Based on the book by
Winner of UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award
Welcome to Polka Theatre’s new season
WINNER 2024
This year, Polka marks its incredible 45th anniversary, and on top of this we were delighted to win UK Theatre's Most Welcoming Theatre Award which is testament to the hardwork and dedication of everyone who works at, and with, Polka! This season we have a line-up of creative experiences fit for celebrating - we hope you can join us!
We’re taking you across the world to sandy landscapes, American diners, fairytale kingdoms and vanishing forests - working with leading international theatre makers to bring you the very best of Children’s Theatre, here in Merton.
After skateboarding through Spring with Sisters 360, navigating falling skies with Chicken Licken and clowning around with budding builders in the return of Let’s Build!Summer 2025 at Polka sees the world premiere of Sir Lenny Henry’s children’s book, The Boy with Wings, adapted for Polka’s Main Theatre.
That’s not all, there’s a huge range of Take Part workshops, holiday activities and performance opportunities with our brilliant Creative Learning programme. The fun never stops!
We’d like to thank all our audiences who have donated to Polka, as a charity, our work wouldn’t be possible without your support. In our 45th year, if you’re able, please consider donating to help us keep theatre and arts activities affordable and accessible for children, and our play spaces open and free.
Lynette Shanbury
Helen Matravers Executive Director and Joint CEO 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%
MULTI-BUY
GROUP RATES
Come with friends and save up to £2 per ticket when you book a group of 8 or more.
T&Cs apply, see website for details.
Ages 5-12
A Polka Theatre and Little Bulb co-production
A Polka Theatre and Can’t Sit Still co-production
Join Clara and her brother Fritz on a new magical, musical quest as they try to save Christmas from an evil, many-headed Mouse King! Inspired by the story of ‘The Nutcracker’, visit Polka this festive season for surprising rodent singalongs and a sleigh-load of festive bangers!
On Now - Sun 26
Jan
Tickets From £10*
Schools
From £10 (11th ticket free)
Main Theatre
Approx. 1 hr 20 mins (incl. interval)
MULTI-BUY
Fri 6 DecSun 2 Feb
Discover a world blanketed in wonder in this brand-new heart-warming dance adaptation of ‘The Snowy Day’ by Ezra Jack Keats. Come on an intimate, icy adventure with Peter as he crunches through the snowy streets of his New York neighbourhood. Experience the magic of fresh snowfall in this highly visual show, specially designed for 1-4 year olds, featuring one dancer, original music and an immersive, enchanting set.
Tickets From £14*
Schools From £9 (11th ticket free)
Adventure Theatre Approx. 40 mins
MULTI-BUY
Generously supported by the Chan Yin Chuen Memorial Charitable Foundation
From The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, with permission from the EJK Foundation
anantcalleda
Written and performed by Julie Sharkey
Directed by Raymond Keane
Amy the ant works very hard. When she wins the Employee of the Month Award, Amy feels a happiness that drives her to work even harder. But is she truly content? A charming and moving story about a busy little ant who learns to slow down.
Thu 6 - Sun 9 Feb
Ages 5-8 Julie Sharkey productions
Tickets From £14*
Schools From £9 (11th ticket free)
Adventure Theatre
Approx. 40 mins
MULTI-BUY
my
“A magical, thoughtprovoking lesson in learning to slow down” HHHHH
The Irish Times
Whipped Up! follows Dottie, an eager-toplease 50s-style diner server on their first day on the job - where the baby is the customer, and caregivers are along for the ride. As the server waits on their “demanding” clientele the server grows increasingly frazzled - and more and more entertaining!
Stimulating for tiny audience members with sensory play served up throughout the show, and hilarious for adults watching their loved ones take on roles in an unfolding comedy.
Wed 12Sun 16 Feb
Tickets From £14*
Adventure Theatre
Approx. 30 mins
(plus 30 mins stay and play)
Ages 2 mths2 yrs
A Watford Palace Theatre production
Photo: Emma Brennan
It’s time to tell the REAL story of the PEA and the Princess, one which no one has ever heard before.
Leap into a high velocity adventure, into the world of a Ninja Princess on a mega-mission, a practical Prince concocting the best inventions, a Queen with a slightly worrying crown obsession, and a very green baddy indeed.
Ages 3-7
Featuring super catchy songs, some familiar fairytale faces and a brandnew twist-in-the-tale, this is a story that you definitely wouldn’t want to sleep on!
