arts
the polka theatre The Polka Theatre has been in Wimbledon since 1979 and is one of the only theatres in the UK dedicated to putting on productions by children, for children. It is already well known for its productions, artistry, and finely crafted sets, yet it continues to push boundaries. Not only is the theatre undergoing a massive expansion over the course of the next few years, it is providing a platform for artists to expand on ideas through its latest initiative, PolkaLAB. The goal of the PolkaLAB is to offer underrepresented artists – such as women, people from ethnic minorities, those identifying as LGBTQ, disabled people and children under the age of six – a controlled, supportive environment to develop their works-in-progress. By experimenting this way, artists are free to think, leading towards potentially groundbreaking productions. The first LAB was run by Rosie Heafford, choreographer, and founder and manager of Second Hand Dance. The idea behind the LAB was to examine what “touch” (physical, intimate contact or proximity) means for an early-years audience (children under six). According to Zoë Robinson, producer at the Polka Theatre, the LAB coordinated with a local nursery school to get “first hand reactions from the audience” to decide what direction to take
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03 the play in. The goal was to find out whether the children’s experiences of being touched by their peers was positive or negative; or whether they were able to feel a deeper connection to people if they reciprocated touch. With many schools in London practising “no touch” policies, the play examines a significant cultural shift in real-time. The second LAB was run by Jack Benjamin, an actor and playwright. It was further along in its maturity than Heafford’s, and utilised the tools the theatre has in place to enhance the
attic theatre company
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Founded by Colin Haigh and Jenny Lee, both actors, and John Gould, a musician, Attic encourages people to engage with the arts by, in its own words, “commissioning and producing theatre that challenges and excites audiences, and empowers the communities we work with in Merton, across London and on tour”. Many of Attic’s productions are staged within the borough, in theatres, parks and historic buildings. Attic also runs an extensive community programme which includes the Ma Kelly plays, two over 55s singing groups Going for a Song in Mitcham and Wimbledon, and Many Voices, a drama workshop programme for young refugees.
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