Polka Theatre has announced full casting for its eagerly-anticipated world premiere of the musical version of Michael Rosen’s Chocolate Cake.
Previewing from 23 March at the Wimbledon venue, the production, which has been adapted by Polka’s artistic director Peter Glanville and award-winning singer, songwriter and performer Barb Jungr, will run until 13 May.
Following the adventures of two brothers and a disappearing chocolate cake, the production will feature: Mark Houston (Sleeping Beauty, Jack and The Beanstalk at Hall For Cornwall) as Michael; Aminita Francis (Frankenstein – A Monster of a Musical, Battersea Arts Centre, Bite Your Tongue, Talawa) as Teacher/Mum; and Todd Heppenstall (The Room Upstairs, Cheltenham Everyman/Wardrobe Theatre, Andy Capp: The Musical, Finborough Theatre) as Brother.
Directed by Glanville, the new adaptation of former Children’s Laureate Rosen’s much-loved poem will feature design by Verity Quinn, lighting by Dan Saggars and film and animation by Will & Joe.
Children’s novelist and poet Rosen has also become the first person to make a contribution to the theatre’s Remember When? Polka Memories campaign. Launched in advance of Polka’s 4oth birthday celebrations in 2019, Polka Memories is a new initiative allowing visitors past and present to share their memories of the popular family-friendly theatre over the last four decades.
Launching the campaign, Rosen said: “My oldest children were very young when we came to see shows like Please Mrs Butler. I remember we felt moved and uplifted. Much later, Polka did versions of my Pinocchio, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Happy Harry’s Cafe. All were exciting, thoughtful, productions taking children seriously, engaging them in feelings and ideas.”
Angela Thomas
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