Written by Rachel Barnett-Jones
Directed by Jemma
Gross
Sat 15 FebSun 30 Mar
Tickets From £10*
Schools From £10 (11th ticket free)
Schools Relaxed: Thu 20 Mar 10.15am, Fri 21 Mar 1.15pm, Thu 27 Mar 1.15pm
Main Theatre Approx. 55 mins
Access Performances
Captioned: Sat 8 Mar 11am
Relaxed: Sun 9 Mar 2pm
Audio Described: Sat 15 Mar 2pm
BSL Interpreted: Sun 16 Mar 2pm
Illustration: @nathanreedillo
A Cardboard Adventures production
Come and explore Boxville, a land made entirely from sustainable cardboard! Work with the Boxville engineers to crafta-long with the story and build your own way through tasks and trials, earning everything you need to become a fullyfledged cardboard engineer!
Meet cardboard puppet dragons, space robots and corrugated crabs in this hands on, interactive, cardboard adventure, designed and co-directed by Sam Wilde (‘The Nutcracker’) with co-direction by Ian Nicholson (‘I Want My Hat Back’ Trilogy)
Wed 19 - Sun 23 Feb
Tickets From £14*
Adventure Theatre
Approx. 1 hr
Ages 6-10
A Kininso Koncepts production
Sand - how does it feel when it runs through your hands, over umbrellas, and into buckets, constantly creating new landscapes that want to be discovered?
Become immersed in a playful world, exploring the texture, weight, and breadth of sand on various materials in this rhythmic and musical play without words. Experience an ever-changing view of sand: swirling, creating shapes, prints, lines, games and landscapesvisually embracing the beauty of nature.
Conceptualised with support by the Goethe-institut.
MULTI-BUY
Fri 28 FebSun 2 Mar
Tickets From £13*
Schools From £9 (11th ticket free)
Adventure Theatre
Approx. 40 mins
Ages 2-7
Photo: Paul Blackmore
A Teatro 4Garoupas (GER/BRA) and Carré Blanc Cie co-production
Thu 6 - Sun 9 Mar
A planetary sphere rolls across the stage. Or is it an ark or is it a cocoon? The dancer explores the big wide world, one hand, one foot, one head at a time, until she is brave enough to emerge.
Come on a journey somewhere between dream and reality, full of emotions and as colourful as life itself. Chiffonnade is about growing up and blossoming, releasing from the chrysalis and discovering the world, until eventually the dancer finds her freedom in the most extraordinary way you can imagine...
Tickets From £13*
Schools From £9 (11th ticket free)
Adventure Theatre
Approx. 30 mins (plus post-show Q&A)
We are committed to making Polka accessible and inclusive
Facilities
Step-free access to all levels
Clear signage throughout venue
Accessible, gender-specific and gender-neutral toilets
Baby changing facilities
Performances
Tickets
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 Sam Roberts
A Polka Theatre, AIK and Turtle Key Arts co-production, in association with Leeds Playhouse
SISTERS 360 Hopes, hurdles and
halfpipes
Written by Asif Khan Directed by Ameera Conrad
Fatima and Salima are the closest, coolest, hijabi step-sisters in all of Bradford and they will win the Tiny is Mighty skateboarding competition, there is no doubt about it.
Except their parents have started whispering in the kitchen about living apart… and only the greatest super plan ever concocted will help them achieve their dreams.
Don't miss this brand-new production inspired by real-life skateboarding sisters Layna, Maysa and Amaya, and their hero Sky Brown.
Sat 22 MarSun 27 Apr
Tickets From £11* Schools
From £9 (11th ticket free)
Adventure Theatre
Approx. 1 hr
Access Performances
BSL Interpreted: Wed 9 Apr 2.30pm
Audio Described: Thu 10 Apr 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1.30pm)
Relaxed: Thu 17 Apr 2.30pm
Ages 8-12
Photo: Richard Davenport
Birthday Parties Award Ceremonies and Presentations
Rehearsals
Meetings
Clubs and Classes
“ We love working with the team at Polka - they are so helpful and always want to ensure that our events run smoothly.”
Hannah - Happy Parent Happy Baby
A unique space for the whole community
Scan the QR code for more info.
Name A Seat at Polka
Create a lasting legacy at Polka by naming a Main Theatre or Adventure Theatre seat and receive:
▶ A personal inscription on your chosen seat for 10 years
▶ Your name or your child's name in selected Polka production programmes
▶ Special insights into our charitable work
By Naming a Seat at Polka, you are supporting our work as a charity and providing access to theatre for children experiencing hardship.
