Season Brochure for Polka Theatre Feb - August 2011 by Polka Theatre

February - August 2011 By bus 57, 93, 219, 131 stop outside at the Polka Theatre stop 156, 163, 164, 200, stop nearby

D R A R D N A X LE

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WIMBLEDON

Wimbledon, District Line South Wimbledon, Northern Line

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By tube

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For children ages 0 -13

By train Wimbledon (14 minutes from Waterloo)

By tram Wimbledon

N RD

SOUTH WIMBLEDON

By bike There is a cycle rack at the theatre Design: Eureka! www.eureka.co.uk Print: PPS Fine Print

Parking There are a limited number of pay-and-display bays near the theatre in Latimer Road (2 hr limit), Bridges Road, Dudley Road, Ridley Road and Kings Road.

There are car parks in Wimbledon Town Centre, including The Broadway (next to Wimbledon Theatre), Queens Road, St George’s Road, Hartfield Road and Hartfield Crescent.

Wheelchair Access

Induction Loop

BSL interpreted performances

Working dogs welcome

Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway Wimbledon London SW19 1SB

Touch tours

Box Office: 020 8543 4888

Specialist workshops

www.polkatheatre.com

Accessible Toilet

Scripts available in advance

Polka is a registered charity no. 256979

Large print brochure available by request With the support of the Culture programme of the European Union.

Printed on mixed source paper from responsibly managed forests

We are committed to making Polka accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements, please let us know when booking.

World-class theatre for children

Box Office: 020 8543 4888

www.polkatheatre.com

11 FEBRUARY - 9 april 2011 • MAIN THEATRE • APPROX 2 HOURS INC INTERVAL Polka Theatre presents

…to Spring and Summer at Polka! We have some exciting shows coming up making us definitely the place you want to be. Brush away the winter cobwebs and join us for a trip back in time to war-torn Britain, in an adaptation of award-winning children’s novel The Machine Gunners. This spring Polka will be celebrating the work of Quentin Blake, with All Join In and Other Stories; a new adaptation of some of his much-loved tales. And of course, we haven’t forgotten our younger audience! Archaeology – A Worm’s Tale will be delighting 1-3 year olds in the intimate Adventure Theatre. There’s lots more going on at Polka besides, just take a look…

The Machine Gunners 9 - 13 yrs

Little Elephant 4 - 7 yrs

Scarecrow 5 - 9 yrs

All Join In and Other Stories 4 - 7 yrs

5-6

Archaeology – A Worm’s Story 1 - 3 yrs

7-8

Visiting Adventures

9 -11

World of Stories & Writing the World

General Info Season Diary

M A C H I NR SE GUNNE

as Chas McGill h g n u o Y . r a w t ut d Britain is a irs in town b n e v u o s r It’s 1940, an a w n of bles est collectio day, he stum e n O . t s e the second b b e the s the wants it to b ly e t a r and snatche e r p e s e b d m o b n a gun. t-down Germ n: a machine io t c e ll o c across a sho is h to venir to add ultimate sou Based on the novel by Robert Westall Adapted by Ali Taylor

What’s coming up?

Take Part

THE

13 - 15 16 17 - 18

Amidst the bombs and air raids, Chas and his friends plan their own war effort in their newly built bunker. Friendships are forged and loyalties tested, in the adventure of a lifetime… The Machine Gunners won the Carnegie Medal and was recently voted one of the 10 most important children’s novels of the past 70 years. This moving and touching story vividly re-creates life in Britain during World War II, and is guaranteed to resonate with children and adults today.

Join us online at www.polkatheatre.com Whatever you want to know about Polka you will find it on our website. Get news and information about our shows, read online blogs from cast members, see exclusive photos and videos from rehearsals, book tickets online or sign up to our e-newsletters. You’ll even find a brand new 360º tour of Polka! So what are you waiting for? And if you use Facebook take a peek at our page: facebook.com/polkatheatre

Tickets Weekends £12 Weekdays £10 Concessions £8 Previews £6

9 -13 years

Please refer to our policy on under-aged children (page 16)

After-show Talk Thu 24 Feb 2.30pm BSL Interpreted Performance Sat 5 Mar 2pm Autism Friendly Performance Sat 19 Mar 11am

