Influences From Theatre, Spoken Word And Comics Come Together

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A poet revisits his childhood at Polka Theatre

'My Father and other Superheroes' - the story of a poet who revisits his childhood when he learns that he is going to have a baby is running at Wimbledon's Polka Theatre from March 19-22.

For writer/performer Nick Makoha, superheroes such as Superman, Spider-Man and Luke Skywalker had inadvertently provided the blueprints of how to be a good dad in the absence of his real father.

In a highly physical piece, Nick illustrates his personal journey from being smuggled out of his home country of Uganda at a young age, to life in the UK, Saudi Arabia and Kenya, learning what it takes to truly become a hero.

This UK tour builds on the success of sold out runs at the Southbank Centre and Unicorn Theatre. As a special treat, audiences will receive a free graphic novel version of the show, created by former Marvel Comics and DC Comics illustrator Mike Collins, who has worked on such venerable titles as X-Men, Captain America, Batman, Spider-Man and the Doctor Who graphic novels.

Director Benji Reid said: "My Father and Other Superheroes is about rejection and acceptance, exploring these through the inner child, the here-and-now, and fantasy. We witness Nick's journey as he unpacks his personal history to unlock the keys to fatherhood. We come to understand that to our children, we all have the potential to be heroes and heroines."

Writer and performer Nick Makoha said: "I'm a huge fan of comic books– for me, they’re modern folklore. There are four main heroes in the play and each one represents something different to me. The show represents a true story about my own childhood; there’s very little that's been tweaked. In many ways it’s a gift to my daughter; she's the source of the story so it's something to show her how much she means to me."

• 19 – 22 March Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
  £13.50 19-20 March (Time TBC); 21 and 22 March (2pm and 5pm)
  www.polkatheatre.com | 020 8543 4888.

March 12, 2015