Keeping a group of 2-5 year olds still, quiet, and engaged for 35 minutes is no easy feat. But Let’s Build, currently showing at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, manages just that—with remarkable grace, charm, and a clear understanding of its young audience.
From the moment the lights dim and the gentle soundscape begins to ripple through the intimate Adventure Theatre space, the children are transfixed. Eyes widen, bodies still, and a sense of anticipation fills the air. This production doesn’t rely on dialogue or complex storytelling. Instead, it taps into the universal language of movement, rhythm, colour, and surprise—key elements in early years theatre that Let’s Build employs to great effect.
The show follows two construction workers playfully performed with boundless energy and expressive physicality, who arrive on an empty stage. Armed with colourful shapes, soft building blocks, and a generous dose of curiosity, they embark on a wordless journey of exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration. The premise is simple: what can we build together? But simplicity is this show’s strength. The performers construct not only shapes and structures, but a sense of wonder and discovery that resonates with both children and adults.
There’s an almost hypnotic quality to the way the actors move and interact. Every gesture is deliberate, every transition smooth. The music, composed with a sensitivity to toddler attention spans, underscores the action without overwhelming it. It gently nudges the children’s focus from one moment to the next, helping sustain their engagement without resorting to overstimulation.
What makes Let’s Build so effective is its understanding of how young children process the world. Instead of fast-paced action or loud antics, the show offers space for imagination. There are moments of silence, anticipation, and surprise that invite children to guess, react, and participate, often without making a sound. Watching an audience of under-fives collectively hold their breath as a structure teeters or a block is precariously balanced is a testament to the show’s careful pacing and engrossing visual storytelling.
The set and lighting are equally well judged: minimal, yet colourful and dynamic enough to excite curiosity. The ending is beautifully pitched, wrapping the action up in a satisfying moment of completion that leaves the children both happy and calm.
Polka Theatre has long been a champion of high-quality early years theatre, and Let’s Build is another strong addition to its repertoire. For parents and carers looking to introduce little ones to the magic of live performance, this gentle, imaginative production is a perfect starting point.
Let’s Build is on at Polka Theatre until June 29th. You can get tickets here.