Season Brochure Spring-Summer 2024 by Polka_Theatre

SEASON BROCHURE SPRING SUMMER 2024

020 8543 4888 polkatheatre.com

@polkatheatre

Welcome to Polka Theatre’s new season

It showcases performances from the worlds of new writing, dance, opera, spoken word, hip-hop, musicals and more. Come on an adventure with us as we shout from the rooftops about loving the planet with Tidy, re-imagine Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet, learn all about our prehistoric friends and their melanin in The Colour of Dinosaurs and conquer fears with the brilliant Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts, amongst so many other wonderful and inspiring productions.

Lynette Shanbury

Helen Matravers

Executive Director and Joint CEO

Artistic Director and Joint CEO

Ages 6-12

Ages 2-6

ON NOW - Sun 21 Jan

ON NOW Sun 14 Jan

Please recycle This publication is certified carbon neutral, printed by an eco-accredited factory to ISO 14001 on a certified carbon neutral press. www.planetpositive.uk

Photo: Steve Gregson

Polka in 2024 is the most exciting destination for children’s theatre. We’re marking turning 45 years old with a season that celebrates the rich diversity of our area and the incredible talent of theatre makers across the UK and internationally.

A LAStheatre production

This musical adaptation comes to the stage in spectacular fashion. Join LAStheatre for a dazzling adventure into the heart of the Himalayas. A gorgeous story celebrating YOU being perfect… just the way you are!

Ages 3-7

Wed 24 - Sun 28 Jan Tickets

Adults and Children: from £15* Concessions and group offers available

Adventure Theatre

Based on the book written by Lu Fraser and illustrated by Kate Hindley.

Approx. 45 mins

Schools Wed 24 - Fri 26 Jan: from £9

MULTI-BUY

An Apples And Snakes production

Ages 7-12

Join underground hiphop hero Kenny Baraka AKA The Green Man and DJ D’Vo as they work to save the environment one sick track at a time. PLOT17 is a mobile block party travelling the world raising awareness, inspiring action and spreading the message of “making things green”, with a soundtrack guaranteed to make you want to plant a tree and sure to help the seeds grow.

MULTI-BUY

Wed 31 Jan - Sun 4 Feb Tickets

Adults and Children: from £13* Concessions and group offers available

Adventure Theatre Approx. 40 mins

Schools

Wed 31 Jan - Fri 2 Feb: from £9

A HurlyBurly Theatre production

A very first opera for babies and grownups that explores the magic of nature. Combining the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play, it is an invitation to see beauty in the smallest things and to let plants be our guides. Celebrate the gift of nature as we conjure a world out of breath, water, sunlight and soil in this magical, musical adventure.

Wed 7 - Sun 11 Feb Tickets

Ages 0-2

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

Adventure Theatre

Approx. 40 mins (including a 10 min stay and play)

A Krystal S. Lowe production in association with Theatr Iolo

Through music, movement, and mishap, two young people experience the difficulty and joy in connecting with those unlike themselves. Will they find a way to create something remarkable and discover a rhythm that is theirs alone?

Wed 14 - Sun 18 Feb Tickets

Adults and Children: from £14* Concessions and group offers available

Adventure Theatre

Approx. 60 mins (including a 20 min pre-show touch tour)

Access Performances

Ages 7-12 MULTI-BUY

Audio Described: Every performance features live audio description by the performers and a pre-show touch tour. Relaxed: Sat 17 Feb 11.30am

A Polka Theatre and Theatr Iolo co-production

Sat 10 Feb Sun 24 Mar Tickets

Ages 3-7

Adults and Children: from £10* Concessions: from £10* Groups 8+: Savings from £14 Groups 10+: Savings from £20 Family of 4: Save £6

Schools 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. TIDY © Emily Gravett 2016 - Two Hoots, Macmillan Children’s Books