The Machine Gunners is being staged in collaboration with Once Upon a Wartime: Classic War Stories for children a new exhibition at Imperial War Museum London, opening in February 2011

13 - 23 APRIL 2011 • MAIN THEATRE • 45 MINUTES + 15 MINUTEs chat time

26 APRIL - 7 MAY 2011 • MAIN THEATRE • 1 HOUR

La Baracca – Teatro Testoni Regazzi presents

AJTC presents

By Mike Kenny Tickets £9 Polka Priority £7 Concessions £7

5 -9

years

Little

Elephant

Written, directed and performed by Bruno Cappagli It’s little Bubu’s job to wash all his family’s socks. This is rather boring, so he starts to tell himself a story… and, as if by magic, the socks come to life and turn into jungle animals. Discover how an extremely curious little elephant with a very small nose became the first elephant ever to have a trunk, and just how useful that was! A delightfully exuberant and playful show performed in English with some Italian, inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved tale. Actor Bruno Cappagli will captivate with his infectious charm and inventive puppetry in a performance full of imagination, laughter and fun.

Tickets £9 Polka Priority £7 Concessions £7

4 -7

years

Little Elephant’s Mask Making Workshop Tue 12 Apr • 10.30am -12.30pm • 5 - 7 yrs Make Little Elephant masks from recycled materials in this drama and craft workshop inspired by La Barracca’s production. £20

A scarecrow is meant to scare crows. But these busy, bothering, cheeky, chattering birds just won’t go away! What is a poor old Scarecrow to do? Confused and fed up, all he wants is to be left alone. But slowly and grudgingly, something begins to develop between these two natural enemies. Could they be friends? Watch an unlikely relationship unfold in this delightful show by Mike Kenny, writer of the critically acclaimed York Theatre Royal production The Railway Children. A story full of music, movement, puppetry and fun.

13 MAY - 6 AUGUST 2011 • MAIN THEATRE • Approx 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES INC INTERVAL Polka Theatre presents

All

Join In …and Other Stories

By Quentin Blake Music and additional lyrics by Ben Glasstone

Mr Magnolia has only one boot. Mrs Armitage has only one bike. Patrick has a magical violin. But the very best of all… is when they ALL JOIN IN!

A musical extravaganza!

And when we say All Join In we mean it – it’s a toe-tapping, sing-along show, with plenty of chances for you to take part in the fun!

Weekends £12 Weekdays £10 Polka Priority £10/£8 Concessions £8 Previews £6

4 -7

years

What’s the best way to have fun this summer? All Join In! Come to Polka for an irresistible mix of songs, stories and dancing, celebrating the work of Quentin Blake. Rhyme, rhythm and colourful characters all combine in this musical extravaganza inspired by some of Blake’s well-loved stories including All Join In, Mr Magnolia, Mrs Armitage on Wheels and Patrick.

Tickets

The Found Objects’ Band Autism Friendly Performance Sat 28 May 11am BSL Interpreted Performance Thu 2 Jun 2.30pm After-show Talk Sat 11 Jun 2.30pm

Tue 31 May • 10.30am - 3.30pm • 5 - 7 yrs

All Join In Family Jam

Bring an everyday object from home along with you and explore ways of using it to create sound, percussion and music. Use your voice and body to create your very own soundtrack to a unique story that you devise and perform to family and friends. £25

Wed 1 Jun • 10am - 12.30pm • 4 - 6 yrs Work with your parent or carer to explore ways of creating short poems, rhythms, rhymes and songs. £15 (accompanying adults free)

Supported by:

6 JULY - 20 AUGUST 2011 • adventure THEATRE • 30 MINUTES + 30 minutes play time Polka Theatre and Starcatchers present

By Andy Manley and Rosie Gibson

Once on the surface Magical and mischievous The treasure charms and teases us Dancing and disappearing Hiding and reappearing While the wiggly worm watches! Digging, exploring and searching for treasure… who knows what mysteries lie beneath the surface? A worm’s life is full of adventure and fun, excavating the world underground. Want to join him on his archaeological journey through the giant cardboard play structure? See what artefacts he finds!

