November 2021
Cinderella the awesome truth!
*This show has been temporarily paused until 2nd January 2022. Think you know the story of Cinderella? Well, let Polka Theatre introduce Cindy and Ella: the REAL ugly sisters. Cindy wants to be rich and famous and is glued to her phone. Ella’s been practising her kickboxing and just wants to have FUN. When they meet a Prince who isn’t so charming and a fairy godmother who’s not what she seems, Ella must save her sister from a terrible fate before midnight…
Find out more »January 2022
Ready Steady Go
A production by Polka Theatre; the UK’s first theatre designed specifically for 0-12 year olds. When Sofia discovers a mountain bike in the boarded-up shed at the bottom of her garden, she doesn’t realise the thrilling adventures that await her. Join Sofia and her Mum as they travel across mountains and lakes, through day and night, in a race like no other. Created by Polka’s Artistic Director, this is a gentle show for younger children which introduces different natural environments and…
Find out more »February 2022
The Singing Mermaid
A production by Polka Theatre; the UK’s first theatre designed specifically for 0-12 year olds, based in Wimbledon. The singing mermaid is tempted away to join a travelling circus, with the promise of a life of excitement (and her own swimming pool!). The audience loves her singing but soon she finds she’s been tricked by the dastardly circus master. Will she ever escape? And who will help her along the way? A cast of three performers, beautiful puppets and music…
Find out more »Half Term Workshops
Singing Mermaid Travels A drama and movement workshop, inspired by the Singing Mermaid production, explores the tale of a poor mermaid who is tempted away from all of her sea creature friends to join a travelling circus. Dates: Tuesday 15th February Times: 10am - 12pm & 2 - 4pm Ages: 4 - 6 years Lights, Camera, Action Led by a professional director, this workshop looks at the skills and techniques used when acting in front of the camera. Dates:…
Find out more »The Gingerbread Man
A production by Polka Theatre; the UK’s first theatre designed specifically for 0-12 year olds. Imagine being born in an oven and the first person you meet wants to dunk you in his tea! Come and see the adventure of the deliciously-smelling Gingerbread Man and meet the bravest biscuit of all time! Stuff and Nonsense apply their usual brilliance with a mix of puppetry, live-action, great music, humour and a stunning staging of this well-loved classic tale. Suitable for 3+ (no scary…
Find out more »March 2022
Josephine
A production by Polka Theatre; the UK’s first theatre designed specifically for 0-12 year olds. Josephine Baker. The little girl from Missouri who became an original 20th Century icon. Dancer, actor, activist, campaigner, spy and mother to the multicultural Rainbow Tribe, Josephine broke the mould and high-kicked the pieces to the kerb. But, almost 50 years after her death, Café Josephine, a down-at-heel New York diner dedicated to her memory, faces closure. Nobody remembers Josephine, who she was, what she did,…
Find out more »How To Hide A Lion
A production by Polka Theatre; the UK’s first theatre designed specifically for 0-12 year olds. Helen Stephens’ rip-roaring story about hiding a lion and finding a friend. When a lion is chased out of town, a young girl helps him find somewhere to hide. It’s not easy – lions are too big, too fluffy and too heavy! Join Iris on a mission to squeeze and squash her furry new friend into a variety of sneaky spots, as Helen Stephens’ magical book…
Find out more »April 2022
Plastic Drastic Fantastic
Plastic... is it friend or foe? Remarkable or rubbish? Helpful or harmful? Akademi presents Plastic Drastic Fantastic a new dance show exploring our complex relationship - from the molecular to the planetary - with all things plastic. Using the medium of South Asian dance, intricate movements, play and lots of interaction, Plastic Drastic Fantastic draws on stories and ideas from children and young people to disentangle the fantastic possibilities that plastics offer us, from the drastic consequences of their misuse. Plastic Drastic Fantastic is a vibrant,…
Find out more »Baby & Children Workshops
Polka Theatre is one of the few theatres in the UK dedicated exclusively to children. Polka creates world-class theatre to entertain & inspire young people. They run a series of brilliant workshops for babies, toddlers, children and teens, that are designed to develop creative skills and support children’s learning. Workshops often include exploratory play, drama, movement, songs, storytelling, plus lots more! See the full list of workshops and activities happening at Polka Theatre here. Upcoming events include: Saturday…