MULTI-BUY

Selected dates from Wed 21 Feb Fri 22 Mar: from £10 (11th ticket free) Schools Relaxed: Thu 14 Mar 10.15am

Main Theatre

Approx. 60 mins

Access Performances

Captioned: Sat 2 Mar 11am Relaxed: Sun 3 Mar 2pm BSL Interpreted: Sun 10 Mar 2pm Audio Described: Sat 16 Mar 2pm

A Polka Theatre production, made with Beats & Elements

Ages 9-12+

Sat 2 Mar - Sun 14 Apr How much would you risk for the person you love? Forced apart by generations of hatred, young eyes meet across a South London dancefloor on a fateful night that will change their lives forever. Shakespeare’s most famous story is re-told through rap, rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. It’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, but as you’ve never heard it before. Put down your swords and pick up your mics, after all, the course of true love never did run smooth. From the makers behind ‘Frankenstein: How to make a Monster’ and ‘Pied Piper the Hip Hop Family Musical’.

Tickets

Adults and Children: from £15* Concessions: from £13* Groups 8+: Savings from £10 Groups 12+: Savings from £18

Schools

Selected dates from Wed 6 - Fri 15 Mar: from £9 (free 11th ticket)

Adventure Theatre Approx. 60 mins

Access Performances

Relaxed: Sun 17 Mar 11.30am Audio Described: Wed 3 Apr 2.30pm BSL Interpreted: Fri 5 Apr 2.30pm

Beats & Elements are Conrad Murray and Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens

MULTI-BUY

A Polka Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Derby Theatre co-production

Ages 3-7

Join our three adventurer billy goats as they dare to cross the bridge to the other side. The troll is determined this is his land and you need to get off it – but the billy goats have a few thoughts on that! Hiccup Theatre in collaboration with Derby Theatre and Polka Theatre bring you another exciting treat from the team that brought you ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’. Featuring beautiful puppetry, fantastic storytelling, a tricksy troll, three Billy Goats Gruff, with amazing live music and original songs.

MULTI-BUY

Fri 29 Mar - Sun 21 Apr Tickets

Adults and Children: from £10* Concessions: from £10* Groups 8+: Savings from £14 Groups 12+: Savings from £24

Schools

Wed 17 - Fri 19 Apr: from £10 (11th ticket free)

Main Theatre

Approx. 60 mins

Access Performances

All performances are Audio Described, BSL and Caption Integrated

Made by Hannah Lefeuvre

A heart-warming tale of friendship and re-connecting with loved ones. Two people meet, tentatively at first, and journey through building trust and comfort with each other again. Using fabulously flexible willow, they explore sound and movement, creating magic and laughter, and invite the audience in to play.

Wed 17 Sun 21 Apr

Early Weaves is a wonderful introduction to dancetheatre for early years children, using beautiful movement in this non-verbal show with a set and props made almost entirely from willow.

Adventure Theatre

Ages 1-4

Tickets

Adults and Children: from £14* Concessions and group offers available Approx. 45 mins (including stay and play)

MULTI-BUY A Little Big Dance commission

Prepare to soar through the fluffy clouds where flocks of birds and butterflies flutter. Explore the dream-like world that waits above us, in this multi-sensory dance experience for families. Take your little ones on a magical journey with Skydiver and experience how movement, sound and stunning visuals bring whimsical characters to life in an enchanting encounter in the skies.

Wed 1 Sun 5 May Tickets

Adults and Children: from £14* Concessions and group offers available

Adventure Theatre Approx. 45 mins Schools Wed 1 - Fri 3 May: from £9

MULTI-BUY

Ages 3-5

A Half Moon production

Is it a bed? Or a boat? Or a giant slice of toast? Join the boat-bed’s disparate crew as they dream up playful tales of pirates, misunderstood sharks and fishing trips that hook some unexpected catches. This humorous and inventive new show celebrates the power of imaginary play and proves there’s always enough room to have fun, even when the world is at its most daunting.