Illustration by Mark Chambers

Created by actor and director, Andy Manley and visual artist, Rosie Gibson, follow the wiggly worm in this unique performance specifically created to ignite the imaginations of the very young. After the show you are all invited to explore and discover the archaeological site and see what is hiding underneath…

Tickets £9 Concessions £7 Polka Priority £7

1-3

years

The Big Dig Workshop Tue 26 Jul Become explorers for the morning, find a map and go digging for buried treasure in this craft workshop. Things may get a bit messy so wear old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. £15 3 - 4 yrs • 9.30 - 10.45am 4 - 5 yrs • 11.15am - 12.30pm

Pick up an Archaeology Garden Explorers Guide from the foyer, carry on digging outside in the Polka Garden and visit our friends in the wormery!

Sat 2 Apr 5 - 8 yrs Lyngo Theatre present

Sat 30 Apr 3 - 5 yrs A Thousand Cranes in association with artsdepot present

Tom Thumb Tickets for Visiting Adventures are £9 and concessions £7 Group Bookings – buy 10 tickets get 11th free. All running times are approximations. Sat 5 Mar 4 -7 yrs Garlic Theatre present

Tue 29 Mar - Fri 1 Apr 6 mths - 2 yrs Oily Cart present

Little Red Robin Hood

Drum

A merry mix up in the forest involving glove puppets, false teeth and a frying pan. Two classic tales are interwoven in a fast and funny family show. Garlic Theatre will entertain you with generous helpings of slapstick, clowning and musical delights. Running time 45 mins

Listen to the gentle rhythm of the big bass drum, watch the shadows dancing on the surface of the small drums. A new multi-sensory and interactive show for very young children.

Tue 15 - Sat 19 Mar 18 mths - 4 yrs Tell Tale Hearts present

From Here to There Using rhythm and vocal play, shoe boxes, card and the world of imagination, two individuals discover ways to play together and reach each other. A freeplay session at the end of the performance gives children an opportunity to explore some of the materials and build their own bridges. Running time 45 mins Sat 26 Mar 4 - 7 yrs Hand to Mouth Theatre present

Sat 12 Mar 4 -7 yrs Horse & Bamboo Theatre present

Storm in a Teacup It’s not always easy making friends, especially when you live in a lighthouse surrounded by dangerous rocks, towering waves and troublemaking seagulls. Follow the story of a nervous lighthouse keeper and his quest to build friendships in the most unlikely circumstances. Performed with music, puppetry and dramatic full-mask. Running time 45 mins

Remember the Umbrella Stella the umbrella-seller is a storyteller! Opening and closing her umbrellas, she opens with a story of the seas and sand, and closes with a visit to the moon and stars. A gentle and fascinating shadow show. Artist and musician Su Eaton invites you into her world of light and shadow, drawing in the sand to create and shape stories with accompanying live music, song and participation. Running time 35 mins

The Paper Washi Wish

A bold and inventive production of this classic tale for brave 5 year-olds and older children. Tom is curious, mischievous and courageous. He has to be, to overcome his adventures in the forest with his six older brothers. This strikingly presented oneman show has been captivating audiences for many years. Not suitable for under 5’s. Running time 55 mins

Rabbit lives on the moon with the Moon Goddess and he’s invited all of his friends to his birthday paper party. They play a game of hide and seek… suddenly Rabbit is nowhere to be found! Join Rabbit’s friends on an exciting adventure to find him, as they travel into a magical paper world full of surprises. The Paper Washi Wish is a unique theatrical experience featuring traditional Japanese storytelling: Kamishibai. A charming, vibrant show for younger audiences. Running time 45 mins

“Innovative, unusual, and beautifully executed. It was brilliant!” Audience member, Drum 2010 Tickets for this show will not be available online and must be booked through the Box Office

Tue 12 - Sat 23 Apr 2 - 4 yrs La Baracca - Teatro Testoni Ragazzi present

Running time 50 mins

On-Off Sat 9 Apr 5 - 8 yrs A Thousand Cranes in association with artsdepot present

