Unbook the babysitter because Tara Theatre's Autumn season contains plenty of entertainment for all the family. The venue welcomes Bhuchar Boulevard's new family-friendly production of Child of the Divide (7th - 11th November), which originally premiered at Polka in 2006 to critical acclaim. Marking the 70th anniversary of the partition of India, it's the story of Pali, a Hindu boy who accidentally loses his father amid the upheaval that ensues along the newly-formed border. Taken in by a Muslim family, Pali is given a new life, faith and name. But when his father returns to claim him, Pali must decide who he really is and where he belongs.
Tara's family-friendly offerings continue with their collaboration with Forest Tribe Dance to present Prince of Fire (17th & 18th November), a new take on the Diwali story. The production for children will include dance, puppetry and projections in which the forces of light and darkness - plus a monkey army - do battle.
Showbiz glitz comes to SW18 with Baby Broadway (12th November), a concert of singalong showtunes suitable for all ages, from pensioner to infant. Enjoy a range of stirring numbers from the likes of Singin' in the Rain, Hairspray and Mamma Mia! plus contemporary faves Moana and Frozen.
Also introducing Tara Cinema - baby-friendly screenings attuned to you and your baby's needs, including softer volume, brighter lights and the ability to pop out for refreshments at any time. If you're after a rollicking Pacific adventure, there's Kong: Skull Island on 8th November. Or viewers can settle into the festive season with Christmas classic Love Actually (14th December), a London-set romantic comedy starring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Kiera Knightley.
Re-opened in September 2016 by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Tara Theatre has garnered a range of awards, including The Stage Sustainability Award, London Construction Best Project Design Award & the London Architecture Culture & Community Award. It has also been shortlisted for the World Architecture & the Peter Brook Empty Space Awards this year.
Tara Arts was founded in 1977 by Artistic Director Jatinder Verma, along with Sunil Saggar, Ovais Kadri, Praveen Bahl and Vijay Shaunak.
For more information visit www.tara-arts.com.
Child of the Divide Tues 7th - Sat 11th November, 7.30pm | £13.50 (£10)
A remarkable story of family, identity and belonging marking the 70th anniversary of the partition of India. Summer 1947 and 16 million people are on the move between Indian and the newly-formed Pakistan. Amid the violent political upheaval young Pali's fingers slip from his father's hand and his destiny changes forever. Child of the Divide premiered at Polka in 2006 in a co-production with Tamasha, where it was named that year's No. 1 show for children and families by Time Out. Sudha Bhuchar is delighted to be returning to Tara, where she started her career in theatre. Recommended for ages 7 - 14.
Kong: Skull Island presented by TARA CINEMA Wed 8th November, 2pm | £8 (babies go free)
Welcoming parents/guardians & babies under the age of 12 months. Kong: Skull Island is Tara Cinema's pick for your November screening. A team of scientists explore an uncharted island in the pacific, venturing into the domain of the might Kong, and must fight to escape a primal Eden.
Tara Theatre is the perfect place to leave behind your stresses, escape from the everyday and lose yourself in a great film in our peaceful setting. Whilst you are at Tara, we'll do everything we can to make you and your baby feel welcome and comfortable including softer volume, slightly brighter lights and our café open all throughout the film so you can pop out for refreshments at any time.
Baby Broadway Sun 12th November, 11am | £11.50 (children and babies go free)
Baby Broadway brings the sound of the West End to your doorstep. The whole family can sing and dance along to well-known songs from hit shows and films such as Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Singin' in the Rain, Frozen, Moana and many more in a family concert performed by West End Singers. Open to all ages from newborns to school age to grandparents, concert lasts approximately 45 minutes, doors open 15 minutes before start time.
Prince of Fire Fri 17th November, 11am & 2pm | Sat 18th November, 11.30am & 3pm | £13.50 (£20)
When Ravana the ten-headed demon draws darkness over the world, can Prince Rama and Princess Sita's love and courage bring back a glimmer of light? Join Hanuman's monkey army in Forest Tribe Dance's new show based on the Diwali story and help cast radiance among the darkness. Prince of Fire features original music by Sam Morris and designs by David Freeman and Mike Kelly.
Love Actually presented by TARA CINEMA Thurs 14th December, 2.30pm | £8 (babies go free)
Welcoming parents/guardians & babies under the age of 12 months. This heartwarming, funny and star-studded romance follows the lives of eight very different couples dealing with their love lives in the run up to Christmas.
Tara Theatre is the perfect place to leave behind your stresses, escape from the everyday and lose yourself in a great film in our peaceful setting. Whilst you are at Tara, we'll do everything we can to make you and your baby feel welcome and comfortable including softer volume, slightly brighter lights and our café open all throughout the film so you can pop out for refreshments at any time.
Videos