Polka Theatre nominated as UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre in the UK Theatre Awards

We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre as part of the 2024 UK Theatre Awards.

UK Theatre member venues were invited to apply for the coveted award, with applications judged on how welcoming each venue is in the areas of ‘place’, ‘people’ and ‘programme’. The panel considered everything from the venues’ buildings and commitment to accessibility, to outreach projects and interactions with theatregoers, staff, freelancers and the local community.

With applications from all over the UK, just three finalists were selected from a large number of submissions. A judging panel will visit the venues in person, meet staff and audiences, and tour the theatres and spaces to determine the overall winner.

For nearly 45 years, Polka has been a pillar of the local community in Wimbledon, Merton and beyond, offering a safe and inclusive space for children to experience the magic of theatre. Since reopening in 2021 following a major capital development, the building has welcomed thousands of audiences and workshop participants with improved access across the whole venue, and provides a free, warm and creative space for anyone to enjoy.

We are honoured to have received this nomination, which recognises the amazing hard work from all the Polka Staff team, volunteers, supporters and artists, and to be shortlisted alongside two other brilliant venues, Hall for Cornwall and Octagon Theatre, Bolton.

Helen Matravers, Artistic Director & Joint CEO of Polka Theatre, said:

“We are over the moon to be nominated for this award. Polka is a truly unique venue, and we strive to be inclusive, accessible, inspiring and welcoming in everything we do. Polka belongs to so many: to our local community, to young audiences who crucially help shape our offer, to magic-weaving freelance artists, to schools, nurseries and families, and to our brilliant staff and volunteer teams who work so incredibly hard – we’re so delighted that this nomination celebrates all of them!”

Claire Walker & Hannah Essex, Co-CEOs of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, said:

“Local theatres make a vital contribution to the cultural, social and economic health of communities across the UK. It’s fantastic to celebrate the theatres that are going above and beyond to provide a welcoming space for audiences, community groups and creatives. With a huge array of brilliant theatres to choose from, we know how competitive this category was, and want to thank everyone who put themselves forward.”

The winner will be revealed at the UK Theatre Awards, set to take place on Sunday 20 October at 8 Northumberland Avenue.