Tales From Old Japan “Mountains are just like people – they have secrets, mysteries and stories to tell” Come and hear the enchanting, mysterious and hair-raising stories of Magnificent Mount Iwate who blew hot and cold, the humble woodcutter and his beautiful but strange bride and the snorting, burping ‘orrible Ogre of Rashomon Gate. These delightful traditional Japanese tales are brought to life through inventive storytelling, puppetry and music. Running time 50 mins With support from Here, There and Everywhere Consortium

A joyfully choreographed exploration of light, On-Off is a tribute to children’s amazement at the behaviour of light and their interest in controlling it! A delightful story with music, rhythm, movement and dance, to help young children overcome fear of the dark. Performed in English, with some Italian

Running time 40 mins + 10 mins chat-time

Tue 3 - Sat 7 May 2 - 5 yrs Half Moon Theatre present

Rip, Fold, Scrunch A butterfly flutters. A kite soars. Children play. Inspired by the imagination and play of children, Half Moon’s enchanting show fuses theatre, Kathak dance and music within a paper world, which is created and dismantled before our eyes. After the performance you are invited to come and experiment with paper – ripping, folding and scrunching your own creations. Running time 50 mins

Sat 14 May 3 - 6 yrs Essequibo Music present

Tue 31 May - Sat 4 Jun 3 - 6 yrs Freehand Theatre present

Treasures of the Rainforest

Who’s Been Sitting In My Chair?

A welcome return from Essequibo Music who have treasures to share from their recent trip to visit the Wai Wai Peoples of the Guyanese rainforest. Discover the uniqueness of this rich and vibrant landscape packed with animal antics and sensational sounds. A participatory fusion of music and storytelling to engage and ignite the imagination. Running time 45 mins

A delightful and playful interpretation of a well-known tale – with porridge and bears and one-two-three chairs. A tale that’s not too BIG and not too small but just right. With original music, this show is for everyone who can count to three! Running time 50 mins

Sat 21 May 6 mths - 3 yrs Lyngo Theatre present

Egg and Spoon A multi-sensory, interactive journey through the seasons in the delightful setting of Percy and April’s garden. Relax on the cushions and watch the birds fly in the sky, or get stuck in with making and blowing the leaves away. Running time 30 mins

Sat 28 May 3 - 6 yrs Garlic Theatre present

Three Billy Goats Gruff Watch out for the dance of the goats, the flying troll and lots and lots of rubbish in this charming show featuring beautifully crafted puppets, live music and bags of comedy. Running time 35 mins

Sat 11 Jun 4 - 7 yrs Hand to Mouth Theatre present

The Emperor’s New Clothes Delusions of grandeur are burst like bubbles in this classic tale, told with a washing machine and a clothes line, bubbles, illusion and puppetry. A welcome return by skilful puppeteer Martin Bridle, who brings this gentle, intelligent production that will delight older children as well as our younger audiences. Running time 50 mins

Calling all budding writers! 2011 is the fourth year of our popular story-writing competition for children of primary school age. In previous years we focused on China (2008), India (2009) and South Africa (2010). In 2011 we want children to write short stories inspired by Brazil. This year we invite top children’s author Marcus Sedgwick to write a story too, which will be performed along with the winning entries on Polka’s stage on 9 July 2011.

Sat 18 Jun 2 - 5 yrs The Puppetellers present

Videk’s Shirt A much-loved traditional Slovenian children’s story by Fran Levstik. Come with Videk and his animal friends and learn how the sheep’s wool is made into a lovely new warm shirt. An intimate interactive storytelling piece involving puppetry, song, live music and lots and lots of joining in! Running time 40 mins Sat 25 Jun 3 - 5 yrs Theatr Iolo present

Ruby Red Tells Tales A delightful, musical tale of feasting and fibbing (and a bit of fighting) based on young children’s retellings of favourite fairy stories. “A bit of magic and a bit of naughtiness” from the team who brought you the internationally acclaimed Under the Carpet and Finding Leaves for Soup. Running time 40 mins THE EUROPEAN UNION – CULTURE 2000 Sole responsibility lies with the author and the commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein

Polka hosts London’s most dynamic spoken word artists in these free events. Visitors also receive a free ice-cream courtesy of Criterion Ices! Due to the popularity of our storytelling sessions, we have changed the way we allocate tickets. If you would like tickets for one of these events, please email storytelling@polkatheatre.com by 5pm Monday 21 February 2011 with your name, address, the day you would like to attend and the number of tickets (up to four per family). Successful applicants will be notified via email or post by Monday 28 February 2011.