Wed 8 Sun 12 May

Ages 3-8

Tickets

Adults and Children: from £14* Concessions and group offers available

Adventure Theatre Approx. 50 mins

Schools

Wed 8 - Fri 10 May: from £9

MULTI-BUY An Indefinite Articles production

Ages 3-6 The award-winning Indefinite Articles present their work for the very young: Claytime, a play with clay, where the audience are invited to participate. Come to a place where the earth’s natural material meets with children’s imaginations: a world of fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing monsters. Each Claytime is totally unique - creating its own world, its own characters and its own stories drawn directly from its young audience. Truly, interactive theatre at its most engaging.

MULTI-BUY

Wed 15 Sun 19 May Tickets

Adults and Children: from £14* Concessions and group offers available

Adventure Theatre

Approx. 55 mins (plus clay playtime)

Schools

Wed 15 - Fri 17 May: from £9

Created by Lloyd Coleman & Otic. An Unlimited and Polka Theatre Partnership Commission, with support from Bristol Old Vic Ferment

Ages 6-12

Sat 11 May Sun 9 Jun Tickets

Schools

Selected dates from Wed 15 May Fri 7 Jun: from £10 (free 11th ticket) Schools Early Bird: £2 off per ticket when reserved by Fri 9 Feb

Main Theatre Approx. 1 hour

Access Performances

Selected performances are BSL Integrated Captioned: Sat 25 May 11am Audio Described: Fri 31 May 2.30pm

A rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig for curious humans of all ages. Have you ever wondered what a dinosaur might do in a day? Or what they actually really looked like? What colour were they? Did they have stripes and spots? Were they really green like they are in the movies? Join five amazing musicians and famous palaeontologist Dr Jakob Vinther as they enter the multi-coloured world of the dinosaurs with soaring music, catchy songs and mind-blowing science.

P.S. Bring your own dinosaur!

MULTI-BUY

Illustration: Sarah Tanat-Jones

Adults and Children: from £10* Concessions: from £10* Groups 8+: Savings from £14 Groups 12+: Savings from £24

A Polka Theatre production

Tickets from £10 on ALL performances

Ages 6-12

Sat 22 Jun Sun 18 Aug Adapted for stage by Julie Tsang Directed by Emily Ling Williams

Sam Wu is NOT a scaredycat (except he is). When a trip to the Space Museum goes terrifyingly wrong, Sam begins a mission to prove to everyone that he is a fearless space adventurer… Adapted for stage from Katie and Kevin Tsang’s best-selling book, join Sam and his deadly pet snake sidekick as he faces his fears and tries to defeat the Ghost King once and for all at the premiere of this brand-new adventure.

Tickets

Adults and Children: from £10* Concessions: from £10* Groups 8+: Savings from £14 Groups 12+: Savings from £24

Schools

Selected dates from Wed 26 Jun Wed 24 Jul: from £10 (free 11th ticket) Schools Relaxed: Thu 4 Jul 1.45pm Schools Early Bird: £2 off per ticket when reserved by Thu 28 Mar

Main Theatre

Approx. 1 hr 20 mins including interval

Access Performances

Relaxed: Sat 20 Jul 11am Audio Described: Sun 21 Jul 2.30pm BSL Interpreted: Fri 26 Jul 2.30pm Captioned: Wed 31 Jul 2.30pm

MULTI-BUY

From the book by Katie and Kevin Tsang

Wed 22 May Sun 23 Jun Tickets Based on the bestselling book by Eileen Browne

Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Handa is taking seven delicious fruits as a surprise – but seven different animals have seven very different ideas… could you resist the sweet-smelling guava? How about a ripe red mango or a tangy purple passion fruit? A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. Come and share in the magical tangerine surprise!

