Lila dreams of becoming a Master Firework-Maker just like her father. However, to become one, she must go on an epic journey that will push her to her limits. Only then can she discover the closely guarded secret to becoming a true firework master.
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| Photo by Jake Bush |
But when her father’s life depends on her winning the firework competition and pulling off the best display the world has ever seen, can Lila’s skills save the day and light up the skies?
Join Lila on the quest of a lifetime as she faces friend and foe on her illuminating journey of self-discovery. Polka Theatre present a brand-new production directed by Lee Lyford, based on the much-loved, award-winning book by Philip Pullman.
We caught up with cast member Tika Mu’tamir, who plays Lila in the show.
In The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, your character Lila goes on quite an adventure. What are some of Lila’s qualities that you hope children and families will be inspired by?
Lila does what feels joyful, there is something so determined and light about her. I think those are pretty inspiring qualities to be influenced by!
Lila does what feels joyful, there is something so determined and light about her. I think those are pretty inspiring qualities to be influenced by!
The stakes are incredibly high for Lila, especially with her father's life on the line. How does this affect her character development?
I think it expands her grit, love and care, as it now expresses itself through the person she loves dearest. She proves to herself that love has no bounds.
I think it expands her grit, love and care, as it now expresses itself through the person she loves dearest. She proves to herself that love has no bounds.
What first attracted you to this role?
I love how assured she seems. She doesn't over complicate things. Lila is clear about what she wants and takes it step by step to get herself there.
I love how assured she seems. She doesn't over complicate things. Lila is clear about what she wants and takes it step by step to get herself there.
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| Photo by Jake Bush |
How do you mentally and physically prepare for the role?
I make sure to get into my headphones with music and warm up my body physically and vocally. I also like to find and lean into a state of playfulness, it helps with her youthfulness but also opens up the door to possibility and uninhibited exploration.
I make sure to get into my headphones with music and warm up my body physically and vocally. I also like to find and lean into a state of playfulness, it helps with her youthfulness but also opens up the door to possibility and uninhibited exploration.
How does this production differ from other adaptations of Philip Pullman's beloved book?
I've not seen other adaptations but this one at Polka is probably the best one! ;)
I've not seen other adaptations but this one at Polka is probably the best one! ;)
What energises you about acting?
Getting to live out another life and story. To be a character and share their truth and story with others is such an honour and a gift.
Getting to live out another life and story. To be a character and share their truth and story with others is such an honour and a gift.
What was the first piece of theatre you remember having a big impact on you?
Beauty and the Beast, West End with Hugh Jackman playing Gaston. I was 4 years old, my little legs dangling off the front row seat. I was in awe, I remember Cogsworth and Lumiére in the bows pointing straight at me and waving because I looked so enamoured by it all.
Beauty and the Beast, West End with Hugh Jackman playing Gaston. I was 4 years old, my little legs dangling off the front row seat. I was in awe, I remember Cogsworth and Lumiére in the bows pointing straight at me and waving because I looked so enamoured by it all.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing The Firework-Maker's Daughter?
Be yourself, lovingly so.
Be yourself, lovingly so.
The Firework-Maker's Daughter plays at Polka Theatre until Sunday 18th January 2026. Tickets are available from https://polkatheatre.com/event/the-firework-makers-daughter/
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| Photo by Jake Bush |
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