Located on Wimbledon’s Broadway, The Polka Theatre Wimbledon is a venue for children’s aged 0-13. Also the Polka Theatre Wimbledon was the first theatre venue in the United Kingdom. It is dedicated exclusively to children.
In addition to the theatre performance space, the theatre has its own cafe, outdoor playground, a garden. Also an indoor play area. So, at the Creative Play area children could colour in, dress up and play with toys. The theatre also houses part of the teddy bear collection from the former Teddy Bear Museum originally located in Stratford-On-Avon.
Accordingly, every year hundreds of school children visit the theatre. The Polka Theatre offers a range of services to organise school trips. It includes free tickets for teachers. Also for the accompanying adults for every ten children in a school group.
Opening its doors for the first time on 20th November 1979. Also the Polka Theatre has a capacity of 370 seats. And it divided as 300 seats in its main auditorium. Also 70 seats in the Studio area for early years performances. The 1979 Gala opening was attended by HRH Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
History of the Polka Theatre Wimbledon
Accordingly, around the year 1967 the Polka Theatre was originally set up as a touring puppet company. It was based at the Holly Trinity Halls in Wimbledon. So, during the early 80’s the theatre programme included visiting and in-house productions aimed at children under 5 years of age.
Accordingly, by the year 1994, the theatre won an award with its theatre audience development initiative. It called to be Curtain Up!. The scheme provides the opportunity for children from disadvantaged backgrounds who otherwise could not enjoy the theatre experience due to financial difficulties, to enjoy performances free of charge, including transportation and a drama workshop as part of the experience. Also the Polka Theatre is a charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and it partly funded by charitable trusts, individuals, commercial companies. Also by the London Borough of Merton. The Polka Theatre is located walking distance from Plumbing Wimbledon office.