Welcome to Polka Theatre’s new season
It’s been such an exciting start to 2025 for Polka, with an Olivier Award nomination, alongside Little Bulb Theatre Company, for Best Family Production for ‘The Nutcracker’. Plus we were delighted to win an OffWestEnd Award with our Associate Artists Beats & Elements, for Best Sound for ‘Romeo and Juliet’, following a three-week schools tour.
We’re now looking ahead to another season of inspiring children’s theatre, which features shows made by the UK’s most exciting theatre makers.
Last year, we launched the inaugural Polka Playwriting Award, searching for the very best in new writing for young audiences. High-school-wrestlingcomedy, Dweeb-A-Mania by Sarah Middleton was our winner – don’t miss the premiere this October. We’ve also lined up gorgeous music-filled baby shows, Shakespeare in a suitcase, amazing icy worlds with Chris Haughton’s Well Done, Mummy Penguin, and for the festive season we are over the moon to be presenting Philip Pullman’s magical tale of adventure and discovery, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter. Spring 2026 also sees the premiere of Maz Evans’ brand-new musical, Who Let The Gods Out, featuring all your favourite Greek Gods!
And if that wasn’t enough, our exceptional Take Part programme continues to deliver creative and imaginative workshops, packed with activities for children, families, schools and community groups.
We can’t wait to welcome you. Please do let us know when you’re here by tagging us on socials and letting us know what shows or activities you’ve loved!
Lynette Shanbury
Helen Matravers
Executive Director and Joint CEO Artistic Director and Joint CEO
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.
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%
Directed by Trina Haldar
“A lovely introduction to performance and a good reminder about harnessing the power of imagination and playfulness.”
Daily Mumtra
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On Now - Sun 29 Jun
Tickets From £14*
Schools From £9 (11th ticket free)
Running Time
Approx. 40 mins (incl. a play and build)
Relaxed Performance Sun 8 Jun 10.30am
Facilities Step-free
Clear
Accessible,
Baby
Performances
We
Photos: Sam Roberts and Rebecca Short
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
“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)
Running Time
Approx. 40 mins
From the book by Jon Klassen, illustrated by Jon Klassen published by Candlewick Press
Ages 7-12
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.
With his new powers, Tunde is ready to fly in the face of danger - this is his destiny! Luckily, his rag-tag group of pals have got his back.
Sat 21 Jun - Sat 16 Aug
Tickets From £10*
Schools From £10 (11th ticket free)
Running Time
Approx. 1 hr 25 mins (incl. interval)
Adapted by Arvind Ethan David and directed by Daniel Bailey, The Boy with Wings is an interstellar, action-packed adventure about friendships, being brave, and how our differences are our super-power!
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 0-3
Two sheep think they know everything about sleep. They’re experts in the field. But tonight they’re wide awake.
Snuggle up and join two sheep on a journey through the joys and frustrations of everything bedtime. A touching, musical adventure filled with sensory play, for babies and their (very tired) grown ups.
Wed 13Sun 24 Aug
Tickets From £13*
Running Time
Approx. 30 mins (plus a stay and play)
Ages 6-18 mths
Come and sit with your baby whilst the new gardener playfully goes about their work, planting and watering, in the beautiful garden. As they work, they are delighted to be joined by a bird, a bee, and of course, the babies! Together you will discover the sights and sounds of the garden, as your little one delights in the wonders around them. At the end of the show, there will be a chance for you and your baby to stay and play.
Created by Sarah Argent and Kevin Lewis
Wed 17Sun 21 Sep
Tickets From £13*
Running Time
Approx. 25 mins (plus a 20 min stay and play)
A Theatr Iolo production
Polka Gift Card
l
l
l
Photo: Steve Gregson
Photos: Steve Gregson and Sam Roberts
Christa Holka and Anna Fernandez
By Sarah Middleton
Directed by Hannah Stone
Kemi and Norah are mega-nerds through and through. They think they know a lot about… everything! But when popular boy Bentley refuses to invite them to his wrestlingthemed party, they discover, to their horror, that he thinks they are dweebs! It turns out that they have a lot to learn – especially about wrestling. Together, they secretly launch a plan to become champion wrestlers, crash Bentley’s party, and prove to everyone that they are, in fact, extremely cool.
