Polka Theatre Season Brochure Autumn - Winter 2023

Welcome to Polka Theatre’s new season

As Polka’s new Artistic Director and Joint CEO, I am delighted to welcome you to our latest brochure. We’re throwing open the doors and invite you to ignite your wildest imaginations and go on the best adventures with Polka’s brand new season of shows and workshops. We have a season brimming with thrilling productions, featuring some of the UK’s leading theatre makers and companies. You’ll find adventures in space, on islands far away in the future and in the trees just above your head… not to mention the icy climbs of the Snow Queen’s palace.

Don’t miss our Summer Fun Day, packed with free activities for the whole family, before joining us for a very special festive season. This winter Jude Christian’s brand-new adaptation of The Snow Queen flurries into our Main Theatre and the much-loved The Night Before Christmas by Hattie Naylor returns to the Adventure Theatre.

Polka is a place for everyone, and you don’t need to buy a ticket to come and play and enjoy our spaces or relax in our lovely café.

We look forward to welcoming you all to, without a doubt, the most fun theatre in town!

Helen Matravers Artistic Director and Joint CEO

MULTI-BUY OFFERS

Look out for the multi-buy logo throughout the brochure and online! Book 2 shows - save 5% Book 3 shows - save 10% Book 4+ shows - save 15%

POLKA SUMMER FUN DAY!

Sat 12 Aug 9.30am - 5pm FREE fun activities for the whole family.

MULTI-BUY

This season is generously supported by the Chan Yin Chuen Memorial Charitable Foundation

Photo: Lidia Crisafulli

By Julia Donaldson

The Bear Everywhere The Bear Everywhere The Bear Everywhere

This captivating and beautiful story springs to life with rhyme, original music and delightfully expressive puppets in Polka’s exciting adaptation.

On now - Sun 13 Aug

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £14 Concessions: from £12

Groups 8+: Savings from £16

Groups 10+: Savings from £25 Family of 4: Save £6

Adventure Theatre

Approx. 50 mins

Access Access performances available

Ages 3-7

Ages 6-12

Sat 1 Jul - Sun 20 Aug

Tickets*

Adults & Children: from £10 | Concessions: from £10 Groups 8+: Savings from £20

Groups 10+: Savings from £30 | Family of 4: Save £9

Main Theatre

Approx. 1 hour

Access Access performances available

*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone & online bookings. T&C’s apply.

A Spymonkey, Polka Theatre and Worthing Theatres & Museums co-production

MULTI-BUY

and Rebecca Cobb Adapted for Stage by Peter Glanville and Julian Butler

Comedy-meets-rock-band-meets-punk-clownmayhem. A playful exploration of that most versatile and significant feature of human anatomy.

Photo: Sam

By Marcello Chiarenza Adapted and performed by Patrick Lynch

Ages 1-3

The very young won’t sit still to watch a show and we don’t expect them to. Egg and Spoon is an interactive romp through the seasons where you come in and out of our magic circle and get to open all the gifts of nature. Percy and April get you settled on our comfortable cushions and introduce you to Birdy, still hiding in his glowing egg. We have to wait till Spring if we want to see him so it’s time to begin our hands-on journey through the year. We’ll run through the rain and the falling leaves and sleep under the snow till the sun wakes us up for the butterfly party. Egg and Spoon is a perfect gentle introduction to the magic of theatre.

Wed 27 SepSun 1 Oct

Performances 10.30am & 2pm

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £14

Concessions: from £12

Groups 8+: Savings from £10

Groups 10+: Savings from £15

Adventure Theatre Approx. 55 mins

*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone & online bookings. T&C’s apply.

Music by Carlo ‘Cialdo’ Capelli

ZOE’S PECULIAR JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

A TIME TRAVELLING ADVENTURE

Directed by Sue Buckmaster Written by Jimmy Osborne with Sue Buckmaster

Zoe loves meeting up with her friends, but one day as she’s getting ready, something very peculiar happens…

Ages 6-12

Catapulted one hundred years into the future, Zoe finds herself on a mysterious island made entirely of plastic waste. She doesn’t have time to think before her real adventures begin and she sets off to explore, solving riddles, meeting wonderful creatures, and helping new friends out of trouble.