Please contact:
Development Team development@polkatheatre.com
Photos:
Sam Roberts, Ally Whitlock
A
Written and Directed by Sarah Brigham
The sky is falling and this little chicken is very worried! Join our courageous chicken who needs to let everyone know there is a problem! Acorns are raining from the sky and an umbrella just isn’t strong enough! Chicken Licken is joined by his brave group of friends Ducky Lucky, Turkey Lurkey and Goosey Loosey. What will Foxy Loxy have to say about it all?
Brought to life with beautiful puppetry, creative storytelling and original live music from the team that brought you ‘Three Billy Goats Gruff’ and ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’.
Sat 5 Apr - Sun 11 May
Tickets From £10*
Schools From £10 (11th ticket free)
Main Theatre Approx. 1 hr
Ages 3-7
Access Performances
All performances include integrated BSL, creative captions and integrated audio description.
Touch Tours: Sun 13 Apr 1pm, Sat 26 Apr 1pm, Sat 3 May 1pm
Directed by Trina Haldar
What can we build? Where will our imaginations take us?
Follow two very curious builders who are committed to getting the job done, the only problem is, they’ve never built anything before! Join them as they work together exploring textures, objects and materials and transform them into wonderful creations that come to life. A mermaid, a rocket, a mighty elephant… the possibilities are endless!
Come on an interactive building adventure, embracing the magic of discovering things for the first time, where mistakes are a door to something new.
Sat 10 MaySun 29 Jun
Tickets From £11*
Schools
From £9 (11th ticket free)
Schools Relaxed: Thu 5 Jun 1.30pm
Adventure Theatre
Approx. 40 mins (incl. a play and build)
Access Performances
Relaxed: Sun 8 Jun 10.30am Ages 2-5
“A lovely introduction to performance and a good reminder about harnessing the power of imagination and playfulness.”
Daily
Mumtra
Ages 7-12
Written by Jonathan Ainscough Composed by Michael Betteridge
Sat 24 MaySun 1 Jun
Tickets
From £10*
Main Theatre
Approx. 50 mins
Do you remember what happened in the Forest of Arden? Puck does. It’s been a while since ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’ and Athens is changing. The forest is being chopped down, and with each tree felled, more magic disappears from the land! Join Puck, Cassie and Mylas in their quest to find Oberon and Titania, stop the felling and restore the wonder to the beautiful forest.
Access Performances
All shows are Captioned
Written as a continuation of ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’, The Vanishing Forest uses spells, puppetry and mystical flowers to educate and inspire children on the issue of deforestation, through a brand-new Shakespeare infused opera.
Adapted and directed by Ian Nicholson
Adapted and designed by Sam Wilde
A bear has lost his hat. What if he never sees it again? WAIT! He has seen his hat. A fish has stolen a hat. And he’ll probably get away with it. Probably. Two turtles have found a hat. The hat looks good on both of them. But there are two turtles. And there is only one hat.
Following their hit digital series on Little Angel Theatre’s YouTube channel, and a sold out run at their venue, Ian Nicholson and Sam Wilde are back, showcasing their trademark cardboard design across the UK on the first ever tour of I Want My Hat Back Trilogy ! Jon Klassen’s beloved books, ‘I Want My Hat Back’, ‘This is Not My Hat’ and ‘We Found A Hat’, have found a new life of their own, live on stage. All your favourites including Bear, Little Fish and the Turtles will be making an appearance in this one-of-a-kind trilogy.
Ages 3-8
HHHHH
“Hysterically funny and stunningly imaginative… this amazing show will have you laughing all the
way home.”
Everything Theatre Wed 9 JulSun 10 Aug
Tickets From £16*
Schools
From £9 (11th ticket free)
Adventure Theatre Approx. 40 mins
From the book by Jon Klassen, illustrated by Jon Klassen published by Candlewick Press
Polka is a charity. Help us create inspiring theatre for all children by making a monthly donation.
£5 per month * could provide a free theatre trip for a refugee family.
£20 per month* could fund free tickets for a school class where children are experiencing hardship.
£50 per month* could provide a multi-sensory workshop for a class of children with additional needs.
£100 per month* can help fund our access performances.
Thank you from everyone at Polka!
“A lot of my confidence as a child came from going to Polka. Just being able to see all these magical shows… shaped a bit of who I am.” Annie, aged 17
Photo: Sam Roberts
Based on the book by
An ordinary kid is about to become an EXTRAORDINARY hero!
