adventure for anyone coming to the story fresh. Come and watch Tunde and his friends in this epic live experience!”
Resources for teachers
Polka’s Teaching Resource Hub is full of free to use lesson plans and activities, and covers a wide range of curriculum topics, from Science to English and beyond, as well as a number of popular children’s books.
All its activities use drama and creative activities are designed to help teachers achieve their curriculum aims. There are packs for Key Stage One, Key Stage Two and Key Stage Three.
Resource packs from pre-2024 are based around Polka Productions, but include a range of standalone curriculum-linked activities.
Polka Theatre offers relaxed performances for schools through out the year, alongside other adapted sensory performances. There are also bespoke workshops, resource packs and lunch spaces. More information can be found on its teacher hub here.
From Wednesday 25th June – Tuesday 15th July, tickets for schools are available from £10 per person. For every ten tickets bought, the 11th is free.
A full list of school performances can be located here.
