What’s happening Merton...
We are proud to be a community hub for Merton. A place where children can connect with their family, peers and the wider world around them. Polka provides an inclusive place to create, share your voice and enjoy activities close to home.
Members of our diverse local community are invited to participate and experience live theatre, through creative projects, both on and off site, and our Polka Invites membership scheme that enable access to new audiences. Polka’s workshops, including storytelling sessions, puppet making and devised plays, are delivered in a variety of settings including Children’s Centres, libraries, community centres, church halls and temporary accommodation for families.
If you would like your community organisation to get involved or would like information about how to refer a family onto Polka Invites, please contact Community Engagement Manager, Fran Chabrel by 📧 email
Community Projects
Let’s Build! Community project
In March 2023 children from Abbey Pre-School, South Wimbledon, and Acacia Pre-School, Mitcham, took part in Polka’s community project, inspired by Let’s Build! You can read all about the community project here.
100 Selfies
100 Selfies was a project that took place in various community locations in South London during Summer 2021. 100 children were given a box containing art and craft resources, which they used to create a self-portrait. These 100 images have been collated together to form a large image of a figure jumping, on the wall of the café which matches similar figures in the building. The project was linked to our reopening productions, Maanika and the Wolf and RED, which were both inspired by the story of Little Red Riding Hood. During two drama workshops, the children explored this story, considering how characters are represented and possible reinterpretations of this well-known tale.
We worked in partnership with Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Christian Care, Commonside Community Development Trust, Hall Place, Liberty Primary School, Carers Support Merton, Young Carers, Polka Young Voices, Polish Families Association, South London Refuge Assocation (SLRA), Sutton African Caribbean Cultural Organisation (SACCO).
Families from these organisations, who took part in the project, were offered tickets to see Maanika and the Wolf and RED.
Do you have an idea for a creative project? We could work together to deliver drama, puppetry, dance or craft workshops with young people or families in your community. Please get in touch with Fran Chabrel, Community Engagement Manager to discuss further.
‘The workshop was very interactive. My son enjoyed himself. He was able to be his confident self.’– Parent
Community in the Clore
Every Thursday morning between 11am and 12pm, our Clore Learning Studio is available for free use.
You could host a Stay and Play, training or guest speaker event. Please contact Fran to discuss the needs of your group.
Library Events
Coming to a library near you
We work with Merton Libraries every summer to deliver creative workshops and free family events in libraries right across the Borough.
Please check with your local library for upcoming events.