Ages 8-13
Dweeb-A-Mania is a punchy, powerful new comedy which celebrates being exactly who you want to be. Get ready for flying kicks, body slams and a mind-blowing number of barbecued chickens!
Dweeb-A-Mania is the winner of the Polka Playwriting Award 2025, generously funded by The Garek Trust and supported by Cockayne and London Community Foundation. The award’s publishing partner is Methuen Drama, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing plc.
Sat 4 OctSun 9 Nov
Tickets From £11*
Schools
From £9 (11th ticket free)
Schools Relaxed: Thu 23 Oct 1.30pm
Running Time
Approx. 50 mins
Access Performances
BSL Interpreted: Sat 25 Oct 11.30am
Relaxed: Sun 26 Oct 2.30pm
Audio Described: Sun 2 Nov 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1.30pm)
Captioned: Sat 8 Nov 11.30am
From the book by
Amidst the snowy Antarctic landscape, Mummy Penguin is off to find a fishy dinner for her family. Daddy and Little Penguin watch in suspense as Mummy swims through the icy waters, climbs the perilous cliffs and tiptoes past some grumpy, justawakened seals. Can she do it? Well done, Mummy Penguin!
Adapted from the latest picture book from award-winning writer and illustrator Chris Haughton and brought to life by the team behind ‘Oh No, George!’, Well Done, Mummy Penguin daring acrobatics, integrated sign language and heartwarming humour.
Sat 18 Oct - Sun 2 Nov
Tickets From £10*
Schools From £10 (11th ticket free)
Running Time Approx. 50 mins
Access Performances
All performances include integrated BSL and creative captions.
WATCH THE TRAILER
“A sprightly adaptation of Chris Haughton’s popular book”
The Guardian
Ages 3-7
Chris Haughton
Well
Done, Mummy Penguin
© Copyright 2022
Chris Haughton.
Licensed by Walker Books Ltd., London
Abi and her Grandad tell each other Anansi folktales. They play games as they work together in the garden among the beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables. As they plant memories, they share secrets and develop a bond that nothing can break.
Join our intrepid characters as they step into the unexpected in this humorous and heartfelt intergenerational adventure, written by award-winning children’s author Elayne Ogbeta.
Ages 4-9 WATCH THE
Hires
Birthday Parties Award Ceremonies and Presentations Rehearsals Meetings Clubs and Classes
Wed 12 - Sun 16 Nov
Tickets From £14*
Schools From £9 (11th ticket free)
Running Time
Approx. 40 mins
MULTI-BUY
“ 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
Photos: Sam Roberts, Ally Whitlock, Tasha Best
Lila dreams of becoming a Master Firework-Maker 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.
Ages 6-12
Polka Theatre present a brand-new production adapted by Jude Christian and directed by Lee Lyford, based on the muchloved, award-winning book by Philip Pullman.
Generously supported by the Chan Yin Chuen Memorial Charitable Foundation
Sat 15 Nov - Sun 18 Jan
Tickets From £10*
Schools From £10 (11th ticket free)
Running Time
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
Illustration by Hesh Creative
Pay it Forward!
act of kindness can spark a lifetime of creativity.
Many children can only access the arts thanks to the generosity of people like you.
By adding a donation when you book your tickets or by setting up a regular gift, you help every child discover the wonder of live storytelling.
l £6 pays for a workshop ticket.
l £15 pays for a theatre ticket for a child to visit with their school.
l £25 pays for a free companion place and subsidised ticket for a child with additional needs.
l £50 pays for a free family ticket to a Polka show.
“Many have never been to the cinema, let alone the theatre. It made a huge impact on our children and was an opportunity that they will treasure.”
Teacher
Steve
Photo:
Gregson
Facepainting, glitter tattoos and crafts
Festive buffet and complementary drinks for all ages
Goody bag for every child Plus many more surprises!
Tickets from £45
Photos: Steve Gregson
A
“Memorable magic… this is a Christmas cracker of a show”
The Reviews Hub
Polka Theatre, Birmingham Rep and Little Angel Theatre co-production
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 festive 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
Running Time
Approx. 40 mins
Access Performances
BSL Interpreted: Sun 14 Dec 2pm Relaxed: Sat 10 Jan 3pm
Written by Maz Evans
A hilarious musical adaptation from bestselling author, Maz Evans.
