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Polka Theatre


World class theatre for children.

Description

A theatre dedicated to producing ground-breaking work for children. Our autumn season is as follows.

27 Sept – 26 Oct
Polka Theatre and Tonic Theatre present
The Planet and Stuff (KS2 and KS3)
By Simon Daw, Joel Horwood and Lucy Kerbel
One simple question: ‘How can we solve climate change?’
Get ready for a frenzied, fun-packed, interactive adventure, as we tackle the debate that continues to outfox scientists and world leaders. From what’s going on up in the atmosphere to where that sweet wrapper in your pocket came from, and where it might end up, climate change takes centre stage. Part live science demo, part hyperactive game show, The Planet and Stuff is the straight-talking climate change event with all the answers. Exploding with fun, facts and audience participation, this show will give you lots to talk about, and has been specifically created for ages 9 -13 in partnership with children from Polka’s Young Voices Panel.

16 Oct 2013 – 15 Feb 2014
Polka Theatre presents
Gorilla
By Anthony Browne
Adapted by Rachel Barnett
Hannah loves gorillas, but she’s never seen a real one. It’s the night before her birthday and something amazing is about to happen...
When Hannah’s toy gorilla comes to life, dressed in her father’s coat and hat, they embark on a thrilling, moonlit adventure. Meet the world’s friendliest gorilla this winter as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic award-winning picture book by former Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne – brought to life with puppetry, music and a giant sprinkling of Polka magic. Toddlers can enjoy a special version of Gorilla tailor-made for children aged 1 - 2 years; Mini Gorilla runs at just 30 minutes. Early booking is strongly advised due to reduced capacity at these performances.

Thur 7 - Sat 9 Nov
Mind the Gap presents
Treasure Island
By Mike Kenny
Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story of young Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver, retold by acclaimed children’s writer Mike Kenny - with a twist. Modern-day and fantasy worlds collide as a supermarket becomes the scene for the greatest pirate story of them all; turning aisles into adventure and carrots into parrots. Jump aboard this swashbuckling adventure from Mind the Gap, the award-winning theatre company that works with learning disabled and non-disabled artists as equals.

22 Nov 2013 – 15 Feb 2014
Polka Theatre presents
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
By Simon Reade
Based on the novel by Lewis Carroll
Curiouser and curiouser...
When Alice falls down a mysterious rabbit hole she stumbles upon a magical fantasy world where anything can happen. Based on the much-loved children’s classic, Lewis Carroll’s charming characters spring to life in an enchanting show full of music, madness and mystery. Take tea with the Mad Hatter, meet the White Rabbit, grin with the Cheshire Cat and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts, but whatever you do… don’t lose your head! Join us in Wonderland this winter for a thrilling adventure that’s bursting with laughter, imagination, original songs and stunning staging.



Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.8
29 reviews


Excellent
 
83%

Very Good
 
17%

Average
 
0%

Poor
 
0%

Awful
 
0%

(November 2024 - Secondary School)




(June 2024 - Primary School)




(June 2024 - Primary School)




Great performance and set up. (May 2024 - Primary School)




Friendly staff, well organised for example, led in by staff member to secure room away from roads. (April 2024 - Primary School)




(March 2024)




A brilliant production, magical and funny! The children loved it! (March 2024 - Primary School)




The show to see Tidy was pitched perfectly for our age group. The staff were organised and we were taken to our seats promptly after arrival. The children were engaged and loved it when they were some audience participation. The story was easy to follow and the Polka also sent a social story prior to the visit so that the children could see what to expect. (March 2024 - Primary School)




An excellent trip. So easy to get to. Only 30-35 minutes walk. Very accommodating and the acting was amazing. The Snow Queen was brilliant as it reinforced the many dispositions and qualities were are trying to embed in the girls: kindness, forgiveness and not jumping to conclusions. It also had a strong link to looking after our environment and our responsibility for the world around us. (January 2024 - Primary School)




A lovely trip and a great use of imagination. Helpful for drama activities. (January 2024 - Primary School)




(January 2024 - Primary School)




(October 2023 - Primary School)




(October 2023 - Primary School)




(September 2023 - Primary School)




Lovely trip, children listened and partook in the production. Children were safely escorted off the bus and into the venue. (June 2023 - Primary School)




(March 2023 - Primary School)




(March 2023 - Primary School)




The play was great and pitched perfectly for the age group taken. The venue has undergone a a refurbishment and as a result can accomadate alot more children so on arrival it was very busy with other schools waiting to go into the theatres and with mothers and their toddlers as it now also runs a mother and toddler group. The cafe is now also situated just by the entrance door so the automatic doors are constantly opening and closing. These changes need to be reflected upon when thinking about visiting again. (January 2023 - Primary School)




An outstanding performance, very enjoyable with an exciting plot and lovely humour (January 2023 - Primary School)




There were elements of the actual production that seemed more appropriate for an older audience, but the girls loved it and laughed a lot. (December 2022 - Primary School)




(October 2022 - Primary School)




(October 2022 - Primary School)




(April 2022)




The show was excellent and very friendly staff! (March 2022 - Primary School)




(February 2022 - Primary School)




(May 2019 - Primary School)




we Like the polka they sometimes have good performances there (January 2019 - Primary School)




The Polka theatre is very well set up to accommodate groups of young children. The children feel welcome and the staff are helpful and friendly. (November 2018 - Primary School)




(March 2018 - Primary School)




Contact

Polka Theatre
240 The Broadway
Wimbledon
London
SW19 1SB

Pricing

Schools tickets range from £8 to £11. For every 10 tickets booked, one teacher or accompanying adult goes free.