Will she find her way home? Join us in this magical tale exploring themes of friendship and the environment, featuring Theatre-Rites’ award-winning puppetry.

Fri 29 Sep - Sun 8 Oct

Performances

Wed - Fri: 10.15am & 1.30pm

Sat - Sun: 11am & 2.30pm

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £10

Concessions: from £10

Groups 8+: Savings from £14

Groups 10+: Savings from £20

Family of 4: Save £6

Schools

Selected dates from Fri 29 Sep - Fri 6 Oct: from £10 (11th ticket free)

BSL: Fri 6 Oct 1.30pm

Main Theatre

Approx. 65 mins

MULTI-BUY

Access Performances

BSL: Sat 30 Sep 11am

Explore the wonderful world of colours with a curious little owl, who is determined to stay awake and see what day light brings.

From the warm, pink glow of dawn through to a day filled with the bright colours of green leaves, blue sky, white clouds and, finally, a stunning rainbow - ‘WOW!’. But despite the beauty of the daytime world, the little owl decides that the nighttime stars are the most beautiful of all.

WOW! Said the Owl , the acclaimed children’s book by award-winning author, Tim Hopgood, is brought to life through a blend of beautiful storytelling, puppetry and music. Directed by Joy Haynes, this show will delight and excite very young audiences.

Ages 2-5

Wed 4 - Sun 8 Oct

Performances

Wed - Fri: 10.30am & 1pm

Sat - Sun: 10.30am & 2pm

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £14

Concessions: from £12

Groups 8+: Savings from £10

Groups 10+: Savings from £15 Schools

Wed 4 - Fri 6 Oct: from £9 (11th ticket free)

Adventure Theatre

Approx. 40 mins

*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone & online bookings. T&C’s apply.

This production of WOW! Said the Owl is based on the book WOW! Said the Owl © 2009 Tim Hopgood, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, a division of Macmillan Publishers International Ltd.

Ages 3-7

Take a bird’s eye view of the humans in a brand-new family show from M6 Theatre Company.

A tree in a city. Two birds decide to make it their home and soon their cosy nest contains two very precious eggs. The world below is full of stuff but, very quickly, so too is the nest.

Filled with clowning, original song and beautiful shadow play, this highly physical show uses minimal language to tell a tale about taking care, discovering what’s important and learning how to fly.

Wed 11 - Sun 15 Oct

Performances

Wed - Fri: 10.30am & 1.15pm

Sat - Sun: 10.30am & 2pm

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £14

Concessions: from £12

Groups 8+: Savings from £10

Groups 10+: Savings from £15

Schools

Wed 11 - Fri 13 Oct: from £9 (11th ticket free)

Adventure Theatre Approx. 45 mins *£2.50

“[M6 are] Leaders in their field” Children’s Theatre Reviews

Our story for babies and their grown-ups begins with a red moon rising. But why is the moon red? Now it’s turned blue and it’s crying. Do the ladybirds know why? Perhaps the little pond can tell us? Or maybe the rabbits have the answer… Made in consultation with paediatricians, English Touring Opera’s Under the Little Red Moon explores the development of language with the help of music and movement.

By Tim Yealland and

Wed 18 - Sun 22 Oct

Performances 10am, 11.30am & 2.15pm

Adventure Theatre

Approx. 30 mins

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £14

Concessions: from £12 Groups 8+: Savings from £10 Groups 10+: Savings from £15

Ages 6-24 mths

Russell Hepplewhite

Oh No, George! is the delightfully playful tale of a dog who wants to be good but just can’t resist temptation. Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Chris Haughton, this brand new show for children aged 3+ (and their grown ups) uses acrobatics, slapstick comedy, Sign Supported English and live music to bring George’s joyful escapades to life.

Ages 3+

Thu 19 - Sun 29 Oct

Performances

Thu 19 - Fri 20: 10.30am & 1pm

Sat 21 - Sun 22: 11am & 2pm

Tue 24 - Sun 29: 10.30am & 2pm

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £10

Concessions: from £10

Groups 8+: Savings from £14

Groups 10+: Savings from £20

Family of 4: Save £6

Schools

Thu 19 & Fri 20 Oct: from £10 (11th ticket free)

Main Theatre

Approx. 55 mins

*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone & online bookings. T&C’s apply.