Sat 5 Mar Join George Fiawoo for West African storytelling with music.

Competition Details • Visit www.polkatheatre.com for full competition guidelines and writing tips to get you started • There are three categories: Years 1 & 2 (storyboard of 6 pictures with a caption underneath each one) Years 3 & 4 (short story of up to 500 words) Years 5 & 6 (short story of up to 1000 words) • The competition closing date is 8 April 2011

STEM LLOT SY A B W E N

Sat 2 Apr Marleen Vermeulen will take us around the World in four stories. Sat 7 May Join Biddy Samuels for an original tale from Southern Africa. Sat 4 Jun We welcome Alex D Great with his Caribbean Calypso inspired stories. Sat 2 Jul Join Sam Adams for the magic, wonder and fantasy of a truly Grimm fairy tale.

TOY EXCHANGE! As part of Polka’s new Green and Environmental plan we have set up a toy exchange at our World of Stories and Music. Bring in any old toys in good working condition that you don’t use any more and swap them for other ones at the end of the event.

Polka Performers Polka Performers work with professional directors and artists to explore their own ideas and create inspiring new theatre. These ten week courses take place in Polka’s Acting Studio during term time. Throughout the ten week course, sessions will focus on using creative drama, improvisation, storytelling and role play to steadily build confidence, focus, imagination, communication and social skills.

We invite you behind the scenes of our magical theatre to take part and create work of your very own. This is a great opportunity to make friends and learn some fantastic new skills from our theatre professionals. You may even get the chance to perform on Polka’s Main Stage! Remember to bring a packed lunch to all day-long events

Summer Term: Tuesday 26 AprilTuesday 5 July. Please note no classes w/c 30 May 2011.

Easter Holiday Workshops Little Elephant’s Mask Making Workshop Tue 12 Apr 10.30am -12.30pm 5 - 7 yrs Make Little Elephant masks from recycled materials in this drama and craft workshop inspired by La Barracca’s production. £20 NEW! Behind the Scenes: Dancer For A Day Wed 13 Apr 10am - 3.30pm 6 - 9 yrs Experience a day in the life of a professional dancer, learn routines inspired by different dance styles and create your own choreography, then perform to family and friends at the end of the day. Everyone welcome no previous experience required. £25

NEW! Drumming Workshop in association with Cherry Pie Music

Thu 14 Apr 10.30 -11.30am or 12.30 -1.30pm 8 -13 yrs Join in the drumming circle and create percussive rhythms and beats with your friends. Space is limited to ensure everyone gets their own drum so make sure you book early! £10 NEW! Behind the Scenes: An Actor’s Life Workshop Fri 15 Apr 10am - 1pm 6 -10 yrs Calling all budding actors! Spend the morning with one of Polka’s professional directors, play drama games, explore acting techniques and exercises and work with Polka scripts to bring them to life. £20

Ages 3 - 4 (Foundation) Tuesdays 3 - 3.45pm £65 per term

Ages 7 - 9 (Years 3 & 4) Wednesdays 5.15 - 6.30pm £85 per term

Ages 4 - 5 (Reception) Tuesdays 4 - 4.45pm £65 per term

Ages 9 -11 (Years 5 & 6) Tuesdays 5 - 6.15pm £85 per term

Ages 5 - 6 (Year 1) Wednesdays 4 - 5pm £75 per term

Ages 11-13 (Years 7 & 8) Thursdays 5.15 - 6.45pm £95 per term

Ages 6 - 7 (Year 2) Thursdays 4 - 5pm £75 per term

May Half Term Workshops Bouncing Easter Bunnies Bumper Workshop Tue 19 & Wed 20 Apr Create bunny ears and tails, decorate eggs and help the Easter Bunny prepare for Easter in this jam-packed two-day drama and craft workshop. £25 3 - 4 yrs 9.45 - 10.45am 4 - 5 yrs 11.15am - 12.15pm

