Polka Theatre annouces further shows to complete their Spring/Summer Season, plus Festive 25/26 productions

Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive Helen Matravers, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive Lynette Shanbury, and the whole team at the Wimbledon venue are pleased to announce further details of new shows coming to Polka in 2025. This season at Polka offers a varied and diverse programme of theatre and dance, as the theatre continues its mission to empower, inspire and ensure theatre is accessible for all children in its 45th year. The Artists coming to Polka across this season, both international and UK-based makers, showcase the very best in imaginative staging, empathetic storytelling and joyful play.

Julie Sharkey Productions brings An Ant Called Amy to Polka’s Adventure Theatre, a charming and moving story about a busy little ant who works too hard and learns to slow down. Written and performed by Julie Sharkey, directed by Raymond Keane and supported by Culture Ireland, the show will run from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 February and is recommended for ages 5-8 years.

Following a hugely successful run in 2023, Polka Theatre’s Let’s Build, directed by Trina Haldar, returns to the Adventure Theatre. Come on an interactive adventure following two very curious builders as they work together exploring textures, objects and materials, transforming them into wonderful creations that come to life. Running from Saturday 10 May – Sunday 29 June, recommended for ages 2-5 years.

Written as a continuation of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, English Touring Opera’s The Vanishing Forest uses spells and puppetry to educate and inspire children on the issue of deforestation, through a brand-new Shakespeare-infused opera. With music by Michael Betteridge and written by Jonathan Ainscough, follow Puck, Cassie and Mylas in their quest to find Oberon and Titania, stop the felling and restore the wonder to the beautiful Forest of Arden. Running in Polka’s Main Theatre from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, with all performances captioned, this production is recommended for ages 7-12 years.

Based on Jon Klassen’s beloved books; ‘I Want My Hat Back’, ‘This is Not My Hat’ and ‘We Found A Hat’, Little Angel Theatre presents the first ever UK tour of I Want My Hat Back Trilogy. Showcasing their trademark cardboard designs, Ian Nicholson and Sam Wilde give new life to favourites including Bear, Little Fish and the Turtles, all making an appearance in this one-of-a-kind trilogy. Recommended for ages 3-8 years, the show will run Wednesday 9 July – Sunday 10 August in the Adventure Theatre.

Announcing their festive 25/26 shows, Polka Theatre presents a brand-new production of The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, based on the award-winning book by Philip Pullman. Directed by Lee Lyford, the story follows Lila who 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, Lila must face friend and foe on her illuminating journey of self-discovery. Aimed for ages 6-12 years, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter will run in the Main Theatre from Saturday 15 November 2025 – Sunday 18 January 2026.

From Saturday 29 November 2025 to Sunday 25 January 2026, Polka Theatre, in association with Birmingham Rep and Little Angel Theatre, welcomes The Snowflake, based on the much-loved book by Benji Davies. Directed and adapted by Matt Aston, The Snowflake tells the tale of a snowflake, a little girl and her Pappie – all longing for their own special place in the world. This festive production offers the perfect introduction to theatre for audiences aged 3–6 years.

These shows are in addition to the previously announced 2025 shows: the stage premiere of Sir Lenny Henry’s The Boy With Wings (21 June – 16 August), brand new take on a classic tale The PEA and The Princess (15 February – 30 March), new skateboarding production directed by Asif Khan Sisters 360 (22 March – 27 April), widely accessible Chicken Licken (5 April – 11 May), sensory comedy for babies Whipped Up! (12 – 16 February), interactive and creative adventure Boxville (19 – 23 February), rhythmic and musical play Sandscape (28 February – 2 March), and emotive dance piece Chiffonnade (6 – 9 March).

Artistic Director Helen Matravers said, “I am over the moon that we have been able to honour Polka’s rich history with presenting international work, with An Ant Called Amy, Chiffonnade and Sandscape. ETO’s The Vanishing Forest is a wonderful introduction to opera, a nod to Shakespeare’s magic and addresses environmental considerations, while Little Angel Theatre’s brilliant I Want My Hat Back Trilogy will be a gorgeous puppetry-filled production for younger audiences over the Summer. Returning after a wonderful and very popular initial outing in 2023, Let’s Build will see the Adventure Theatre become a playground for the most vivid imaginations, and premiering an adaptation of Sir Lenny Henry’s The Boy With Wings is a brilliant way to celebrate Polka’s 45 years of creating exceptional and magical moments on stage.

It also feels amazing to be announcing our festive productions for next year! Philip Pullman wrote a “mind blowing” version of “Frankenstein” for Polka Theatre in 1988. The poster of it greets you half-way up the stairs in the building, giving audiences a glimpse into the magical theatre history that has already trodden the steps they are now venturing up. I am so delighted that children will see this en-route to The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, where their own moment of Polka history is about to be made. Whilst downstairs in the Adventure Theatre, our younger audiences will get the chance to experience some festive magic in the gorgeous adaption of Benji Davies’ The Snowflake.

It feels more important than ever that we give children the chance to truly escape into adventure, to discover worlds and cultures that they may never have encountered before, to understand their peers but also to build confidence in their own abilities and the powers of their own imaginations. I believe this season offers just that, for every child.”

Recognised in Autumn 2024 with UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award, Polka Theatre is one of just a handful of dedicated children’s venues in the UK. Re-opening in 2021 after a major renovation, Polka continues to present a year-round programme of shows produced by Polka and from visiting companies. Polka also offers a full programme of creative learning activities for ages 0–12, with over 21,000 children taking part in the last year. Polka enjoys flexible rehearsal and workshop spaces along with two performance spaces: the Main Theatre has a 300-seat capacity, and the Adventure Theatre can seat up to 90 depending on the show format.

Polka is a sustainably minded community hub and vital resource, open 6 days per week, 50 weeks per year at a challenging time, with step-free access, free-to-access play spaces and a cosy and welcoming café and shop.