Polka is proud to be a community hub for Merton.
We are an inclusive place for children to explore their creativity, share their ideas and connect with their families, peers and the world around them.
Through our community initiatives, members of our diverse local community are invited to experience live theatre and participate in creative workshops, and our Polka Invites membership scheme.
If you would like your community organisation to get involved, please contact our community team.
With thanks to Banham Foundation for supporting the delivering of Outreach Workshops.
Upcoming Community Workshops
Join us at Vestry Hall for two storytelling sessions this Easter Holidays!
Wednesday 1 April
10 – 11am → Ages 0-3
11.15am – 12.15pm → Ages 4-8
Community in the Clore
Every Thursday morning between 11am and 12.30pm, our Clore Learning Studio is available for free use.
You could host a Stay and Play, training or guest speaker event. Please contact Chusi to discuss the needs of your group.
Community Workshops
Looking for a Community workshop to inspire and engage your group of children and young people? Whether that’s at your Community venue or at Polka Theatre, our expert team of actors, directors, storytellers and puppeteers can create a tailor-made workshop just for you.
We work with a wide range of organisations delivering workshops locally and across London. These organisations include but are not limited to Merton Children’s Centres, Merton and Wandsworth Sensory Support Services, Commonside Community Development Trust, with families living in temporary accommodation, HAF groups, local library services in Merton and Sutton and The British Library.
We can work with groups of up to 30 participants per workshop and will work with you to support the group’s needs as appropriate.
If you would like to book a community workshop, or if you have any further questions and would like to discuss the needs of your group, please contact our community team using the button below.
‘I loved it. It was very fun and interactive!’– Workshop participant
‘Today was just lovely. The children and parents had a fantastic time. It was magical!’– Community Co-ordinator
Community Projects
‘Chicken Licken’ Community Day
On Saturday 5 April we held a community day at Deen City Farm, inspired by our Spring 2025 production ‘Chicken Licken’. Families were welcomed to the sunny farm and took part in free activities such as sensory storytelling, puppet making and felt arts and crafts. They were also able to take part in the farm trails, meet the many animals and join in a musical parade!
“It was a joyful and lovely event! The children loved it and for us, parents it was very relaxing because the location is safe and magical at the same time. All the staff did an amazing job! Thank you so much!“
‘Tidy’ Community Project
On Saturday 16 March we held a community day in Wandle Park, Colliers Wood inspired by our Spring 2024 production Tidy. With local artist Tim Norris, a willow sculpture was made of Tidy’s lead character, Pete the Badger, which families were invited to help weave. As well as this, free activities such as pebble painting, mask making, litter picking and an eco-tail were offered. A special thank you to Groundwork London, who where able to offer a bat box building workshop at the event. Approximately 600 people took part in various aspect of the event across the day.
“Nothing other than amazing. Perfect for the family. The children enjoyed it so much and so nice to include nature. The activities were plenty and for all ages too. We still have our rocks displayed in the garden. The staff were friendly and worked incredibly hard for us to enjoy, so thank you from us.”