Elliot needs to save the world – and save his mum. Enter some epic Greek Gods with a few tricks up their togas…
Elliot Hooper’s life is highly suboptimal. His mum isn’t very well, his posh neighbour is trying to steal his home and he has ever so slightly unleashed an evil death daemon into the world… Luckily (according to her), the constellation Virgo has crash landed in his dungheap and with the help of a legendary family of ancient Greek Gods, Elliot is on a quest to save THE world. But can he save HIS world too…?
Sat 7 Feb - Sun 22 Mar
Tickets From £10*
Schools From £10 (11th ticket free)
Running Time
Approx. 1 hr 20 mins (incl. interval)
Access Performances
Relaxed: Sat 28 Feb 11am
Audio Described: Sat 7 Mar 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1.30pm)
BSL Interpreted: Sun 8 Mar 2.30pm
Captioned: Sat 14 Mar 11am
Directed by Ria Parry
Music by Luke Bateman
Following the success of ‘Macbeth’ at Polka last year, NIE returns, reimagining the world’s most famous play in a funny and accessible way. Come on a roller-coaster of excitement, humour and grief as two actors and one musician - armed with seven props and a suitcase – bring a bitesize retelling of Shakespeare to young audiences.
Wed 28 JanSun 1 Feb
Tickets From £14*
Schools From £9 (11th ticket free)
Running Time Approx. 60 mins
MULTI-BUY
Ruby had always been happy, perfectly happy, until one day she discovered a worry…
Ruby tries and tries to get rid of her worry, which grows bigger and bigger! Eventually she meets a boy who has a worry too. Together they discover that everyone has worries, and that if you talk about them, they never hang around for long!
Told through live music, song, puppetry and physical theatre, Ruby’s Worry takes the audience on a delightful musical adventure based on the much-loved book by Tom Pervical.
Wed 11 - Sun 22 Feb
Tickets From £14*
Schools From £9 (11th ticket free)
Running Time Approx. 40 mins
Created by MishMash Productions in partnership with Nottingham City Libraries
Designed by Rachana Jadhav
Take Part Weekly Workshops
Termly Workshops September - December 2025
Adult & child classes
Baby Explorers
Every Wed, 0 - 12 mths
Autumn Term: 24 Sep - 3 Dec
→ 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
Every Wed, 1 - 2 yrs
Autumn Term: 24 Sep - 3 Dec
→ 11 - 11.45am → From £90* per term
Action-packed songs and stories, building your child’s confidence, communication and social skills.
Creative Explorers
Every Tue or Fri, 2 - 4 yrs
Autumn Term: 23 Sep - 2 Dec
Autumn Term: 26 Sep - 5 Dec
→ 11 - 11.45am → From £90* per term
Using imagination to create and explore stories through drama, movement and song.
Sensory Explorers
Every Thu, 5 - 12 yrs
Autumn Term: 25 Sep - 4 Dec
→ 4 - 4.45pm → From £90* per term
Explore our sensory studio, designed for children who are sensory seekers and their adults.
Trial sessions available
Please note there are no sessions for weekly classes or drop ins during the Merton School holidays.
Child only classes
Act 1
Every Sat, 4 - 6 yrs
Autumn Term: 27 Sep - 6 Dec
→ 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.
Act 2
Every Sat, 7 - 9 yrs
Autumn Term: 27 Sep - 6 Dec
→ 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
Every Wed, 9 - 12+ yrs
Autumn Term: 24 Sep - 3 Dec
→ 4.30 - 6pm → From £115* per term
Work with leading theatre professionals and receive expert drama training, while developing a new piece of theatre.
Workshops
Drop-in Sessions
Adult & child from £12* per session, 9.45 - 10.30am
Hum, Jig & Jiggle
Every Tue, 6 mths - 3 yrs
Autumn Term: 23 Sep - 2 Dec
Get rocking to the beat using rhythm games, music and songs to experiment, be creative and have fun!
Rhyme & Sign
Every Thu, 12 mths - 4 yrs
Autumn Term: 25 Sep - 4 Dec
Storytelling workshops using rhymes, actions and sign supported English.
Drop-in Pick and Mix
Book any 3 or 4 sessions - Save 10%
Book any 5+ sessions - Save 15% T&C’s apply
Family Storytime
Every Fri, 0 mths - 5 yrs
Autumn Term: 26 Sep - 5 Dec
Interactive storytime exploring captivating tales where little ones can touch, feel, and participate in the adventure, perfect for bonding and sparking creativity as a family!