Oh No, George! Copyright 2012 Chris Haughton. Licensed by Walker Books Ltd., London.

“Tail-waggingly good”

The Guardian

Ages 6+

World-famous Shakespearean Professor, Nick Bottom, is about to present his talk on ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ – but there is a technical problem. Professor Bottom’s laptop cannot contain the magical forces at play and the sprites in the software want to tell the story in their own words.

Nick makes an ass of himself, and we are drawn into a timeless world of love, fairies, and ridiculousness in Norwich Puppet Theatre’s sideways take on Shakespeare’s classic play. Beautiful shadow imagery inspired by Ancient Greek art and natural images are woven together with a musical sound tapestry created especially for this production.

Wed

25 - Sun 29 Oct

Performances

Wed: 1.30pm & 4pm Thu - Sun: 11am & 2.30pm

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £14

Concessions: from £12

Groups 8+: Savings from £10

Groups 10+: Savings from £15

Adventure Theatre

Approx. 50 mins

A Norwich Puppet Theatre production

*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone & online bookings. T&C’s apply.

An out of this world adventure

Star Seekers Alph, Betty and Gammo need your help to save their space station, collect all the orbs and delve into the great unanswered question of the universe: what do astronauts really have for tea?

Together you will all go on an intergalactic adventure through space, discover new planets, meet an alien and collect all the orbs for Dr. Doctor, before returning to earth again. Meet Betty and Gammo outside the auditorium to get your name badge.

Wed 1 - Sun 5 Nov

Performances

Wed - Fri: 10.30am & 1.30pm

Sat - Sun: 10.30am & 2pm

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £14

Concessions: from £12

Groups 8+: Savings from £10

Groups 10+: Savings from £15

MULTI-BUY

HHHH

“A brilliantly involving show”

Time Out

Schools Wed 1 - Fri 3 Nov: from £9 (11th ticket free)

Adventure Theatre Approx. 60 mins

*£2.50

Ages 3-8

Ages 4+

Can you help a very unusual princess solve an unexpected problem? Without the twinkle of fairy lights, the holiday season could be cancelled! It’s up to our intrepid explorer, her pals and YOU to illuminate the world again.

Tutti Frutti Productions have teamed up with One Tenth Human (‘Curious Investigators’) to create a fun-filled, sparkling extravaganza exploring the sensational science behind electricity. Featuring catchy original songs from Ziad Jabero and electrifying storytelling, The Lightbulb Princess will light up children’s imaginations and inspire them to learn more about the world around them.

Wed 8 - Sun 12 Nov

Performances

Wed - Fri: 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat - Sun: 10.30am & 2pm

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £14

Concessions: from £12 Groups 8+: Savings from £10 Groups 10+: Savings from £15

Schools

Wed 8 - Fri 10 Nov: from £9 (11th ticket free)

Adventure Theatre Approx. 60 mins

MULTI-BUY

*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone & online bookings. T&C’s apply.

“Anyone who enjoys a charming, funny, inventive afternoon at the theatre will be sure to come out with a grin on their face.”

British Theatre Guide

Shop

Take your memories with you

A visit to Polka isn’t complete until you have explored our beautiful shop. Whether delighting in a show-related souvenir or browsing for a unique gift, there is something for everyone.

Café

A unique café, open to all

Open TuesdaySunday, with both indoor and outdoor seating areas, Polka’s Café is the perfect place to enjoy an ice cream, grab your morning coffee, or enjoy lunch in a train carriage!

✱ Books

✱ Stationery

✱ Pocket-money toys

✱ Cards and gifts

✱ Fancy dress and accessories And much more…

✱ Locally roasted coffee & babyccinos

✱ Tasty treats & healthy snacks

✱ Freshly made hot or cold lunches

✱ Ice cream

✱ Beer & wine

Photos: Sam Roberts and Lidia Crisfulli

Photo: Sam Roberts

Sunday 3 December at 2pm

A special VIP party for families followed by a festive Polka show Choose from either: The Snow Queen or The Night Before Christmas

Winter Picnic | Roaming Entertainment | Fun and Games

Raising funds to provide access to theatre for children experiencing hardship

*Tickets: £45 plus optional £15 donation Groups 10+ £5 off per ticket!