The Found Objects’ Band Tue 31 May 10.30am - 3.30pm 5 - 7 yrs Bring an everyday object from home along with you and explore ways of using it to create sound, percussion and music. Use your voice and body to create your very own soundtrack to a unique story that you devise and perform to family and friends. This workshop is inspired by Polka’s production of All Join In. £25

All Join In Family Jam Wed 1 Jun 10am - 12.30pm 4 - 6 yrs Work with your parent or carer to explore ways of creating short poems, rhythms, rhymes and songs. £15 (accompanying adults free) NEW! Polka Mural Making Wed 1 Jun 10.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30 - 3.30pm All ages Help us create a mural from recycled materials. Come along anytime during the day and join us in the garden. Free

Behind the Scenes: Designer For A Day Thu 2 Jun 10.30am - 3.30pm 7 - 11 yrs For anyone interested in being a set designer you don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to work with Polka’s designer from All Join In. Design costumes for characters, make your very own model box for the set and learn the tricks of the trade. £25 Behind the Scenes: Stage Combat Workshop Fri 3 Jun 10.30am -12.30pm 8 -13 yrs Meet our fight stunt choreographer from last summer’s production of Pirates! as you get taken through some of the skilful manoeuvres and techniques that make stage fighting safe yet convincing. £25

Summer Holiday Workshops Archaeology – A Worm’s Story: The Big Dig Workshop Tue 26 Jul Become explorers for the morning, find a map and go digging for buried treasure in this craft workshop. Things may get a bit messy so wear old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. £15 3 - 4 yrs 9.30 - 10.45am 4 - 5 yrs 11.15am - 12.30pm

Polka’s Summer Schools Over the summer holidays Polka offers you the unique opportunity to tread our boards and create your very own piece of theatre with the help of our professional theatre makers and stage crew. Invite your friends and family to watch you perform on our Main Stage at the end of the week.

Behind the Scenes: Songwriter For A Day Wed 27 Jul 10am - 3.30pm 8 -12 yrs Meet Polka’s Musical Director and work together to write lyrics and create songs. If you play an instrument bring it along but no musical experience necessary. £25 Summertime Stories Thu 28 Jul & Fri 29 Jul 10.30am - 12pm 3 - 5 yrs Come along to this two-day interactive drama, music and craft workshop inspired by summer. £30

Polka’s Puppeteer Summer School Mon 8 - Fri 12 Aug 10.30am - 3.30pm 6 - 9 yrs Work with our professional theatre director, puppet maker and stage crew to design your own puppet and create a story to share with family and friends. £90

NEW! Behind the Scenes: Backstage Workshop Mon 1 Aug 10.30am - 3pm 9 -13 yrs If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like backstage, don’t miss the opportunity to work with the director of All Join In and meet Polka’s Production and Technical Crew. Learn all about lighting and sound, see how our props get made and get the chance to operate the lights and sound for your very own show. £35

NEW! Behind the Scenes: Musical Summer School Mon 15 - Fri 19 Aug 10.30am - 3.30pm 7 - 11 yrs A fantastic week for anyone who wants to be involved in staging a musical production. Write and perform songs, devise a script, learn dance routines, work with our directors and technical team to stage your very own show. £90

How to Book

Mailing list

By Phone Call 020 8543 4888 Mon 9.30am - 4.30pm Tue - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4.30pm

To join our free mailing list, or our email list, please contact the Box Office or sign up online www.polkatheatre.com

In person Tue - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Sat 10am - 4.30pm Online Buy over the internet via our secure server – visit www.polkatheatre.com

Discounts Concessions are available for those registered unemployed or receiving benefits (includes Pension Credits). For group bookings, every eleventh ticket is free. Reduced-price preview tickets, where available, are limited to four per family. Free tickets are available for carers of disabled people.

Reservations

Recommended Age Ranges Please take note of the lower age-limits on shows in the Main Theatre. Our experience shows that children below the specified age are more likely to be disruptive and spoil other people’s enjoyment. We are unable to sell tickets for under-age children and reserve the right to refuse them admission. Exceptions to this rule are the designated Watch with Baby performances – look out for this symbol in the Season Diary.

Babies and Toddlers Baby-changing facilities and a buggy park are available at the theatre and café staff will happily warm up baby food.