Photos:
Tasha Best and Lizzie Corscaden
Take Part Holiday Workshops
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 techniques 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.
Workshops
October Half Term
Family Glow Jar Making
Tue 28 Oct
4+ yrs → 10 - 11am / 11.30am - 12.30pm
From £15* (Adult & child)
Make your own glow jar using real autumn leaves, foliage and ferns.
Stage Combat Masterclass
Wed 29 Oct
8-12 yrs → 10am - 4pm
From £50* (Child only)
Learn the secrets of choreographed combat from a professional instructor, inspired by Dweeb-A-Mania
Voyage to the South Pole
Thu 30 Oct
0 - 12 mths → 10 - 10.30am
1 - 2 yrs → 11 - 11.45am
2 - 4 yrs → 2.15 - 3pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Immerse yourself in an interactive story in our sensory studio, inspired by Well Done, Mummy Penguin
Wicked Wardrobe Workshop
Fri 31 Oct
5 - 8 yrs → 10.30am - 3.30pm
From £50* (Child only)
Create the perfect spooky character with monster masks, creepy claws and haunted hats.
Winter Holiday
Snowy Snowflake Stories
Tue 16 Dec & Wed 17 Dec
0 - 12 mths → 10 - 10.30am
1 - 2 yrs → 11 - 11.45am
2 - 4 yrs → 2.15 - 3pm
From £12* (Adult & child)
Step into a magical wintry world in our snowy sensory space, inspired by The Snowflake.
Family Clay Time
Sat 20 Dec
4+ yrs → 10 - 11am / 11.30am - 12.30pm
From £15* (Adult & child)
Create a unique festive decoration using clay.
Firework Shadow Puppetry Workshop
Mon 22 Dec
5-8 yrs → 10.30am - 3.30pm
From £50* (Child only)
Design a firework-themed puppet and use light and shadows to bring them to life.
Photos: Tasha Best and Lizzie Corscaden
Saturday Club
Family fun every first Saturday of the month!
Join us for a creative morning for all the family to enjoy together. Take part in an exciting and varied programme of activities:
Saturday Stretch
7 Jun | 2pm
Take part in a family yoga session to mark International Day of Yoga.
Summer Style Headdress
5 Jul | 2pm
Get into the Summer spirit by decorating your own headpiece.
Moon Festival Lantern Making
4 Oct | 2pm
Create and decorate traditional Chinese lanterns.
Firework Dreamcatchers
1 Nov | 10.30am
Craft your own firework-themed dreamcatcher.
Gingerbread Snowman Making
6 Dec | 2pm
Decorate a gingerbread snowman cookie and hear a festive tale.
£6* per person, per session
Recommended for ages 4+.
Under 4’s require a ticket to attend at £1
Become a Young Ambassador
Have your say at Polka as a Young Ambassador. Our Young and Younger Voices (ages 5-12) and Polka Grads (ages 12+), all get the opportunity to take part in workshops, watch productions, and share their views and opinions with the people who make the shows.
To apply to become a Young Ambassador, download an application form from our website, or email creativelearning@ polkatheatre.com
Photo: Jemima Deboo-Sands
Be part of Polka’s story
Do you remember your first theatre trip?
“A lot of my confidence came from going to Polka. Seeing all those magical shows shaped who I am.”
Past Polka Participant
The bright lights, the intricate costumes, the story unfolding before your eyes.
For over 45 years, Polka has been giving children their first theatre experience. It’s the place where lifelong memories are made, imaginations ignite, and the love of storytelling is passed through generations.
Together, we can ensure Polka remains a theatre for all children.
Help us share this magic with even more children. Become a Polka Guardian, Superhero, or Champion by supporting our work as a charity from £50 a month.
For more information, please contact development@polkatheatre.com or 020 8545 8368 for more information.
Photo: Steve Gregson
Gain new skills, make new friends, engage with your community.
As a registered charity, Polka relies on the generosity of individuals in our community who donate their time to volunteer in our Visitor Services team.
A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers!
If you would like more information on becoming a volunteer, scan the QR code or pick up an information pack from Box Office.
Photos: Vicky Dowding
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.
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Please recycle This publication is certified carbon neutral, printed by an eco-accredited factory to ISO 14001 on a certified carbon neutral press.
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
Photos: Tasha Best