Book now at polkatheatre.com or 020 8545 8368

Name A Seat for your child at Polka

Use your inscription to mark a birthday, anniversary or memory and receive:

▶ Your child/grandchild’s name in Polka production programmes

▶ Your personal inscription on your chosen seat for 10 years

▶ Special insights into our charitable work

Name a Seat and help children from low income areas experience a life-long love of theatre.

Please contact:

Membership and Events Manager katie@polkatheatre.com 020 8545 8368

Photo: Sam Roberts

A Polka Theatre production

Tickets from £10 at ALL performances

Ages 6-12

Sat 11 NovSun 21 Jan

Adapted by Jude Christian

Directed by Emma Baggott

Gerda is on the magical quest of a lifetime. Her best friend Kai has disappeared with the mysterious Snow Queen, and if Gerda doesn’t rescue him soon, he’ll be trapped in an endless winter forever.

Come on an unforgettable, thrilling adventure where the strength of friendship is tested to its limits, and nothing is quite what it seems in the fantastical, frosty world of The Snow Queen.

Jude Christian’s (‘Hamlet’, ‘Dick Whittington’, National Theatre, ‘Jack and The Beanstalk’, Lyric Hammersmith) brand new family adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale is brought to life with songs, spectacular storytelling and a flurry of mythical magic. Save when you pre-order your programme and ice creams!

Performances

Previews: Sat 11 & Sun 12 Nov Visit polkatheatre.com for full listings of performances

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £10

Concessions: from £10

Groups 8+: Savings from £16

Groups 10+: Savings from £25

Schools

Selected dates from Wed 15 Nov - Fri 19 Jan: from £10 (11th ticket free)

Relaxed: Fri 24 Nov 10.15am, Fri 1 Dec 1.45pm

Main Theatre

Approx. 1 hr 20 mins including interval

Access Performances

Relaxed: Sat 25 Nov 11am

Captioned: Sun 26 Nov 2.30pm

Audio Described: Sun 10 Dec 2.30pm

BSL: Sat 6 Jan 11am

*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone & online bookings. T&C’s apply.

Sat 18 Nov - Sun 14 Jan

Written by Hattie Naylor Directed by Roman Stefanski

Amber is six and loves reindeer! It’s Christmas Eve but Grandad is feeling tired and Amber’s favourite snowglobe gets broken. Then her world is turned topsy turvy by a surprise visitor and Amber begins an adventure she will never forget.

Join Amber on a festive journey like no other - after all, on the night before Christmas, anything can happen.

Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s much-loved poem ’Twas the Night

Before Christmas’, we bring Christmas Eve to life in a new production featuring original music, skilful puppetry and a generous sprinkling of festive magic.

Ages 2-6

Performances

Previews: Sat 18 & Sun 19 Nov Visit polkatheatre.com for full listings of performances

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £16

Concessions: from £13

Groups 8+: Savings from £14

Groups 10+: Savings from £20

Schools

Selected dates from Wed 22 NovFri 12 Jan: from £9 (11th ticket free)

Relaxed: Fri 1 Dec 1.15pm

Adventure Theatre Approx. 50 mins

Access Performances

BSL: Sat 9 Dec 11.45am

Relaxed: Sat 13 Jan 2.45pm

MULTI-BUY

A Polka Theatre and Royal & Derngate Northampton co-production

Ages 3-7

Pete the badger likes everything to be neat and tidy: the flowers, the leaves, even the other animals. But, when autumn comes, he gets a little bit carried away with cleaning up the forest and accidently destroys his own home!

Based on the much-loved children’s book by author and illustrator, Emily Gravett, Tidy is a gentle but cautionary tale about the value of the world around us and what happens if we don’t look after it.

