Polka wins UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award

Last month, we were overjoyed to be announced as the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre at the 2024 UK Theatre Awards.

We were honoured to have been selected as the winner of this coveted award and to have been nominated alongside two other brilliant venues, Hall for Cornwall and Octagon Theatre, Bolton.

With applications from all over the UK, Polka was selected back in August as one of three finalists with applications judged on how welcoming each venue is in the areas of ‘place’, ‘people’ and ‘programme’.

A panel of judges then visited each nominee venue, met with staff and audiences and toured each space to determine the winner. Applications considered everything from the venues’ buildings and commitment to accessibility, to outreach projects and interactions with theatregoers, staff, freelancers and the local community.

For nearly 45 years, Polka has been a pillar of the local community in Wimbledon, Merton and beyond, offering a safe and inclusive space for children to experience the magic of theatre. Since reopening in 2021 following a major capital development, the building has welcomed thousands of audiences and workshop participants with improved access across the whole venue, and provides a free, warm and creative space for anyone to enjoy.

This award is nothing but a testament to our team of staff, volunteers, artists, young people and supporters who make Polka the magical place it is. Thank you!

Claire Walker & Hannah Essex, Co-CEOs of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, said:

“This year’s UK Theatre Awards ceremony has been a truly joyful celebration and a real testament to the quality and diversity of the work that our members do both on and off the stage and in their local communities. We are constantly in awe of the resilience, creativity and ambition that we witness across the four nations.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and thank you to our sponsors and partners for their support. We are thrilled to have celebrated another year of phenomenal UK theatre with you all.”