At first glance, Soft or Spiky at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon might seem a touch surreal for little ones. When we sat down with our 9-month-old, we weren’t sure how he would respond to the abstract shapes, sounds, and textures that unfolded before us. But to our delight, he was utterly mesmerised from start to finish, his wide-eyed fascination proving just how magical this production truly is for its young audience.
Designed for babies aged 6 to 18 months, this 25-minute interactive show offers a unique exploration of communication and connection through a sensory-rich experience. The playful world of Soft or Spiky unfolds with a series of textures, colours, and sounds, inviting little ones to discover and engage with a landscape full of surprising possibilities. It’s an imaginative and slightly surreal journey, but one that taps into babies’ natural curiosity and wonder in a way that feels both thoughtful and entertaining.
Our son’s favourite moments included the shifting shapes and the gentle, rhythmic sounds that seemed to hold his complete attention. The production’s sensitivity to how babies perceive and communicate is evident in every carefully crafted moment. While at first it felt unconventional to us as adults, it quickly became clear that the abstract, playful approach was precisely what made it so captivating for our little one.
After the performance, the stay-and-play session was the perfect opportunity for babies to interact further with the sensory landscape of the show. Watching our son crawl through the textures and explore the shapes up close was a joy, and it felt like a fitting conclusion to an already delightful experience.
Polka Theatre and Half Moon have created something truly special with Soft or Spiky, offering an engaging introduction to theatre for the youngest of audiences. Whether it’s their first theatrical experience or one of many, this production is bound to capture their imagination and leave parents with a new appreciation for the ways their little ones see the world.
Performances run from Saturday 19 October to Sunday 24 November, with no performances between Monday 28 October – Tuesday 5 November.
Tickets are available on the Polka Theatre website from £11.
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