The Polka is a cheerful looking children's theatre at the end of Wimbledon Broadway. One look at the cheery colours and decoration and their zany clock outside is enough to brighten your day if not your mood. They put on children's plays as well as children's events in the spaces inside. My interest is that I heard from Laura N that they moved the teddy bear collection from the National Teddy Bear Museum in Stratford-upon-Avon when it shut. Being an arctophile, I felt duty-bound to investigate. Basically, it's not a museum as they open at irregular hours but if you ask the staff, they will show you to the collection and it's free. The range isn't as big as it was in Stratford but at least they're trying to save it for future generations. A new national teddy bear museum. Now, that's an interesting project........ read more

This is a lovely theatre. As I have not been to a theatre with children for a while, at first did not realise and appreciated how great it is. However after later going to other places I realised how special the Polka theatre is. It is a charity and has a special real care and meaning behind it's work. Other commercial places may seem superficially good, but they do not have that spirit of care and which makes it special. This can be seen how the actors look at people in the audience in the eye and are not just in their own world delivering the material by rote. The Polka Theatre is more for people who would like their children to be exposed to the goog quality higher arts. Rather than other places that do sensationalist rubbish that is like junk food which makes kids hyperactive and overexcited. it is a traditional old fashioned theatre with traditional old fashioned toys for the children to play with. However it is good and wholesome which is to myself is what matters. I hope this place stays around for a long time! read more

I went here with my Girlfriends family just after xmas for their show of Peter Pan. This is an awesome space for kids, the theatre is not that big i imagine it only seats 100 people or so, which means everyone is close to the action. Great stage and inventive set pieces with a clever prop department too. I imagine this play was quite magical to all the kids present and myself at moments. A smooth running cast and crew make the most of what they have to hand, taking you into the play and characters, a thoroughly enjoyed show with great ice cream at half time! A twist on the tale with a leather clad Elvis style Peter and some clockwork orange esque pirates made for a really great show with so many characters you struggle to understand how only 6 people take a bow at the end, multiple characters played by each and all done well. Certainly recommend this excellent little gem of a theatre for those wishing to entertain their children, simplest things are always the best! Thank you Polka, and well done to the cast and crew! Awesome job! (I have stated it has wheelchair access and a lift as i am pretty sure i saw that but please double check with the venue if this is needed). read more

This is a beautiful children's theatre - it's large and all the kids get good views. It has a nice little restaurant catering for littelies and a pretty little outside play area. In fact, my kids enjoyed it so much they didn't want to leave. read more