Last night we headed to the press preview of Who Let The Gods Out at the Polka Theatre Wimbledon, based on the bestselling book by Maz Evans — and it was an absolute delight. If you are looking for family half term theatre in London suitable for ages 8-12 this show gets an unflinching 5 stars.
What may surprise some audiences is that this adaptation is a fully fledged family musical, opening with an immediate burst of energy. The original songs — with lyrics penned by Evans herself — are witty, memorable and cleverly woven into the storytelling. From the outset, the production establishes a confident rhythm that never falters, sustaining its pace and charm across the 90-minute performance (plus interval).
A Hero Kids Can Root For
We’re first introduced to Elliot, played by Andy Owens, who perfectly embodies an earnest, big-hearted young boy. He’s energetic, hugely likeable and has a beautiful singing voice. My 10-year-old son — who was keen to see the show after reading the book at school — was instantly hooked. Elliot’s bravery is always driven by love, particularly for his mum, and that emotional core makes the story resonate deeply.
At its heart, this is a tender mother-son story. Elliot’s mum is struggling following the death of her father, and the family farm is at risk. Elliot’s decisions don’t always go to plan, but they always stem from fierce loyalty and love — and that bond is portrayed with real warmth.
Five Actors, Endless Characters
The five-strong cast deserves huge praise. They switch seamlessly between heroes and villains, gods and mortals, often within moments. It’s slick, clever and brilliantly executed.
Nadia Wynn Abuyen plays Virgo — sweet, self-righteous, slightly annoying but utterly loveable. Stephen Boyce is a standout Hermes, brimming with swagger and “street cred”, peppering his dialogue with references and language that had my son laughing (yes, TikTok gets a nod).
Then there’s Harriet O’Grady as Queen Elizabeth — a feisty, martial-arts-loving monarch who quite literally kicks butt. Watching a gung-ho elderly queen defy every stereotype had the children in stitches.
And we can’t not mention Jazz Evans as Thanatos, the demon antagonist. His number, I’m Not The Problem Here, is a clever piece of social commentary, pointing the finger at humanity’s own missteps — from greed to global warming — with even Elon Musk getting a cheeky mention. It adds an unexpected, thought-provoking layer for older children and adults, without losing the humour.
A Visual Treat
The set and lighting design are packed with “all the bells and whistles” — dynamic, colourful and dramatic when needed. It feels big, bold and exciting while remaining perfectly pitched for Polka’s family audience.
Is it worth seeing?
In short: absolutely.
It’s funny, fast-paced, musically strong and emotionally grounded. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments for children, alongside deeper themes about family, responsibility and humanity that give parents something to reflect on too.
Whether your child is already a fan of the books or completely new to the story (like me), Who Let The Gods Out is a joyous, high-energy production that’s well worth seeing this half term.
A real triumph from start to finish.
Who Let The Gods Out is playing At The Polka Theatre London until 22nd March 2026. Recommended for ages 8-13yrs. Booking Info here