Wings? Check.
A super-cool, super-secret past? Check.
An impossible mission to save the entire galaxy. Check.
When Tunde sprouts wings and learns that his father is a ferocious alien warrior, he’s all that stands between the galaxy and total destruction - suddenly homework and school aren't all he has to contend with.
Luckily, his rag-tag group of pals have got his back, and with his new powers, Tunde is ready to fly in the face of danger - this is his destiny. No pressure then...
Adapted by Arvind Ethan David and directed by Daniel Bailey from Sir Lenny Henry’s hilarious book, The Boy with Wings is an interstellar, action-packed adventure about friendships, being brave, and how our differences are our super-power!
Sat 21 Jun - Sat 16 Aug
Tickets From £10* Schools
From £10 (11th ticket free)
Main Theatre
Approx. 1 hr 15 mins (incl. interval)
Access Performances
Relaxed: Sat 19 Jul 11am
BSL Interpreted: Fri 25 Jul 2.30pm
Audio Described: Sun 27 Jul 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1.30pm)
Captioned: Thu 31 Jul 2.30pm
Ages 7-12
Illustrations by Keenon Ferrell
c/o Illo Agency, cover design by Macmillan Children's Books
Ages 6-12
Sat 15 Nov - Sun 18 Jan
Tickets From £10*
Schools
From £10 (11th ticket free)
Lila dreams of becoming a Master FireworkMaker just like her father. However, to become one, she must go on an epic journey that will push her to her limits. 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
Main Theatre
Approx. 1 hr 20 mins (incl. interval)
Access Performances
Relaxed: Sat 6 Dec 11am
Audio Described: Sat 13 Dec 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1.30pm)
Captioned: Sat 10 Jan 11am
BSL Interpreted: Sun 11 Jan 2.30pm
A Polka Theatre production
Pullman,
Pullman.
A Polka Theatre, Birmingham Rep and Little Angel Theatre co-production
Based on the book ‘The Snowflake’ by Benji Davies
Directed and adapted by Matt Aston
Wherever the wind takes us, we all find a place to land…
Based on the timeless Christmas story by Benji Davies, The Snowflake tells the tale of a snowflake, a little girl and her Pappie – all longing for their own special place in the world.
Unwrap the magic at Polka next festive season and find out how everyone can find their way to shine like a star!
Our beloved Christmas production offers the perfect introduction to theatre for younger audiences.
Ages 3-6
Sat 29 NovSun 25 Jan
Tickets From £13* Schools
From £9 (11th ticket free) Schools Relaxed: Thu 8 Jan 1.15pm
Adventure Theatre
Approx. 40 mins
Access Performances
BSL Interpreted: Sun 14 Dec 2pm Relaxed: Sat 10 Jan 3pm
Termly Workshops January - August 2025
Baby Explorers
Adult & baby, every Wed, 0 - 12 mths
Spring Term: 15 Jan - 26 Mar
Summer Term: 23 Apr - 2 Jul
→ 10 - 10.30am → From £90* per term
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
Spring Term: 15 Jan - 26 Mar
Summer Term: 23 Apr - 2 Jul
→ 11 - 11.45am → From £90* per term
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
Spring Term: 14 Jan - 25 Mar 17 Jan - 28 Mar
Summer Term: 22 Apr - 1 Jul
25 Apr - 4 Jul
→ 11 - 11.45am → From £90* per term
Using imagination to create and explore stories through drama, movement and song.
Act 1
Child only, every Sat, 4 - 6 yrs
Spring Term: 18 Jan - 29 Mar
Summer Term: 26 Apr - 5 Jul
→ 9.30 - 10.15am or 10.30 - 11.15am →
From £90* per term
A gentle introduction to drama, using storytelling, role-play techniques, movement and imaginative games.
Please note there are no sessions for weekly classes or drop ins during the Merton School holidays.
Act 2
Child only, every Sat, 7 - 9 yrs
Spring Term: 18 Jan - 29 Mar
Summer Term: 26 Apr - 5 Jul
→ 11.30am - 12.30pm → From £100* per term
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
Spring Term: 15 Jan - 26 Mar
Summer Term: 23 Apr - 2 Jul
→ 4.30 - 6pm → From £115* per term
Work with leading theatre professionals and receive expert drama training, while developing a new piece of theatre.