We are happy to reserve tickets for you. However we are unable to do this if it is less than a week before the performance. We recommend booking in advance, especially for shows in the Adventure Theatre.

The café is open Tue - Fri, 9.30am 4.30pm, and Sat, 10am - 4.30pm, serving a delicious range of hot and cold meals and snacks. Children’s tea parties are also available. For more information call 020 8545 8330 or email cafe@polkatheatre.com Sample menus can be viewed at www.polkatheatre.com

Hiring the Theatre The Main Theatre and other rooms are available to hire for conferences, meetings, parties, film screenings and launches. Call Kim on 020 8545 8334 or email kim@polkatheatre.com

Polka Partners Polka Theatre has a unique Corporate Membership scheme with a range of fantastic benefits. Call 020 8545 8353 for more details.

Refunds and Exchanges We do not refund or exchange tickets, so please do check your tickets at the time of purchase. We accept tickets for re-sale if a performance is sold out, but a small charge will be made.

Polka Café and Children’s Parties

Pop in to Play at Polka

Thanks to

Why not make time when you visit to use the café, playground or garden, see the Teddy Bear Exhibition or read in the book corner? You are welcome to drop in any time we’re open – the facilities are free for all, you don’t need a ticket to come inside!

Reduced-price preview performance After-show talk

We 9 Machine Gunners

Th 10 Machine Gunners

Fr 11 Machine Gunners

Sa 12 Tu 15 We 16 Th 17 Fr 18 Sa 19 Tu 22

Machine Gunners 2.00/5.30 Storm Teacup 11.00/2.05 Machine Gunners Here to There 12.00/2.05 Machine Gunners Here to There 10.35/12.00/2.05 Machine Gunners Here to There 10.35/12.00/2.05 Machine Gunners Here to There 10.35/12.00/2.05 Machine Gunners 11.00 /2.00 Here to There 11.05/12.30/2.05 Machine Gunners

We 23 Machine Gunners

BSL interpreted Watch with baby performance

Th 24 Machine Gunners

Fr 25 Machine Gunners

Sa 26 Tu 29 We 30 Th 31

Free storytelling Autism friendly performance

Machine Gunners 2.00/5.30 Umbrella 11.00/12.30/2.05 Machine Gunners Drum 10.35/2.05 Machine Gunners Drum 10.35/2.05 Machine Gunners Drum 10.35/2.05

We 6 Machine Gunners

Th 7 Machine Gunners

8 Machine Gunners

Sa 9 Machine Gunners 2.00 Tales Old Japan 11.00/2.05 Tu 12 On-Off 11.05/2.05 We 13 Th 14 Fr 15 Sa 16 Tu 19 We 20 Th 21 Fr 22 Sa 23 Tu 26

Little Elephant On-Off Little Elephant On-Off Little Elephant On-Off Little Elephant On-Off Little Elephant On-Off Little Elephant On-Off Little Elephant On-Off Little Elephant On-Off Little Elephant On-Off Scarecrow

Families are very welcome to attend schools performances but please check times and availability in advance with the Box Office on 020 8543 4888. Tickets to schools performances cannot be booked online.

Fr 17 All Join In

2.05

Sa 18 All Join In Videk’s Shirt Tu 21 All Join In

10.35/2.05

10.35/2.05 10.30 2.30 12.30/2.35 11.00 /2.00 11.05/12.30/2.05

Fr 29 Scarecrow

11.00 /2.30 11.05/1.00/2.35

Watch with Baby Watch with Baby shows are designated shows where families are invited to come along to see a show with all the members of the family, no matter what age they are. These performances are not altered in any way, it simply means that the whole family are able to enjoy the show together with no age restrictions. If you need any further information then please contact the Box Office on 020 8543 4888.