Adults and Children: from £15* Concessions: from £13* Groups 8+: Savings from £10 Groups 12+: Savings from £18

Schools

Selected dates from Wed 22 May Fri 21 Jun: from £9 (free 11th ticket) Schools Relaxed: Thu 20 Jun 1pm

Adventure Theatre Approx. 35 mins

Access Performances

BSL Interpreted: Sun 9 Jun 2pm Relaxed: Sun 16 Jun 10am

Ages 2-5

MULTI-BUY

Handa’s Surprise, written and illustrated by Eileen Browne. Published by Walker Books Ltd.

A Little Angel Theatre production

A Branar production. Kindly supported by Culture Ireland.

Director Marc Mac Lochlainn Composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire Set Designer Maeve Clancy

Ages 3-5

Once there was a boy who was always looking up. He dreamt of having a star as a friend. This is the story of his adventure.

Wed 3 Jul Sun 11 Aug

Based on the beloved book by awardwinning Irish author Oliver Jeffers, Branar are proud to present How to Catch a Star.

Adults and Children: from £14* Concessions: from £12* Groups 8+: Savings from £10 Groups 12+: Savings from £18

This adaptation directed by Marc Mac Lochlainn, seamlessly blends stunning puppet design by Suse Reibisch, a magical original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire, with Branar’s signature storytelling - creating a show which reminds us all to follow our dreams.

Selected dates from Wed 3 - Fri 19 Jul: from £9 (free 11th ticket)

MULTI-BUY

Tickets

Schools

Adventure Theatre Approx. 45 mins

Access Performances

Relaxed: Sun 21 Jul 10.30am

A Polka Theatre and Little Bulb production

Ages 5-12

Tickets

Adults and Children: from £10* Concessions: from £10* Groups 8+: Savings from £12 Groups 12+: Savings from £24 Early Bird: £5 off Band A tickets when you book by Thu 28 Mar

Schools

Selected dates from Wed 20 Nov Fri 24 Jan: from £10 (free 11th ticket) Schools Relaxed: Fri 6 Dec 1.45pm Schools Early Bird: £3 off tickets when you reserve by Thu 28 Mar

Main Theatre

Approx. 1 hr 20 mins including interval

Access Performances

Relaxed: Sat 7 Dec 11am Audio Described: Sun 15 Dec 2.30pm Captioned: Sat 11 Jan 11am BSL Interpreted: Sun 12 Jan 2.30pm

MULTI-BUY

Sat 16 Nov Sun 26 Jan When Clara receives a super-cool enchanted Nutcracker toy, one thing’s for sure - she doesn’t want her accidentprone little brother, Fritz, anywhere near it! But with rumours of an evil, seven-headed Mouse King trying to steal Christmas, Clara might just need the help of Fritz to save the day! Join Olivier award-winning Little Bulb (Wolf Witch Giant Fairy) and Polka Theatre for a magical, musical quest of heroism and surprising rodent singalongs, featuring a sleigh-load of familiar festive bangers that’ll have you dancing in your seat.

Big Dreams returns in 2024! A celebration of early years theatre, performance and installation. More details coming soon.

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

Scan here to find out more

Tickets Reduced access rate tickets Complimentary ticket for a carer or companion Up to 2 additional tickets at Concession rate

Contact our Box Office:

020 8543 4888 boxoffice@polkatheatre.com

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 Tasha Best

Theatre is for everyone

Heroes Wanted! Please support children facing hardship to experience the magic of theatre.

Did you know Polka is a registered charity?

“ This has made a huge impact on our children, an opportunity they will treasure for a long time.” School Teacher

Every gift, no matter the size, will make a positive difference to a child's life.

Scan the QR code or get in touch for more information. katie@polkatheatre.com | 020 8545 8368 Polka is a registered charity no. 256979

Photo: Sam Roberts

We work with children most in need to ensure cost or ability is never a reason to miss out on having fun and learning at Polka.

Photos: Steve Gregson and Hufton + Crow

A unique space for the whole community

Hires Award Ceremonies and Presentations

Birthday Parties Be the star of the day and make magical memories with one of our stress-free Party Packages.

