This beautifully crafted adaptation of the book The Rapping Princess by Hannah Lees and Allen Fatimaharans’ tells the story of “Shiloh, a princess with a big love for music. But she’s got one problem, she cannot sing”. Through her dismay and her parents’ disappointment Shiloh embarks on a journey of discovery to only find that she has another hidden talent that not even she expected. With a cast of two performers, they take you on a journey of song through the genres, beat box and rap. Anu Akinseye (once on this Island, Into the woods) plays Shiloh she is joined by Grace Venus (Stalled, Sleeping Beauty) as the Queendom Storyteller, who also voices the King, the Queen, Doctor Grump, DJ Princess Kenya, and various princes.
This play incorporates purposeful interaction to encourage the young audience to be part of the show. With clever use of live looping to create sounds and beats which everyone can contribute too. These sounds fill the room. Yes 3-6yr olds creating sounds can be quite loud and unapologetically chaotic and this was evident in this performance. It was an uplifting result of children being in their moment.
With a collection of beautiful songs featuring high energy hip hop and rap tracks under the musical direction of Rob Green and Annabel Mutale Reed. To Be Who You Are and rapping rhythms to hook you in.
The Rapping Princess brings fun with meaning and a point to make, that you can be whoever you want to be, believe in yourself and be happy. Bravo to the creative team who have brought this story to life offering up an opportunity to get on down with the beats. I would challenge any parent, or caregiver to not come out singing or rapping to these catchy tunes. Productions like The Rapping Princess breakdown the barriers of theatre for small children; and where creativity can flourish the most. If you have a young family this is a ‘must see play, its uplifting, quirky and fun.
A POLKA Theatre Production
From the Book by Hannah Lee & Allen Fatimaharan
Adapted for stage by Annabel Mutale Reed & Jack Trzcinski
Directed by Annabel Mutale Reed
Composer Jack Trzcinski
Costume Design Lara Paul
This short play has relaxed 10.30am and 1.30pm matinee performances Age 3-6yrs
Running Time approx 50 minutes – Run 16th May – Sunday 21st June 2026
Booking Link https://polkatheatre.com/event/the-rapping-princess/
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 23rd May 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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