Home Ed Drama Club 1
Child only, every Wed, 4 - 6 yrs
Spring Term: 15 Jan - 26 Mar
Summer Term: 23 Apr - 2 Jul
→ 1.30 - 2.15pm → From £90* per term
A gentle introduction to drama, using storytelling, role-play techniques, movement and imaginative games.
Home Ed Drama Club 2
Child only, every Wed, 7+ yrs
Spring Term: 15 Jan - 26 Mar
Summer Term: 23 Apr - 2 Jul
→ 2.30 - 3.30pm → From £100* per term
Explore acting and performance skills with improvisation and role-play, as well as discovering new characterisation and movement techniques.
Trial sessions available
Workshops
Drop-in Sessions from £12* per session, 9.45 - 10.30am
Hum, Jig & Jiggle
Adult & child, every Tue, 6 mths - 3 yrs
Spring Term: 14 Jan - 25 Mar
Summer Term: 22 Apr - 1 Jul
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
Spring Term: 16 Jan - 27 Mar
Summer Term: 24 Apr - 3 Jul
Storytelling workshops using rhymes, actions and simple British Sign Language (BSL).
Drop-in Pick and Mix
Book any 3 or 4 sessions - Save 10%
Book any 5+ sessions - Save 15%
T&C’s apply
Baby Stories
Adult & baby, every Fri, 6 - 18 mths
Spring Term: 17 Jan - 28 Mar
Summer Term: 25 Apr - 4 Jul
Interactive and multisensory stories for you and your baby to take part and enjoy through drama, songs and role-play.
Photos:
Steve Gregson, Lizzie Corscaden
February Half Term
Mind, Body & Soul
Tue 18 Feb
0 - 12 mths → 10 - 10.30am
1 - 2 yrs → 11 - 11.45am
2 - 4 yrs → 2 - 2.45pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Relax and unwind in our soothing sensory space to mark Children’s Mental Health Week.
The PEA and The Princess Puppet Play
Wed 19 Feb
5 - 8 yrs → 10.30am - 3.30pm
From £50* (Child only)
Make and bring a paper puppet to life in this creative workshop inspired by The PEA and The Princess
Set Design Masterclass
Thu 20 Feb
9 - 12 yrs → 10am - 4pm
From £50* (Child only)
Design your own theatre set and make a model box using only carboard, inspired by Boxville.
Family Martial Arts Workshop
Fri 21 Feb
4+ yrs → 10 - 10.45am / 11.30am - 12.15pm /
3.30 - 4.15pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Learn famous martial arts practices and some new moves inspired by The PEA and the Princess
Easter Holiday Workshops
Springtime Stories
Tue 8 Apr
0 - 12 mths → 10 - 10.30am
1 - 2 yrs → 11 - 11.45am
2 - 4 yrs → 2 - 2.45pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Spring into action with this storytelling workshop in our sensory space.
Musical Fun on the Polka Farm!
Wed 9 & Thu 10 Apr
5 - 8 yrs → 10.30am - 3.30pm
From £77* (Child only)
Create a piece of musical theatre in this fun 2-day workshop inspired by Chicken Licken
Street Dance Masterclass
Tue 15 & Wed 16 Apr
8 - 12 yrs → 10am - 4pm
From £77* (Child only)
Develop the basics of breaking, popping and locking in this 2-day masterclass.
Sing & Sign Playtime!
Thu 17 Apr
4+ yrs → 10 - 10.45am / 11.30am - 12.15pm / 3.30 - 4.15pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Sing and sign along to the songs from Chicken Licken with our trained BSL practitioner.
Photos: Steve Gregson, Jemima Deboo-Sands
Workshops
May Half Term
Build to the Beat!
Tue 27 May
0 - 12 mths → 10 - 10.30am
1 - 2 yrs → 11 - 11.45am
2 - 4 yrs → 2 - 2.45pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Build towers and tunnels in this soft play storytelling workshop inspired by Let’s Build!
Comedy Clowning Workshop
Wed 28 May
4 - 6 yrs → 10am - 12pm or 2 - 4pm
From £25* (Child only)
Learn the art of clowning and physical comedy through games and drama inspired by Let’s Build!
Family Magical Crafts
Thu 29 May
4+ yrs → 10 - 10.45am / 11.30am - 12.15pm / 3 - 3.45pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Using natural materials, create crafts inspired by the enchanting world of The Vanishing Forest
Summer Holiday
Animal Adventures
Wed 23 Jul
0 - 12 mths → 9.45 - 10.15am
1 - 2 yrs → 10.45 - 11.30am
2 - 4 yrs → 2.15 - 3pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Meet all your favourite characters from I Want My Hat Back Trilogy in this interactive storytelling workshop.
