As a charity, every donation to Polka makes a difference.
Your support helps all children experience and access Polka’s productions and workshops in our welcoming venue that young people can call their own.
Here are some of the programmes and opportunities made possible thanks to the support of our Polka family.
9,000+ free theatre tickets to Polka shows each year through Curtain Up! This is for children from London-wide schools with high numbers from disadvantaged backgrounds. For 90% of children, this is their first ever theatre visit.
1,000+ free tickets each year to Polka shows, workshops and events for local families who are struggling with life challenges, through Polka Invites. Participants join via referrals and local partnerships with refugee groups, children’s centres, SEND groups, homestart and other associations.
A free weekly drama club called Freefalling for young people in Merton from vulnerable backgrounds. Freefalling has been running for an incredible 19 years and boosts confidence, happiness and communication skills in a supportive network outside the school environment.
Accessible theatre productions for children and families who are disabled or have additional needs to help everyone experience live theatre on an even footing. This includes Relaxed Performances, British Sign Language, Audio Described and more.
Free tailor-made access workshops for children from special educational needs schools and centres to ensure their Polka experience is easy, enjoyable and impactful.
An intensive free programme called Write Here Write Now with London-wide primary schools to inspire a love of storytelling and creative writing through drama for children aged 7-9 who are struggling with low confidence and poor literacy levels.
Offering Polka as a ‘Merton warm space’ that is free for everyone to visit 6 days a week for 50 weeks of the year with a free play area with dressing up, colouring activities, reading corner and two gardens with play equipment.
Opportunities for Merton community groups to use our meeting rooms and facilities free of charge every Thursday.
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