My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal

The world of Philip Pullman’s beloved story comes to life on stage from November 15, 2025.

By:

Polka Theatre has released new rehearsal photos for its brand-new festive production of The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, based on Philip Pullman’s much-loved and award-winning story.

Adapted by Jude Christian and directed by Lee Lyford, the production will run in Polka’s Y C Chan Theatre from Saturday 15 November 2025 through Sunday 18 January 2026, with a press performance on Sunday 23 November at 2:30 p.m.

Aimed at audiences aged 6–12, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter follows Lila, a young girl who dreams of becoming a master firework-maker like her father. To earn her place, she must undertake an extraordinary journey of courage and discovery—one that will test her determination and light up the skies in a dazzling finale.

The cast includes Tika Mu’tamir (Mrs. Armitage on Wheels, Farnham Maltings; Love’s Labour’s Lost, RSC) as Lila; Chand Martinez (Life of Pi, UK & International Tour; Story Makers, CBeebies) as Lalchand; Jules Chan (The Gardener, Greenwich Theatre) as Chulak; Rose-Marie Christian (Marvin’s Binoculars, Unicorn Theatre) as Auntie Rambashi; and Ajjaz Awad (Arabian Nights, Bristol Old Vic) as Hamlet.

The creative team features Director Lee Lyford (Tidy, Polka Theatre), Writer Jude Christian (The Snow Queen, Polka Theatre), and Composer Ruth Chan (The Jungle Book, Chichester Festival Theatre). Design is by Anisha Fields, lighting design by Jonathan Chan, and puppetry direction, design, and making by Maia Kirkman-Richards (Bear Snores On, Regents Park Open Air Theatre).

“This is such a privilege to be staging Philip Pullman’s magical adventure at Polka,” said Helen Matravers, Polka’s Artistic Director. “With an exceptional and ambitious creative team led by Lee Lyford, audiences are in for an inspiring experience filled with puppetry, imagination, and heart. We can’t wait to share this much-loved story with families this festive season.”

Photo Credit: Polka Theatre

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER

Photos: Polka Theatre's THE FIREWORK-MAKER’S DAUGHTER In Rehearsal Image
The Cast of THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Sound Design - Top 3
1. Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys
36.8% of votes
2. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
11.2% of votes
3. John Shivers - Chess
7.3% of votes

Don't Miss a UK Regional News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


Count Arthur Strong - And it''s Goodnight from Me! in UK Regional Count Arthur Strong - And it''s Goodnight from Me!
Bristol Beacon (3/19-3/19)
Teechers in UK Regional Teechers
Harrogate Theatre (5/27-5/30)
Falstaff in UK Regional Falstaff
The Quay (6/09-6/09) PHOTOS
It Comes in Waves  in UK Regional It Comes in Waves
Sheringham Little Theatre (7/03-7/03)
Don Juan. The Dazzling Irreverence of Lord Byron in UK Regional Don Juan. The Dazzling Irreverence of Lord Byron
OSO The Theatre on Barnes Pond (6/17-6/19)
The Comedy Club In The Power Station in UK Regional The Comedy Club In The Power Station
The Cinema in The Power Station (6/04-6/04)
A Concert of Folksongs and Fables in UK Regional A Concert of Folksongs and Fables
The Grand Hall (6/27-6/27)
JARED JAMES NICHOLS at The Lexington - London in UK Regional JARED JAMES NICHOLS at The Lexington - London
The Lexington (6/06-6/06)
The Searchers and Hollies Experience, Rickmansworth, Watersmeet Theatre, Fri 5th June 2026 in UK Regional The Searchers and Hollies Experience, Rickmansworth, Watersmeet Theatre, Fri 5th June 2026
Watersmeet (6/05-6/05)
ST SAVIOURS LIVE - GOSPELOKE in UK Regional ST SAVIOURS LIVE - GOSPELOKE
St Saviour's Church (6/13-6/13)