Polka is the home of Children’s Theatre – a ground-breaking company with an international reputation, a national reach and a local heart.
We opened our doors in 1979 as the UK’s first theatre venue dedicated exclusively to children. We devlier 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 Relaxed Performance back in 2006 and continue to include a range of accessible performances in our year-round programme.
As well as our carefully curated programme of shows and workshops, 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 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.
Mission & Values
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.
Our Values are:
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 Impact
Between April 2024 – March 2025:
- Over 145,000 individual children and adults experienced Polka’s work
- There were approximately 125,000 visits to our free play areas
- We created 9 productions and co-productions and welcomed 21 top visiting theatre companies – taking one of our Early Years productions to Visioni festival in Bologna
- Over 20,800 people participated in our Creative Learning programmes, across 1,326 events
- 98 individual volunteers gave their time through our formal volunteering programme, with 4,810 hours volunteered
- We delivered 37 adapted show
- We gave out 9,988 tickets for free via our Curtain Up!, Polka Invites and Community Projects funded schemes
- 29,548.6kWh were generated from our solar panels, enough to power 11 average homes
Sustainability
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.
Child Protection Policy
As a venue dedicated to children, the safety and protection of children are paramount. Our Board of Trustees and all staff employed by Polka Theatre have a duty of care to children and young people who visit our theatre and attend our activities. We recognise our commitment to safeguard and promote children’s welfare and follow a policy of best practice that protects them.
People
Meet our team of staff, trustees, advisory council and patrons