Opening Times

The Box Office is open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm.

World class theatre for children.

Description

A theatre dedicated to producing ground-breaking work for children. Our autumn season is as follows.

27 Sept – 26 Oct
Polka Theatre and Tonic Theatre present
The Planet and Stuff (KS2 and KS3)
By Simon Daw, Joel Horwood and Lucy Kerbel
One simple question: ‘How can we solve climate change?’
Get ready for a frenzied, fun-packed, interactive adventure, as we tackle the debate that continues to outfox scientists and world leaders. From what’s going on up in the atmosphere to where that sweet wrapper in your pocket came from, and where it might end up, climate change takes centre stage. Part live science demo, part hyperactive game show, The Planet and Stuff is the straight-talking climate change event with all the answers. Exploding with fun, facts and audience participation, this show will give you lots to talk about, and has been specifically created for ages 9 -13 in partnership with children from Polka’s Young Voices Panel.

16 Oct 2013 – 15 Feb 2014
Polka Theatre presents
Gorilla
By Anthony Browne
Adapted by Rachel Barnett
Hannah loves gorillas, but she’s never seen a real one. It’s the night before her birthday and something amazing is about to happen...
When Hannah’s toy gorilla comes to life, dressed in her father’s coat and hat, they embark on a thrilling, moonlit adventure. Meet the world’s friendliest gorilla this winter as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic award-winning picture book by former Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne – brought to life with puppetry, music and a giant sprinkling of Polka magic. Toddlers can enjoy a special version of Gorilla tailor-made for children aged 1 - 2 years; Mini Gorilla runs at just 30 minutes. Early booking is strongly advised due to reduced capacity at these performances.

Thur 7 - Sat 9 Nov
Mind the Gap presents
Treasure Island
By Mike Kenny
Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story of young Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver, retold by acclaimed children’s writer Mike Kenny - with a twist. Modern-day and fantasy worlds collide as a supermarket becomes the scene for the greatest pirate story of them all; turning aisles into adventure and carrots into parrots. Jump aboard this swashbuckling adventure from Mind the Gap, the award-winning theatre company that works with learning disabled and non-disabled artists as equals.

22 Nov 2013 – 15 Feb 2014
Polka Theatre presents
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
By Simon Reade
Based on the novel by Lewis Carroll
Curiouser and curiouser...
When Alice falls down a mysterious rabbit hole she stumbles upon a magical fantasy world where anything can happen. Based on the much-loved children’s classic, Lewis Carroll’s charming characters spring to life in an enchanting show full of music, madness and mystery. Take tea with the Mad Hatter, meet the White Rabbit, grin with the Cheshire Cat and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts, but whatever you do… don’t lose your head! Join us in Wonderland this winter for a thrilling adventure that’s bursting with laughter, imagination, original songs and stunning staging.


Pricing

Schools tickets range from £8 to £11. For every 10 tickets booked, one teacher or accompanying adult goes free.

Opening Times

The Box Office is open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Contact

Polka Theatre
240 The Broadway
Wimbledon
London
SW19 1SB

Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.8
29 reviews


Excellent
 
83%

Very Good
 
17%

Average
 
0%

Poor
 
0%

Awful
 
0%

November 2024 - Secondary School




June 2024 - Primary School




June 2024 - Primary School




May 2024 - Primary School
Great performance and set up.



April 2024 - Primary School
Friendly staff, well organised for example, led in by staff member to secure room away from roads.



March 2024




March 2024 - Primary School
A brilliant production, magical and funny! The children loved it!



March 2024 - Primary School
The show to see Tidy was pitched perfectly for our age group. The staff were organised and we were taken to our seats promptly after arrival. The children were engaged and loved it when they were some audience participation. The story was easy to follow and the Polka also sent a social story prior to the visit so that the children could see what to expect.



January 2024 - Primary School
An excellent trip. So easy to get to. Only 30-35 minutes walk. Very accommodating and the acting was amazing. The Snow Queen was brilliant as it reinforced the many dispositions and qualities were are trying to embed in the girls: kindness, forgiveness and not jumping to conclusions. It also had a strong link to looking after our environment and our responsibility for the world around us.



January 2024 - Primary School
A lovely trip and a great use of imagination. Helpful for drama activities.



January 2024 - Primary School




October 2023 - Primary School




October 2023 - Primary School




September 2023 - Primary School




June 2023 - Primary School
Lovely trip, children listened and partook in the production. Children were safely escorted off the bus and into the venue.



March 2023 - Primary School




March 2023 - Primary School




January 2023 - Primary School
The play was great and pitched perfectly for the age group taken. The venue has undergone a a refurbishment and as a result can accomadate alot more children so on arrival it was very busy with other schools waiting to go into the theatres and with mothers and their toddlers as it now also runs a mother and toddler group. The cafe is now also situated just by the entrance door so the automatic doors are constantly opening and closing. These changes need to be reflected upon when thinking about visiting again.



January 2023 - Primary School
An outstanding performance, very enjoyable with an exciting plot and lovely humour



December 2022 - Primary School
There were elements of the actual production that seemed more appropriate for an older audience, but the girls loved it and laughed a lot.



October 2022 - Primary School




October 2022 - Primary School




April 2022




March 2022 - Primary School
The show was excellent and very friendly staff!



February 2022 - Primary School




May 2019 - Primary School




January 2019 - Primary School
we Like the polka they sometimes have good performances there



November 2018 - Primary School
The Polka theatre is very well set up to accommodate groups of young children. The children feel welcome and the staff are helpful and friendly.



March 2018 - Primary School