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 given away to Polka shows each year through our Curtain Up! programme. This is for children from London-wide from schools with high numbers from disadvantaged backgrounds. For 90% of children coming to Curtain Up! show at Polka this is their first ever theatre visit.
1,000+ free tickets given away each year to theatre shows, workshops and events to children and families across Merton and surrounding boroughs who are struggling with numerous and diverse life challenges. This programme is called Polka Invites and participants join via referrals and 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 including young carers and many who find challenges in their school environment. Freefalling has been running for an incredible 19 years and boosts young people’s confidence, happiness and communication skills in a supportive network outside the school environment where they can make friends with others in similar situations.
An array of accessible theatre productions for children and families who are disabled or with 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.