1. Polka Theatre
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out
  2. Polka Theatre
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out
  3. Polka Theatre
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out
  4. Polka Theatre
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out
  5. Polka Theatre
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out

Polka Theatre

  • Theatre | Private theatres
  • Wimbledon
Amy Houghton
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Time Out says

What is it?

This exceptional young person’s theatre has earned its place in generations of young hearts since it launched in 1979. With a 300-capactiy auditorium and a 70-seat studio, the Wimbledon theatre stages in-house productions, workshops and storytelling sessions for families and schools. It also houses a creative learning studio, exhibition spaces, a sensory play area, a cafe and a garden. 

Why go? 

To let your kids’ imaginations run wild. Among more than 40 years of shows, Polka has put on hip-hop interpretations of Shakespeare, hosted literary events with children’s authors like Jacqueline Wilson and showcased a stage adaptation of the Panchatantra Indian fables.

Don’t miss 

The Saturday Club at Polka held the first Saturday of every month. It’s dedicated to getting the whole family involved in activities that have ranged from puppet-making and music workshops to creative cooking and interactive storytelling. 

When to visit 

Open Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 9.30am-5pm. Closed Mondays. 

Ticket info 

Polka is free to access but the price of tickets for shows will vary. 

Time Out tip 

Polka puts a lot of work into the making sure theatre is accessible to everyone. So parents will be glad to know that it offers audio described, BSL, and captioned performances and relaxed shows adapted for children with sensory sensitivities. 

Details

Address
240 The Broadway
London
SW19 1SB
Transport:
Tube: South Wimbledon
Price:
Free entry; show prices vary
Opening hours:
Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 9.30am-5pm. Closed Mondays.
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What’s on

Sisters 360

Asif Khan’s new play for tweens (ages eight to 12) is based on the story of a trio of hijab-wearing skateboarder sisters from Hull. In this fictionalised version there are just two sisters, and they’re from Bradford, and there’s a little more drama in the mix: Fatima and Salima and half-sisters, and there’s talk of their parents going their seperate ways, much to the horror of the skate-mad duo.
  • Children's

Chicken Licken

The sky is falling in and you just know Chicken Licken is going to tell the king about it. Sarah Brigham’s new stage adaptation of the beloved if probably darker-than-you-remember-it fable about an innocent young chicken and his poultry pals who panic when an acorn falls from a tree and may or may not get eaten by a fox at the end depending on what route wrieter-director Brigham takes in this Polka Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Derby Theatre co-production aimed at ages three to seven.
  • Children's

Let’s Build!

Two aspiring builders are determined to get the job done. There’s only one slight problem: they’ve never built anything before. You can join in too in this interactive building adventure for ages two to five with a play and build session included.
  • Children's

The Vanishing Forest

Aimed at older primary school children, The Vanishing Forest from English Touring Opera is a kids’ opera sequel to A Midsummer Night’s Dream in which Puck and his fairy crew must find Oberon and Titania and put an end to the deforestation around Athens that is robbing them of their magic. For ages seven to 12.
  • Children's
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