Rehearsals

Let us put your child in the spotlight so you can join in the fun!

Meetings Clubs and Classes

Scan the QR code for more info. polkatheatre.com I 020 8543 4888

Name A Seat for your child at Polka Use your inscription to mark a birthday, anniversary or memory and receive:

Photo: Sam Roberts

▶ 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 Polka is a registered charity no. 256979

Weekly Termly Workshops Baby Explorers

Act 1

Spring Term: Wed 10 Jan - Wed 20 Mar (no session 14 Feb) Summer Term: Wed 24 Apr - Wed 3 Jul (no session 29 May) → 9.30 - 10am → From £90 per term

Spring Term: Sat 13 Jan - Sat 23 Mar (no session 17 Feb) Summer Term: Sat 27 Apr - Sat 6 Jul (no session 1 Jun) → 9.30 - 10.15am or 10.30 - 11.15am → From £90 per term

Adult & baby, every Wed, 0 - 12 mths

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: Wed 10 Jan - Wed 20 Mar (no session 14 Feb) Summer Term: Wed 24 Apr - Wed 3 Jul (no session 29 May) → 10.45 - 11.30am → 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: Tue 9 Jan - Tue 19 Mar (no session 13 Feb) Spring Term: Fri 12 Jan - Fri 22 Mar (no session 16 Feb) Summer Term: Tue 23 Apr - Tue 2 Jul (no session 28 May) Summer Term: Fri 26 Apr - Fri 5 Jul (no session 31 May) → 10.45 - 11.30am → From £90 per term

Child only, every Sat, 4 - 6 yrs

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

Act 2

Child only, every Sat, 7 - 9 yrs Spring Term: Sat 13 Jan - Sat 23 Mar (no session 17 Feb) Summer Term: Sat 27 Apr - Sat 6 Jul (no session 1 Jun) → 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: Wed 10 Jan - Wed 20 Mar (no session 14 Feb) Summer Term: Wed 24 Apr - Wed 3 Jul (no session 29 May) → 4.30 - 6pm → From £115 per term Work with leading theatre professionals and receive expert drama training, while developing a new piece of theatre.

Using imagination to create and explore stories through drama, movement and song.

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

Workshops Drop-in Sessions Hum, Jig & Jiggle

Rhyme & Sign

Spring Term: Tue 9 Jan - Tue 19 Mar (no session 13 Feb) Summer Term: Tue 23 Apr - Tue 2 Jul (no session 28 May)

Spring Term: Thu 11 Jan - Thu 21 Mar (no session 15 Feb) Summer Term: Thu 25 Apr - Thu 4 Jul (no session 30 May)

→ 9.30 - 10.15am → From £12 per session

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

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

Sensory Stories

Morning Story

Spring Term: Tue 9 Jan - Tue 19 Mar (no session 13 Feb) Summer Term: Tue 23 Apr - Tue 2 Jul (no session 28 May)

Spring Term: Fri 12 Jan - Fri 22 Mar (no session 16 Feb) Summer Term: Fri 26 Apr - Fri 5 Jul (no session 31 May)

→ 2 - 2.45pm → From £12 per session

→ 9.30 - 10.15am → From £12 per session

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

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

Adult & child, every Tue, 2 - 4 yrs

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

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

Photos: Steve Gregson and Jamie Scott Smith

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

Holiday February Half Term

Easter Holiday

Let’s Play and Tidy

Hop Lola Hop Storytime

Tue 13 Feb Ages 0 - 12 mths → 9.30 - 10am Ages 1 - 2 yrs → 10.45 - 11.30am Ages 2 - 4 yrs → 2.15 - 3pm From £12 (Adult & child)

Tue 2 Apr Ages 0 - 12 mths → 9.30 - 10am Ages 1 - 2 yrs → 11 - 11.45am Ages 2 - 4 yrs → 2.15 - 3pm From £12 (Adult & child)

A storytelling adventure where your little one learns how to tidy up after play, with music from our new co-production Tidy.

