Whipped Up! at Polka Theatre is a delightful experience that had our one-year-old completely captivated. This charming show takes place in Tiny’s Diner, a vibrant 1950s-style eatery designed specifically for babies. The story follows Dottie, a well-meaning and eager-to-please server, as they tackle their first day on the job—where the babies are the demanding (and utterly adorable) customers and caregivers join in the fun.
Louise Cielecki shines as Dottie, expertly navigating the unpredictable and often hilarious antics of her baby clientele. The show thrives on improvisation, transforming every giggle, wiggle, and babble into a source of genuine comedy. Watching Dottie become more and more frazzled as she tries to keep up with her tiny customers had the whole room laughing. Cielecki will play Dottie for the rest of the UK tour and audiences are in for a treat.
The setup of Tiny’s Diner adds to the charm, with babies seated in a semi-circle behind the diner counter and their caregivers right behind them. This clever arrangement ensures everyone is part of the action, whether as active participants or gleeful spectators.
The sensory play elements woven throughout the show kept our little one engaged from start to finish. Dottie speaks to each child and serves ‘sundaes’ in the form of different materials to play with, which keeps them occupied while other audience members have a go.
The stay and play session at the end was a thoughtful touch, giving babies a chance to explore and interact in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Overall, Whipped Up! is a joyful and immersive experience that hits all the right notes for young families. It strikes the perfect balance between stimulating little ones and entertaining adults, making it a must-see for anyone with a baby in tow. Catch the rest of the UK tour until March 26.