With beautiful puppets, original music and a touch of silliness, this playful story will delight young audiences, as it explores how everyone needs a little bit of wild chaos in their lives.

Sat 10 FebSun 24 Mar

Performances

Previews: Sat 10 & Sun 11 Feb

Visit polkatheatre.com for full listings of performances

Tickets*

Adults and Children: from £10

Concessions: from £10

Groups 8+: Savings from £14

Groups 10+: Savings from £20

Family of 4: Save £6

Schools

Selected dates from Wed 21 FebFri 22 Mar: from £10 (11th ticket free)

Main Theatre

Approx. 60 mins

Access Performances

Relaxed: Sat 24 Feb 11am

Captioned: Sat 2 Mar 11am

BSL: Sun 10 Mar 2pm

Audio described: Sat 16 Mar 2pm

*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone & online bookings. T&C’s apply.

TIDY text and illustrations © Emily Gravett 2016, published by Two Hoots, an imprint of Pan Macmillan

Saturday Club

Family fun every first Saturday of the month!

Join us for a fun creative session for all the family to enjoy together. Take part in an exciting and varied programme of activities listed below:

Summer Style Headdress

Sat 1 Jul

Get into the festival spirit this summer at Polka and decorate your pre-designed headdress to take home.

Anansi Adventures

Sat 7 Oct

With puppets, songs and a sprinkling of magic, come along to celebrate the retelling of the legendary ‘Anansi’.

→ See website for session timings

Light Up Lanterns!

Sat 4 Nov

Make and decorate your own lantern in our magical lantern land inspired by The Lightbulb Princess

Whoosh into Winter

Sat 2 Dec

Twirl, whirl, glide and slide with your family in this music and movement workshop inspired by The Snow Queen

→ Recommended for ages 3+

→ From £6* per person, per session → Under 1’s require a ticket to attend at £1

*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings.

Young & Younger Voices

Become a Polka ambassador!

Polka Theatre has an established group of ambassadors aged between 4 to 12 years called Young and Younger Voices. These groups have been specifically set up to ensure that children contribute directly to Polka’s creative processes of developing new theatre. Participants take part in a range of workshops, watch our productions and share feedback on all areas of the theatre. These young people have a passion for theatre, the creative arts and want to have their voices heard!

Apply to join our Young or Younger Voices groups:

Email heidi@polkatheatre.com for an application form or you can download one via our website.

Photo: Rebecca Short

Termly Workshops

Baby Explorers

Adult & baby, every Wed, 0 - 12 mths

Autumn Term: Wed 20 Sep - Wed 29 Nov (no session 25 Oct)

→ 9.30 - 10am → from £80 per term for adult and child

Plenty of songs and movement for you and your baby to laugh, explore and play together.

Mini Explorers

Adult & toddler, every Wed, 1 - 2 yrs

Autumn Term: Wed 20 Sep - Wed 29 Nov (no session 25 Oct)

→ 10.45 - 11.30am → from £80 per term for adult and child

Action-packed songs and stories, building your child’s confidence, communication and social skills.

Creative Explorers

Adult & child, every Tue or Fri, 2 - 4 yrs

Autumn Term: Tue 19 Sep - Tue 28 Nov (no session 24 Oct)

Autumn Term: Fri 22 Sep - Fri 1 Dec (no session 27 Oct)

→ 10.45 - 11.30am → from £80 per term for adult and child

Use your imaginations to create and explore stories through drama, movement and song.

Act 1

Child only, every Sat, 4 - 6 yrs

Autumn Term: Sat 23 Sep - Sat 2 Dec (no session 28 Oct)

→ 9.30 - 10.15am or 10.30 - 11.15am

→ from £85 per term per child

A gentle introduction to drama, using storytelling, role-play techniques, movement and imaginative games.

Act 2

Child only, every Sat, 7 - 9 yrs

Autumn Term: Sat 23 Sep - Sat 2 Dec (no session 28 Oct)

→ 11.30am - 12.30pm → from £95 per term per child

Explore acting and performance skills with improvisation and role-play, as well as discovering new characterisation and movement techniques.

