Polka Theatre

Polka Theatre is one of the few venues in the UK which is dedicated to producing and presenting work for young audiences. Its two theatre spaces, the Main Theatre and the Adventure Theatre are designed especially for children so that their first taste of theatre is welcoming and relevant. At Polka children aged 0 to 12 enjoy a wide-range of experiences designed to make theatre a natural part of their lives. Polka has established itself as a centre for innovation in Early Years work in particular, with a local heart, national reach and international reputation. Every Polka show is supported by a creative learning programme. Schools visiting the theatre benefit from online free resource packs and rehearsal diaries, show-related workshops and after-show talks. Polka embraces family learning and encourages it through exciting family days, after-show events and show-related activities packs. It also runs a regular programme of out-of-school clubs and an extensive participation programme, giving children the freedom to explore their creativity and learn a wide-range of performance skills from storytelling to puppetry. Polka’s welcoming building is a resource for local people with its friendly café, affordable gift shop, free open-access Play Den with dressing up and book corner, a garden and a playground. It is playful, fun and interactive.