‘Hop hop hop’ along with Wimbledon local Kathy Urban’s acclaimed storybook Hop Lola Hop in this multisensory storytelling bunny quest!

Crafty Hand Creatures Wed 14 Feb Ages 5 - 8 yrs → 10.30am - 3.30pm From £50 (Child only) Join our specialist puppet-maker and make your very own hand puppets inspired by the crafty creatures of Tidy.

Take the Mic - Stand-Up Comedy Masterclass Thu 15 Feb Ages 9 - 12 yrs → 10am - 4pm From £50 (Child only) Work alongside our professional team and learn how to improvise, deliver and perform funny spontaneous acts.

Clap, Sway and Dance Fri 16 Feb Ages 3+ yrs → 9.30 - 10.15am / 10.30 - 11.15am / 1.30 - 2.15pm From £12 (Adult & child)

Mini Musical Adventure Wed 3 & Thu 4 Apr Ages 5 - 8 yrs → 10.30am - 3.30pm From £77 (Child only) Make your own mini show inspired by Three Billy Goats Gruff!

Rapping Masterclass Tue 9 & Wed 10 Apr Ages 9 - 12 yrs → 10am - 4pm From £77 (Child only) Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, join us for this rapping and devising course.

Family Puppet Playtime Thu 11 Apr Ages 3+ yrs → 10 - 10.45am / 1 - 1.45pm / 3.15 - 4pm From £12 (Adult & child) Based on Three Billy Goats Gruff, create finger puppets with your family.

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

Photo: Steve Gregson

Inspired by Remarkable Rhythm, come clapping and swaying into our workshop and leave dancing with joy.

Workshops May Half Term Bop and Jive with Handa’s Surprise Tue 28 May Ages 0 - 12 mths → 9.30 - 10am Ages 1 - 2 yrs → 10.45 - 11.30am Ages 2 - 4 yrs → 2.15 - 3pm From £12 (Adult & child) Help Handa deliver a fruit basket gift to her friend in our music and movement workshop.

Mask Making Mayhem Wed 29 May Ages 4 - 7 yrs → 10am - 12pm / 2 - 4pm From £25 (Child only) Make your own mask and learn some new mime techniques.

How to... Face Paint Thu 30 May Ages 3+ yrs → 9.30 - 10.15am / 11.30am 12.15pm / 3 - 3.45pm → From £12 (Adult & child) Learn face painting basics, along with tips and tricks!

Summer Holiday Starry Tales Tue 23 Jul Ages 0 - 12 mths → 9.30 - 10am Ages 1 - 2 yrs → 10.45 - 11.30am Ages 2 - 4 yrs → 2.15 - 3pm From £12 (Adult & child) See the stars shining brightly on this storytelling journey inspired by How to Catch a Star.

Ready, Steady… Pow! Thu 25 Jul Ages 5 - 8 yrs → 10am - 12pm / 2 - 4pm From £25 (Child only) Inspired by our adaption of Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts, practice different drama techniques, create your own action characters and learn some stage combat!

Comic Book Art and Writing Masterclass Fri 26 Jul Ages 9 - 12 yrs → 10am - 4pm From £50 (Child only) Work with a professional creative in this masterclass on comic book art and writing.

How To... Make a Space Rocket Sat 10 Aug Ages 3+ yrs → 9.30 - 10.15am / 11.30am 12.15pm / 3 - 3.45pm From £12 (Adult & child) Inspired by How to Catch a Star, create your own space rocket to blast into space!

Polka Youth Theatre Summer School Mon 29 Jul - Fri 2 Aug Ages 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 13 - Thu 15 Aug Ages 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 fun creative session for all the family to enjoy together. Take part in an exciting and varied programme of activities:

New Year, New Skill

Ready, Set, Grow!

