Polka Theatre is a children’s theatre in Wimbledon, London Borough of Merton, for children aged 0– 13. The theatre contains two performance spaces - a 300-seat main auditorium and a 70-seat studio dedicated to early years performances.
olka is one of the few theatres in the UK dedicated exclusively to children. Based in Wimbledon since 1979, Polka creates world-class theatre to entertain and inspire young audiences.
Over 90,000 children visit Polka every year to experience engaging, fun and exciting theatre, often for the first time. We strive to spark the imagination, stir the emotions and fuel a sense of discovery in all children.
There’s always space at Polka to play, laugh, discover and create. Our welcoming theatre is home to a friendly café, playground, garden and a fun-filled foyer with toys, books, dressing up and colouring in. It’s a unique, magical place where you can share a special moment with your child.
Creative programming keeps Polka’s work fresh and relevant. Over two spaces, the Adventure Theatre and Main Stage, young audiences can expect new plays, dynamic performers, resonant subjects and inventive adaptations of popular stories.
Learning and participation is at the heart of Polka’s work, encouraging children to explore and develop creatively. We offer opportunities for all children, regardless of age, ability, culture or background, to engage in the arts through a regular programme of holiday workshops, term-time groups, after-show events, free storytelling and workshops that take Polka into the community. Schools visiting the theatre can benefit from online free resource packs and show-related workshops.
Polka is first and foremost a local theatre, loved by the people of Wimbledon, South London and the wider community, but enjoys an international reputation, known throughout the world as a pioneer of theatre for children, consistently setting the standard and raising audience’s expectations.
Access
Integrated BSL Performances
We offer Integrated BSL performances for all Polka productions on the Main Stage, and some performances in the Adventure Theatre. The interpreter rehearses with the company, meaning they are fully integrated into the action.
A synopsis with pictures from the production and a BSL interpreted introduction is available to download here to help you prepare for the show.
Audio Described Performances
We offer Audio Described performances for Polka productions on the Main Stage. A trained describer commentates on the visual elements of the production to those wearing headsets.
There is a pre-show Touch Tour of the stage, the set and the actors one hour before every Audio Described performance. Spaces are limited to 20 people per tour, so please book in advance.
A synopsis sound clip is available to download here to help you prepare for the show.
To listen to an Audio Described Building Access Guide please click here.
Relaxed Performances
We offer Relaxed performances for all Polka productions on the Main Stage, and some performances in the Adventure Theatre. Relaxed performances are specifically tailored to suit families with children who are on the autistic spectrum or have sensory sensitivities. The show is adapted slightly and there are fewer people in the audience, allowing you to choose where you sit. We lower sound levels and the main lights remain dimmed throughout the performance. There is a designated chill-out space outside the auditorium that can be used at any time during the show.
A Relaxed Performance Pack, including a synopsis of the show and a picture information strip to help you prepare for your visit, is available to download here. This is designed to help you better understand the story and to prepare you for what to expect during the performance. On arrival you will be greeted by our fully trained, friendly Front of House team who are here to support you on your visit.
Captioned Performances
We offer Captioned performances for Polka productions on the Main Stage.
Captioning is a facility for d/Deaf and hard of hearing audience members. Captioning is the theatre version of subtitles, with the spoken word converted into text and presented on a screen on the side of the stage
Limited Mobility
Polka Theatre has step-free access from street level through the main entrance at the front of the building. Once in, there is step-free access to most parts of the building, including the Adventure Theatre, café, playground, garden and the adapted toilet. There is lift access to the Main Theatre.
There is one wheelchair available for customer use.
Wheelchair Users
The building has step-free access from street level and power-assisted doors are fitted throughout. Both theatre spaces are wheelchair accessible. The Main Theatre can cater for up to 4 wheelchairs in the front row, to the right of the stage. The Adventure Theatre can cater for up to 2 wheelchairs.
Toilet Facilities
An adapted toilet is located at the rear of the building.
