Gorilla Is Star Attraction At Wimbledon's Polka


Former children's laureate meets local pupils

Former Children's Laureate Anthony Browne visited Wimbledon's Polka Theatre for a special reading of his book, Gorilla.

Polka's staging of the award-winning 1983 picture book runs from October 16 – February 15.

Sixty children from the reception class of Garfield Primary, Wimbledon, listened with rapt attention as Anthony Browne read them the story of Hannah, her father and a very cuddly Gorilla.

Having illustrated the original Gorilla picture book himself, Anthony Browne also shared his enthusiasm for drawing. Children were invited to 'take a line for a walk' and create imaginative drawings of their own, with Anthony's help.

The pupils were also thrilled by the arrival of a 'real' Gorilla, when director Roman Stefanski brought the hand-crafted Gorilla puppet out to meet them.

Anthony Browne said: "Gorilla is a heartfelt story that many children and parents can relate to, so today has been a wonderful opportunity to share this with a whole new generation.

"Having the chance to spend some time with director Roman Stefanski and the Polka team in rehearsals has been a real treat! Not to mention meeting the Gorilla puppet himself - I have seen my Gorillas created in many different ways, but this is definitely the best."

October 8, 2013