About Us

Polka is the home of Children’s Theatre – a ground-breaking company with an international reputation, a national reach and a local heart.

An outside shot of the Polka Theatre at night lit up.

We opened our doors in 1979 as the UK’s first theatre venue dedicated exclusively to children.

We deliver a year-round programme of exceptional and exciting new theatre and creative learning opportunities for 0-12 year olds.

Alongside this, we showcase international productions, offer a home to touring children’s theatre companies and support diverse artists to develop new work for children. 

We produce between 7-10 productions each year, with selected shows touring to children across the UK and internationally in schools, libraries, community and theatre spaces.

Polka has always led the way in inclusive practice. We were the first venue to create what we now widely know as a Relaxed Performance back in 2006 and continue to include a range of accessible performances in our year-round programme.

About Polka

  • Polka has free-to-access indoor and outdoor play spaces, plus a shop and cafe for everyone to enjoy. Open year-round, it is a safe and registered warm space, where everyone is welcome and creative inspiration is just around the corner.

    Polka has reimagined what a dedicated children’s theatre could and should be, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our Wimbledon home.

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  • We empower children to navigate their world through inspirational theatre and creative experiences.

    We improve children’s lives, bringing communities together, and creating ground-breaking theatre.

    Child-centred
    Placing children at the heart of everything Polka does

    Community
    Engaging our diverse communities of children, families, educationalists and artists

    Excellent
    Pioneering, adventurous, offering the highest quality

    Memorable
    Creating magical, meaningful experiences

    Inclusive
    Welcoming, accessible, nurturing, supportive, representative

  • Our major redevelopment in 2019-21 radically overhauled our building’s environmental impact, including a range of improvements such as:

      • Solar panels on the roof
      • Improved thermal efficiency
      • LED lights throughout

    We are continuing to improve the sustainability of the older parts of the building. In 2022 we installed 30kWp more solar PV on our main roof and in 2025 we refurbished our Y C Chan Theatre, radically improving energy efficiency by installing double glazing and upgrading electrical infrastructure.

    In 2025, 35% of the electricity we used was provided by our solar PV panels. Our electric van also helps reduce our transport impact. In our sensory garden, our community gardener involves volunteers in planting and maintenance, as well as working with our Creative Learning team to deliver green activities with children outdoors during our participation clubs. Our staff Green Team are always looking for new ways to improve the environmental impact of what we do at our theatre venue in london.

Explore Polka Theatre