Hat-tastic Characters!
Thu 24 Jul
5 - 8 yrs → 10am - 12pm or 2 - 4pm
From £25* (Child only)
Make your own hat and learn drama techiques to create your own curious character.
From Sketch to Screen Masterclass
Fri 25 Jul
9 - 12 yrs → 10am - 4pm
From £50* (Child only)
Design your own comic character and bring them to life with animation, inspired by The Boy with Wings.
Summertime Stories in the Garden
Fri 15 Aug
4+ yrs → 9.45 - 10.30am / 11.30am - 12.15pm / 3 - 3.45pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Play with puppets, sing songs and listen to summertime stories in our sensory garden.
Polka Summer Schools
Polka Youth Theatre Summer School
Mon 28 Jul - Fri 1 Aug
8 - 12 yrs → 10am - 4pm
From £215* (Child only)
Spend a week training and working with a professional Theatre Director to explore a variety of drama techniques.
Polka Puppet Summer School
Tue 12 - Thu 14 Aug
5 - 8 yrs → 10.30am - 3.30pm
From £110* (Child only)
Explore, play and perform your own puppet show stories in front of family and friends.
Saturday Club
Family fun every first Saturday of the month!
Join us for a creative session for all the family to enjoy together.
Polka’s Singalong
7 Dec | 2pm
Gather round Polka’s piano and learn some festive songs with our choir leader for a joyful singalong.
New Year, New Skill!
4 Jan | 10.30am
An introduction to Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese martial art for a relaxing and re-energising time.
Lunar Festival Stories
1 Feb | 2pm
Transport you and your family on a Lunar storytelling journey.
Space, Crafts & Take Off!
1 Mar | 2pm
Create a shadow puppet space scene and craft your own rocket.
Ready, Set, Grow!
5 Apr | 10.30am
Join us in the Polka garden to nurture and sew Spring plants and decorate your own pot to take home.
Folk Stories
3 May | 2pm
Hear some traditional folk tales with sensory props and May Day music.
Saturday Stretch
7 Jun | 2pm
Take part in a family yoga session to mark the International Day of Yoga.
Summer Style Headdress
5 Jul | 2pm
Get into the Summer spirit by decorating your own headpiece.
£6* per person, per session
Recommended for ages 4+ under 4’s require a ticket to attend at £1
Young & Younger Voices
Become a Polka Ambassador and have your say!
Have you been a Polka Ambassador before and are aged 12+? We want you for our Polka GRADS group!
To apply for our Young Ambassadors Scheme (ages 4-12) and Polka Grads, please email creativelearning@ polkatheatre.com for an application form or download one from our website.
Photo: Victoria Dowding
Polka Gift Card
Information Opening Times
Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday: 9.30am - 5pm
Please see our website for holiday and special event opening hours.
Polka Theatre
240 The Broadway
Wimbledon
SW19 1SB
To access this brochure in plain text please contact marketing@polkatheatre.com
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 people aged 65+, in receipt of income-based benefits, or 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 12 or larger must be booked via the Box Office. T&Cs apply.
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 people with access requirements, a complimentary ticket for a companion/carer, and up to 2 additional tickets at Concession rate. Please get in touch with our Box Office to discuss any access requirements and to book tickets.
Please see individual performance pages for details of access performances.
Offers
All offers and promotions are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. We reserve the right to remove these discounts at any time.
Sign up to be the first to hear about new shows, workshops, and exciting announcements.
Please recycle This publication is certified carbon neutral, printed by an eco-accredited factory to ISO 14001 on a certified carbon neutral press.
Café
Open Tuesday - Sunday
Locally roasted coffee and babyccinos
Tasty treats and healthy snacks
Freshly made hot or cold lunches
Ice cream
Beer and wine
Loyalty card rewards A unique café, open to all
Seasonal menu specials
Experience. Play. Learn. Enjoy. There’s something for everyone at Polka!
Creative experiences including shows and workshops
Café serving local produce, freshly made on site
Gift shop to pick up the perfect souvenir or present
Free indoor and outdoor play spaces open 6 days a week, with new interactive outdoor play equipment thanks to the support of the Wimbledon Foundation
Photo: Hufton + Crow
Photos: Steve Gregson, Lynette Shanbury, Hufton + Crow, Sam Roberts, Sara Greenwood