Seaside Stories

Take part in an introduction to Capoeira, showcasing this exciting and dynamic Afro-Brazilian artform that combines martial art with dance, music and play!

Spring into action with this earthy session, creating, planting and preparing for the fresh shoots of the season!

Dragon Puppets

Ring the bells, dance with ribbons, it’s time to celebrate May Day! In keeping with folk traditions, create a group dance and rhythmic melody inspired by this jubilant time of year.

Float into summertime with a storytelling session that will make a splash. Polka’s storyteller will deliver a multisensory session using props and our interactive visual technology which will bring the story to life.

6 Jan | 10.30am

3 Feb | 2pm

Celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Dragon with a crafty, creative workshop. Make a majestic dragon puppet that can march, prowl and spring into life!

World of Books and Stories 2 Mar | 2pm

Celebrate the forthcoming World Book Day with an expressive workshop lead by a vibrant spoken word artist and poet.

6 Apr | 10.30am

May Day Music Making 4 May | 2pm

Dig for Dino Bones 1 Jun | 10.30am

Discover your inner palaeontologist as you carve into sand and pour plaster into moulds. In this dinosaurthemed workshop, you’ll get the chance to create and decorate your very own fossils!

6 Jul | 2pm

Running time: 1 hour, check website for details Recommended for ages 3+ From £6 per person, per session Under 3s require a ticket to attend at £1

Young & Younger Voices For more info and how to apply for our Young or Younger Voices groups: Email Heidi on heidi@polkatheatre.com for an application form or you can download one at polkatheatre.com

Photo: Rebecca Short

Be a Polka Ambassador and have your say!

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Shrewsbury House School is an outstanding Independent Prep School for boys aged 7–13 located in Surbiton, Surrey.

‘The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.’ ISI Inspection Report 2021

With a superb academic record, committed staff, small class sizes and dedicated pastoral care, every boy has the opportunity to fulfil his potential. Shrewsbury House School has a national reputation for success in Scholarships and Awards to top day and boarding Senior Schools at 13+.

Book a tour here registrar@shstrust.net

020 8399 3066

@shrewsburyhouse

shrewsburyhouse.net

School Transport Routes from: Wimbledon, Kingston, New Malden, Putney, Fulham, Weybridge, Cobham, Esher, Claygate,

WIM PolkaTheatre PressAd 148x98mm copy.pdf

Wimbledon Chase, Raynes Park and Hampton Court

04/10/2023

12:25

THANK YOU TO OUR POLKA GOLD LEVEL MEMBER SPONSORS

find out more at kcs.org.uk find find out out more more at at kcs.org.uk kcs.org.uk

"Strong academics, teachers who radiate enthusiasm for their work and a highly effective approach to learning." Good Schools Guide, July 2023

Book Your Tour at : www.thestudyprep.co.uk Registered charity No. 271012

Information Opening Times

Concessions

Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday - Sunday: 9.30am - 5pm

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.

We open later when we have evening shows. 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.

MULTI-BUY 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% T&Cs apply, see website for details.

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, and a complimentary ticket for a companion/carer. 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, including early bird offers, 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. A £2.50 transaction charge applies to phone and online bookings. Registered charity no. 256979

Café Locally roasted coffee and babyccinos Tasty treats and healthy snacks Freshly made hot or cold lunches Ice cream Beer and wine

Experience. Play. Learn. Enjoy. There’s something for everyone at Polka.  Free indoor and outdoor play spaces open 6 days a week – you don’t need a ticket to come  Café serving local produce, freshly made on site  Gift shop to pick up the perfect souvenir or present  Creative experiences including shows and workshops

Photo: Steve Gregson, Hufton Crow, Sam Roberts, Tasha Best

Open Tuesday Sunday, 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!

Photos: Sam Roberts and Lidia Crisfulli

A unique café, open to all