Youth Theatre

Child only, every Wed, 9 - 12 yrs

Summer Term: Wed 26 Apr - Wed 5 Jul (no session 31 May)

Autumn Term: Wed 20 Sep - Wed 29 Nov (no session 25 Oct)

→ 4.30 - 6pm → £115 per term per child

Work with leading theatre professionals and receive expert drama training, while developing a new piece of theatre that reflects the creativity of the young people involved.

Workshops

Drop-in Sessions

Hum, Jig & Jiggle

Adult & child, every Tue, 6 mths - 3 yrs

Summer Term: Tue 25 Apr - Tue 4 Jul (no session 30 May)

Autumn Term: Tue 19 Sep - Tue 28 Nov (no session 24 Oct)

→ 9.30 - 10.15am → from £10 per session for adult and child

Get rocking to the beat using rhythm games, music and songs to experiment, be creative and have fun!

Rhyme & Sign

Adult & child, every Thu, 12 mths - 4 yrs

Summer Term: Thu 27 Apr - Thu 6 Jul (no session 1 Jun)

Autumn Term: Thu 21 Sep - Thu 30 Nov (no session 26 Oct)

→ 9.30 - 10.15am → from £10 per session for adult and child

Storytelling workshops using rhymes, actions and simple British Sign Language (BSL).

Morning Story

Adult & child, every Fri, 6 mths - 3 yrs

Summer Term: Fri 28 Apr - Fri 7 Jul (no session 2 Jun)

Autumn Term: Fri 22 Sep - Fri 1 Dec (no session 27 Oct)

→ 9.30 - 10.15am → from £10 per session for adult and child

Interactive and multisensory stories for you and your child to take part in and enjoy through drama, songs and role-play.

Sensory Stories

Adult & child, every Tue, 3 - 4 yrs

Autumn Term: Tue 19 Sep - Tue 28 Nov (no session 24 Oct)

→ 2 - 2.45pm → from £12 per session for adult and child

Enjoy exploring new stories through sensory play, props and musical fun.

Photos: Steve Gregson

Holiday

Summer Holiday Workshops

Acting with Masks

Tue 25 & Wed 26 Jul → Ages 4 - 7 yrs → 10.30am - 3.30pm → £70 (child only)

In this two day creative drama workshop, children will design, create and become wacky characters from our production of Hairy. Learn how to mime, move and tell a story in a maskit will be sure to entertain hair there and everywhere!

Summertime Tales

Thu 27 Jul

Ages 0 - 12 mths → 9.30 - 10am

Ages 1 - 2 yrs → 11 - 11.45am

Ages 2 - 4 yrs → 2 - 2.45pm

£10 (adult and child)

Experience our Sensory Space with interactive floor projections and mesmerising scenic settings on our walls. Whether you and your child love playing in sunny fields or splashing at the seaside, you will be transported to different places in our multisensory summertime story workshop.

Polka Summer Schools

Polka Youth Theatre Summer School

Mon 31 Jul - Fri 4 Aug → Ages 8 - 12 yrs → 10am - 4pm → £195 (child only)

Budding actors can spend a week training and working with a professional Theatre Director to explore a variety of drama techniques, learn new skills and create a new piece of theatre that will be performed for family and friends!

Polka Puppet Summer School

Tue 15 - Thu 17 Aug → Ages 5 - 8 yrs → 10.30am - 3.30pm → £100 (child only)

Learn about different styles of puppetry in this three day puppet-making summer school. Explore, play and perform your own puppet show stories in front of family and friends.

October Half Term Workshops

Moonlit Storytime

Tue 24 Oct

Ages 0 - 12 mths → 9.30 - 10am

Ages 1 - 2 yrs → 10.45 - 11.30am

Ages 2 - 4 yrs → 2 - 2.45pm

£12 (adult and child)

Explore colours, light and shade and hear sounds of the nighttime as we travel through dusk to dawn on a storytelling adventure. Say hello to the nighttime creatures, catch a twinkling star and greet the smiling moon, inspired by the production of Under The Little Red Moon

Spooky Halloween Character Workshop

Wed 25 Oct → Ages 4 - 7 yrs → 10am - 12pm or 2 - 4pm → £25 (child only)

Get yourself ready for Halloween with Polka’s drama workshop. Come in your favourite fancy dress and create your most spooktacular characters ready for a monstrously exciting Halloween party!