Find out more »The Emperor’s New Clothes
Hiccup Theatre bring you the greatest fake news story ever told! It’s Dress up and Play Day! The Emperor likes nothing more than a fashion parade and you are all invited to Ooh and Ahh at his latest eye-popping outfit. Meet the vain Emperor, the pandering advisors who offer uncritical support, and the crowd, who fail to recognize the truth, preferring lies to flourish. Hilarious and heartwarming, magical and musical...it’s a stylish treat for all the family. The award-winning Hiccup Theatre spin…
Find out more »May 2022
Glisten
Glisten is an interactive performance for babies aged 0-18 months and their grown-ups. The audience is taken on a sparkling and shimmering immersive journey exploring the world of reflective materials, wrapped up in an ambient soundscape of evocative yet laid-back music. Watch as the empty space of the theatre fills with colour, sounds and surprises, creating a sensory landscape ready to explore after the performance is over. Performances Wednesday - Sunday: 10.45am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm Duration Approx. 20 mins plus free-play…
Find out more »The Paper Dolls
When a little girl makes a string of paper dolls, she takes them by the hand on a fantastical adventure. Whirling through the home and garden, they fly through the air, until they are confronted with some very sharp scissors... Adapted from the acclaimed picture book created by former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson with award-winning illustration by Rebecca Cobb, The Paper Dolls comes to life with stunning puppetry and original music in Polka Theatre’s much-loved production. This play is based on the original book The Paper…
Find out more »Snow White
In a wild and windswept land, far, far away, a cruel Queen is assured by her magic mirror that her beauty surpasses all others. Until one day, the mirror proclaims that Snow White is the fairest in the land... Join the charmingly cheerful heroine as she escapes her hilariously homicidal stepmother with help from a family of feisty woods-dwelling, banjo-strumming, washboard-wearing vegans. This joyful retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale is about growing up, growing old, growing your…
Find out more »Wilder than Midnight Book Launch
Join Polka for a FREE reading and book signing to celebrate the launch of Polka Patron Cerrie Burnell’s new book, Wilder Than Midnight at 1.15pm on Sat 28 May. Wilder than Midnight is a bold and evocative adventure centred around sisterhood and the power of myths and storytelling, perfect for middle grade readers aged 9 and above. Set deep in an enchanted forest, the atmospheric story offers a fresh spin on classic fairy tales and is perfect for fans of Kiran Millwood-Hargrave…
Find out more »June 2022
The Pirate, The Princess and the platypus
Once upon a time, there was a pirate who wanted to be a princess, a princess who wanted to be a pirate and a platypus who was happy being exactly themselves! Join The Polka Theatre this summer for a brand new comic fairy-tale adventure for children and their grown-ups, about choosing your destiny, discovering your identity, and finding your friends. Let them take you to a magical musical world of pirate kings, queens, frogs, tall towers and shipwrecks; of French…
Find out more »August 2022
Polka Theatre- Big Dreams Festival
Something special is coming to Polka this summer! Join Polka Theatre for an exciting programme of theatre, events, plus plenty of fun free activities for the kids, at Polka’s first BIG DREAMS Early Years Theatre Festival. Be immersed in an Irish performance in the morning, scintillated by a Swedish show in the afternoon, and unwind with a treat from our café whilst the kids are entertained in our play space and plethora of free activities! (Including face painting, glitter tattoos…
Find out more »October 2022
Wimbledon International Short Film Festival
Wimbledon Shorts is dedicated to showcasing new and innovative work in film and video from around the world. Wimbledon International Short Film Festival is back as a live event, once again on the 8th of October at London’s Polka Theatre. Wimbledon Shorts – Wimbledon International Short Film Festival Tickets are selling fast - grab yours now to get a chance to watch an incredible selection of emerging filmmakers’ shorts spanning fiction, documentary, and animation films.