Th 23 All Join In

Sa 25 All Join In Ruby Red Tu 28 All Join In

11.00/2.30 11.05/2.35

We 22 All Join In

Fr 24 All Join In

11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35

We 29 All Join In

Th 30 All Join In

Tu 2 We 3 Th 4 Fr 5 Sa 6 Tu 9

All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story Worm Story

11.00 /2.30 11.05/2.35 11.00/2.30 11.05/12.45/2.45 11.00 11.05/2.35 11.00 11.05/2.35 11.00/2.30 11.05/12.45/2.45 11.00/2.00

We 10 Worm Story

11.00/12.45/2.45

Th 11 Worm Story

11.00/2.00

Fr 12 Worm Story

11.00/2.00

We 18 All Join In

Sa 13 Worm Story

11.00/12.45/2.45

Th 19 All Join In

Tu 16 Worm Story

11.00/2.00

Fr 20 All Join In Sa 21 All Join In Egg & Spoon Tu 24 All Join In

We 25 All Join In

Th 26 All Join In

Fr 27 All Join In

Sa 28 Tu 31

july 11

2.30 /5.00 Gala 11.05/12.30/2.35

All Join In 11.00 /2.30 Billy Goats Gruff 11.05/12.30/2.35 All Join In 11.00 /2.30 Who’s Been… 2.35

june 11 We 1 Th 2 Fr 3 Sa 4 Tu 7

All Join In Who’s Been… All Join In Who’s Been… All Join In Who’s Been… Storytelling All Join In Who’s Been… All Join In

2.30 11.05/2.35 11.00/2.30 11.05/2.35 2.30 11.05/2.35 10.30 3.00 12.30/3.05

We 8 All Join In

Th 9 All Join In

Fr 10 All Join In

Sa 11 All Join In 11.00 /2.30 Emperor’s New 11.05/2.35 Tu 14 All Join In We 15 All Join In

Th 16 All Join In

1 All Join In

Sa 2 Storytelling All Join In We 6 Worm Story

10.30 12.00/3.00 10.30/12.15/2.15

Th 7 Worm Story

10.30/2.00

8 Worm Story

Sa 9 Worm Story

Th 28 Scarecrow

Box Office: 020 8543 4888

Scarecrow Rip, Fold Scarecrow Rip, Fold Scarecrow Rip, Fold Scarecrow Rip, Fold Storytelling Scarecrow Rip, Fold All Join In

Sa 14 All Join In Treasures of… Tu 17 All Join In

11.00 11.05/2.05 11.00 /2.00 11.05/2.05 11.00 11.05/2.05 11.00 /2.00 11.05/2.05 2.00 11.05/2.05 11.00 11.05/2.05 11.00/2.00 11.05/2.05 11.00 11.05/1.00 2.00 11.05/2.05

We 27 Scarecrow

Sa 30 Scarecrow Paper Washi

Schools Performances

Tu 3 We 4 Th 5 Fr 6 Sa 7 Fr 13

Machine Gunners Drum 10.35/2.05 Storytelling 10.30 Machine Gunners 2.00/5.30 Tom Thumb 12.00/2.05 Machine Gunners

Merton schools summer holidday

Fr 1 Sa 2 Tu 5

Storytelling 10.30 Machine Gunners 2.00 /5.30 Red Robin Hood 12.30/2.05 Machine Gunners

Merton schools summer holidday

Schools performance

Sa 5 Tu 8

August 11

May 11

Merton schools half term

Diary Key

april 11

Merton schools Easter holidday

Main Theatre shows in violet Adventure Theatre shows in pink Free Storytelling and other events in blue

March 11

Tu 12 We 13 Th 14 Fr 15 Sa 16 Tu 19 We 20 Th 21 Fr 22 Sa 23 Tu 26 We 27 Th 28 Fr 29 Sa 30

All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story All Join In Worm Story

We 17 Worm Story

11.00/12.45/2.45

Th 18 Worm Story

11.00/2.00

Fr 19 Worm Story

11.00/2.00

Sa 20 Worm Story

11.00/12.45/2.45

10.35/2.05

10.35/12.15/2.15

10.35/2.05

10.35/2.05 11.00/2.30 11.05/12.45/2.45 10.30/2.00 10.35/2.05 10.30 10.35/12.15/2.15 10.30/2.00 10.35/2.05 10.30 10.35/2.05 11.00/2.30 11.05/12.45/2.45 11.00/2.30 11.05/2.35 11.00 11.05/12.45/2.45 11.00/2.30 11.05/2.35 11.00 11.05/2.35 11.00 /2.30 11.05/12.45/2.45

E.B. White’s

Charlotte’s Web Adapted by Joseph Robinette

Nov 11 - Feb 12