Halloween Hair and Make-Up Masterclass

Thu 26 Oct → Ages 8 - 12 yrs → 10am - 4pm → £50 (child only)

Our make-up experts are back - this time to show how you can make your very own terror-ific look. With spooky and spectacular designs to demonstrate, monstrous make-up to apply and wicked wigs to try on, come and transform!

Workshops

Clowning Around Comedy Workshop

Fri 27 Oct → Ages 3+ yrs → 10 - 10.45am, 1 - 1.45pm, 3.15 - 4pm →

£12 (adult and child)

Who’s ready for a giggle? Join us for an exciting physical theatre family workshop. Try out some new comedy skills and slapstick silliness inspired by the comic adaptation of Oh No George!

Festive Holiday Workshops

Jingle Bell Rock!

Thu 21 Dec

Ages 0 - 12 mths → 9.30 - 10am

Ages 1 - 2 yrs → 11 - 11.45am

Ages 2 - 4 yrs → 2 - 2.45pm

£12 (adult and child)

It’s that time of year when the lights are twinkling and the bells are jingling! Get rocking to the beat with your child in this magical music and movement workshop just before Christmas!

Build Your Own Snow Globe

Fri 22 Dec → Recommended 3+ yrs → 10 - 10.45am, 1 - 1.45pm, 3.15 - 4pm → £13 (adult and child to build 1 globe)

Design and create your very own magical snow globe, just like the one in The Night

Before Christmas. Shake up your Christmas and craft memories to treasure in this artistic workshop.

Beatbox Masterclass

Thu 4 Jan

10am - 4pm £50 (child only)

Join our ‘Beatbox master’ to learn new skills and create your own different rhythms to perform in front of your peers and family at the end of the day!

Wicked Winter Wonderland

Fri 5 Jan → Ages 4 - 8 yrs → 10am - 12pm or 2 - 4pm → £25 (child only)

From heroic explorers and perfect princesses to wicked witches and vile villains, characters are what make stories. Inspired by scenes from Polka’s Winter season shows, explore different characters in this drama workshop.

A £2.50 transaction fee applies to phone & online bookings.

Photo: Steve Gregson

Thank you to our Polka Gold School Member sponsors

Information

Opening Times

Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 5pm

Saturday - Sunday: 9.30am - 5pm

We open later when we have evening shows.

240 The Broadway

Wimbledon

SW19 1SB

Want to book tickets?

Our Box Office is available at the above opening times. Tickets can be booked through our Box Office in venue, via phone on 020 8543 4888 or online at polkatheatre.com. A £2.50 transaction fee applies to online and phone bookings.

Concessions

We offer concessions for those aged 65+, in receipt of income-based benefits and those with access requirements. Concessions are available for selected performances and subject to availability.

Group Bookings

Discounts are available for those booking more than 8 tickets for the same performance. Groups of 10 or larger must be booked via the Box Office.

Age Policy

We offer age recommendations for every performance. All children must be accompanied by an adult or young person aged over 16.

General T&Cs

Tickets are non-refundable once purchased. Everyone must have a valid ticket to enter the auditorium. Full Terms and Conditions are available on our website.

Access

We offer reduced rate tickets for those with access requirements, and a complimentary ticket for a companion/carer. Please get in touch with our Box Office to discuss any access requirements and to book tickets, on 020 8543 4888, or email boxoffice@polkatheatre.com.

Please see individual performance pages for details of access performances.

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Theatre is for everyone

We are committed to making Polka accessible and inclusive Facilities

l Step-free access to all levels

l Clear signage throughout venue

l Accessible, gender-specific and genderneutral toilets

l Baby changing facilities

Performances

We are committed to providing Relaxed, British Sign Language Interpreted (BSL), Audio Described and Captioned performances for as many shows as possible. Check show pages for details on available access performances. Anyone can attend an access performance, regardless of their needs.

Photos: Steve Gregson and Hufton + Crow