Find out more »Tutankhamun’s Shoes
English Touring Opera takes families on a new adventure to Ancient Egypt and the Roaring Twenties. The opera will be an interactive and participatory experience where children will get to meet Tutankhamun himself, and other surprising characters along the way while learning about the ancient world, archaeology, mummification and more. Written by new ETO General Director, Robin Norton-Hale and composed by Rosabella Gregory. Performances Wed 19 - Sun 23 Oct Duration Approx. 55 mins
Find out more »Little Manfred
Based on the book by Sir Michael Morpurgo. It is the summer of 1966. Charley and her little brother Alex are walking their dog Manfred on the beach when they notice two older men staring out to sea. A chance encounter brings them together. Slowly, Charley and Alex learn of their mother’s past, and of the friendships that can be formed in difficult circumstances. In 1945, their farmstead home was a posting for German prisoners of war, and their mother Grace…
Find out more »Oldilocks and the 3 Bears
One winter, Oldilocks finds a teddy bear in the park and remembers a delicious bowl of porridge she tasted years ago in the woods. Something else happened but she can’t quite remember what… so she sets off for the forest. Will she find the bears house and what will happen then? A wonderfully funny and warm-hearted celebration of the classic story starring a naughty old lady who looks very familiar… and 3 funny bears who love their breakfast. Garlic Theatre hold their…
Find out more »November 2022
Underwater
A dance theatre show for babies and their grown ups. Come with us on a magical journey into the deep blue sea in this beautiful dance theatre piece, created especially for babies aged 0-2 and their parents or carers. A ballerina wakes from a dreamy sleep and finds herself in the ocean, a comforting world of blue lights and bubbles. As she explores her gorgeous new home, she meets an octopus – and the pair quickly form a loving friendship…
Find out more »Crackers- A Family Festive Farce
Meet The Crackers. They’re trying to get ready for Christmas Day, but it’s not easy when the family pet shop is going out of business, Great Gran’s expecting a visit from royalty and Napoleon the rat is on the loose. Performances Sat 19 Nov - Sun 15 Jan Previews (Times vary) Sat 19 Nov - Sun 20 Nov Access Performances Audio Described: Sun 11 Dec, 2.30pm BSL: Sun 8 Jan, 2.30pm & Wed 11 Jan, 1.45pm (Schools performance) Relaxed:…
Find out more »December 2022
Grandad, Me and Teddy Too
Join The Polka Theatre as they transform our Adventure Theatre into a wintry world of imagination with magic carpet rides, journeys to the northern lights and a twinkly, snowy garden in a show made especially for ages 2-5. Mia loves her Grandad very much. He lives far away, on the other side of the world, but finally, he’s coming to visit and Mia’s excitement is growing. When Grandad arrives he brings with him adventurous stories and games which set Mia’s…
Find out more »January 2023
Saturday Club
Join The Polka Theatre for a fun creative session for all the family to enjoy together. Take part in an exciting and varied programme of activities. For more details visit their website: https://polkatheatre.com/event/saturday-club/.
Find out more »February 2023
Jack V Giant
Jack v Giant is an exciting new musical, created by Peter Glanville and Barb Jungr, the team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion. Based on the classic fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk, it tells the story of Jack, a brave young girl, who sells the family cow in return for magic beans and climbs the beanstalk to face the Giant. With an evocative set design by Laura McEwen, and beautiful puppets by Keith Frederick, join Jack on an unforgettable…
Find out more »Rise and Fall
Come and explore an ecosystem of balloons: universes in miniature. In Rise and Fall you’ll meet all manner of balloons from small floating moons to vast bouncing orbs. Forever expanding and contracting, balloons are free to float, fly and sway. Hold your breath and go sailing away. Rise and Fall is a poetic and intriguing performance for young audiences about holding on and letting go. At the end of the show you can take your own balloon home with you! A gentle and relaxing show…
Find out more »March 2023
Wellness 2023: Get Grounded
A wellness retreat for women in Wimbledon. Wellness Service 2023 by Go Inspire UK Saturday 4th of March. Starting at 2pm in Polka Theatre Wimbledon £10 donation BYO - Yoga Mat - Water Bottle - Cup for Cacao Ceremony - A blanket or something warm.
