The Boy With Wings

The Boy With Wings summer theatre treat for families

Polka Theatre will premiere The Boy With Wings, the stage adaptation of Sir Lenny Henry’s bestselling children’s book. Co-produced with Birmingham Rep, this exciting live show runs from 21 June to 16 August at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, before transferring to Birmingham from 21 to 30 August. Written by Arvind Ethan David and directed by award-winning Daniel Bailey, this must-see family production is packed with action, humour and imagination. Book now at polkatheatre.com

Meet Tunde: schoolboy, superhero, alien

The story follows Tunde, an ordinary schoolboy who sprouts wings and discovers his dad is a powerful alien. Suddenly he must save the galaxy, face villains and still manage his school life. Luckily, his loyal friends stick by his side in this thrilling adventure full of twists, songs and superpowers. Perfect for ages 7–12, this high-energy show mixes humour with heart and reminds every child they can be a hero.

Star-studded cast and creative team for The Boy With Wings

Adiel Boboye stars as Tunde, joined by Millie Elkins-Green, Jessica Murrain and Stephan Boyce. The show also features design by Laura McEwen, sound by Khalil Madovi, lighting and video by Gillian Tan and movement direction from Gabrielle Nimo. Each creative brings the magic of the book to life on stage for a totally immersive experience.

Lenny Henry brings big ideas to life

Sir Lenny Henry said, “It’s so important for children to experience live theatre, and this is going to be totally cool – a really fun show for the whole family to enjoy.” He added, “There’s nothing quite like the magic of seeing a story come to life on stage.” Children who know the book will love seeing Tunde and his friends take flight, while newcomers will enjoy an unforgettable summer theatre experience.

Theatre that inspires every child

Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director Helen Matravers shared, “It is an honour to premiere Sir Lenny Henry’s first children’s book at Polka. This show celebrates individuality, and we are thrilled to bring it to life for young audiences.” Polka is a leading venue for family theatre and welcomes over 21,000 children annually through shows and learning programmes. With step-free access, play spaces, and a cosy café, Polka offers a warm, inclusive setting for all.

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.