Access

Upcoming Access Performances

Facilities

All public and backstage areas of our theatre are accessible. We have level access to our Adventure Theatre, Clore Learning Studio, cafe, shop and outdoor play and garden spaces. There is a lift to our Main Theatre, The Nest (rehearsal and community space) and meeting room.  Staff are available to help at any time.

There are automatic doors at the front of the building and, once inside, there is step-free access to all levels and clear signage throughout the building.

We have gender-specific, all gender and accessible toilets for adults and children. Accessible toilets are on both levels of the building and we have right and left hand transfer options. We also have baby change facilities. 

Our Sensory Suite in the Clore Learning Studio is available for private hire as well as booked events. 

If you need a quiet space just let us know – we’ll help you to find it.

We can provide publicity in large print. Please email the marketing department here.

Assistance dogs are welcome at the theatre and we can take care of them for you during performances if necessary.

Access Tickets

We offer reduced rate tickets for those with access requirements, and a complimentary ticket for a companion/carer.  Please contact our ticketing team to discuss any access requirements and to book tickets, on 020 8543 4888, or email [email protected].  

A £1.50 transaction fee applies to online and phone bookings. 

Getting to Polka

Parking

Blue Badge holders may park on the single lines in front of the theatre for up to 3 hours.

Blue Badge holders can park in the Pay and Display bays near the theatre on Latimer Road and Bridges Road and there are two disabled spaces on Latimer Road.

Drop off is available at the front entrance.

Public Transport

Bus routes 57, 93, 131, & 219 stop approx 25 metres from Polka.

Wimbledon Mainline Station & Tube Station (District Line) are 800 metres from the theatre (approximately 10 minutes walking).  There are lifts from the platform to street level. 

A taxi rank can be found outside the main entrance of the station.

South Wimbledon Tube Station (Northern Line) is 700 metres from the theatre.

Accessible Performances

Audio Description

An Audio Described performance at Polka involves the opportunity to experience live commentary of the action on stage, suitable for audiences with visual impairments. A trained describer delivers commentary on the visual elements of the production via a headset provided via Box Office ahead of the show.

Touch Tours

There is a scheduled Touch Tour before Audio Described performances. People who are blind or have sight impairments can benefit from this service. This is a chance to meet the cast before the show, touch the stage and selected props to gain a sense of what will be happening on stage.

Touch Tours must be booked in advance with the Box Office and are subject to Covid safe restrictions.

These tours usually begin 30 minutes before the show starts. Family members of those wishing to attend the Touch Tour are also welcome.

BSL 

We offer British Sign Language interpreted performances for our Main Theatre and Adventure Theatre productions. There is a synopsis with pictures from the production and a BSL film clip to help when preparing to see the show. Both theatre auditoria are fitted with an induction loop system for hearing aid users.

Relaxed Performances

For both our Main Theatre and Adventure Theatre shows we offer at least one performance in the schedule that is a Relaxed Performance. Relaxed Performances are specifically aimed to appeal to families with children who are on the autism spectrum or have sensory sensitivities, or for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

To prepare you for your visit to Polka there is a synopsis with pictures from the production, this is to help you understand the story that you are about to see and to know what to expect. We adapt the show slightly by having fewer people watching the performance and you can also choose which seat you sit in.

The sound levels are slightly lowered and throughout the performance the auditorium will have the main lights dimmed instead of being in complete darkness. There is also a designated ‘chill-out area’ outside the auditorium that can be used at any time throughout the show.

Captioned Performances

We offer live captions across selected performances. Captioned performances are designed to assist those who are D/deaf, hearing-impaired, or feel they would benefit from being able to read the show’s dialogue.

Please contact us for more information on accessibility.

📧 [email protected]

Website Accessibility Tool

Our website uses Recite Me which is a web accessibility tool that allows you to customise the website in the way that works best for you.  The link for Recite Me can be found on the right hand side of the navigation bar – it’s labelled Access Tools.  And details on how to use it can found here.

Workshops

Groups for D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse individuals are eligible for our Arts Access scheme and can receive a free pre-show and post-show multi-sensory workshop if they book tickets to see the show.

Please contact us for more information.

📧 [email protected]