Find out more »The Singing Mermaid
The singing mermaid is tempted away to join a travelling circus, with the promise of a life of excitement (and her own swimming pool!). The audience loves her singing but soon she finds she’s been tricked by the dastardly circus master. Will she ever escape? And who will help her along the way? A cast of three performers, beautiful puppets and music & songs by Barb Jungr (We’re Going On A Bear Hunt) bring Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved story to life. This play…
Find out more »April 2023
Let’s Build!
Calling all builders, makers and shakers of the future. We are building somewhere new to live, that the world has never seen before. Can you help us? Use your imagination to discover objects and textures as they come to life. An interactive performance for 2-5-year-olds, exploring the places where we live, how they are made and how they change. Performances Sat 1 Apr - Sun 21 May Duration Approx. 60 mins Access Performances BSL: Sat 22 Apr 3.30pm Relaxed:…
Find out more »Spring Fashion Celebration
Hello Spring!!! A celebration of Spring Fashion, Women and Sustainability in Wimbledon!!! Wellness Service: Spring Fashion Celebration Sponsored by Centre Court Shopping When? Saturday 1st of April from 2 to 5pm. Where? Polka Theatre, Wimbledon GO Inspire UK is partnering with Sophia Lorimer to offer you the ultimate sustainable fashion experience in the heart of Wimbledon. Join us for an afternoon of fun, surrounded by local likeminded women. Mingle and refresh your closet for FREE!!! Tickets are £10…
Find out more »The Lost Spells
Journey with us into the wild world… A girl with no name finds a magical book of spells that conjures up a wild world. Moths appear from nowhere; Owls light up the dark; a Red Fox leads the way down a rabbit hole to a brand-new wonderland. As she journeys on a fantastical adventure like no other, she meets a host of wonderful characters on a quest to find that which was once lost. A fun, wild and boisterous adventure…
Find out more »Planning for your Future
Planning for your Future' is an event aimed at those aged 50-65. An opportunity to enjoy a wonderful evening at the Polka Theatre! Join the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon for one of Age UK Merton's most ambitious and special events. We are thrilled to announce that a number of professional services will be attending to give advice on everything to help you grow old with more peace of mind. So far, we have confirmed that the following organisations will…
Find out more »May 2023
The Everywhere Bear – Polka Theatre
One small bear’s big adventure... The Everywhere Bear has a wonderful time with the children in Class One, but one day he gets more than he bargained for when he falls unnoticed from a backpack and embarks on his own big adventure! He’s washed down a drain and whooshed out to sea, rescued by a fishing boat, loaded onto a lorry, carried off by a seagull... how will he ever make it back to Class One? This captivating and beautiful…
Find out more »July 2023
Hairy – Polka Theatre
Hairy is the first show created specially for young people by Spymonkey, the UK’s longest-running comedy theatre company. It will have few words and great generous dollops of bold visual comedy. Comedy-meets-rock-band-meets-punk-clown-mayhem, Hairy is a playful and frankly laughable exploration of that most versatile and significant feature of human anatomy. Hair seems to be everywhere! And sprouting in the most unlikely places! Hair to be styled, waxed, fashioned, shaved, plucked, jeri-curled, dreadlocked and shorn. Hair to be striking, funny, scary, surprising, gorgeous and greasy.…
Find out more »Polka Youth Theatre Summer School
Budding actors can spend a week training and working with a professional Theatre Director Mark Stevenson to explore a variety of drama techniques, learn new skills and create a new piece of theatre that will be performed for family and friends!
Find out more »August 2023
Summer Fun Day
Join the Polka Theatre for a Summer Fun Day! Free fun activities for the whole family. Join them for face painting, glitter tattoos, colouring, activities, dressing-up and more. No ticket required! Saturday 12 August from 9.30am - 5pm.
Find out more »toooB
Introducing toooB, a curious and friendly shape-shifting creature. She’s not quite sure where she’s landed but she’d love to meet and play with you. toooB is an enchanting wordless show for 6-24 month olds and their grown ups. A gentle sensory adventure with an original soundtrack, captivating movement and interactive fun and games; toooB is a perfect introduction to theatre and dance for the very young and includes a stay and play session with the performer.
Find out more »