Polka Theatre

• Theatre ID
  3033
• Built / Converted
  1979
• Dates of use
  • 1979: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (Children's theatre)
• Address
  240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, Merton, London, SW19 1SB, England
• Website
  • Polka Theatre

Details

The Polka Theatre company was founded in 1967 under the Artistic Direction of Richard Gill. The company specialised in children's theatre, heavily influenced by Gill's passion for puppetry. Surviving for many years as a touring company, by 1976 the company was looking for a permanent performance base and discovered the Holy Trinity Halls in Wimbledon. Following a major fundraising campaign, their new venue opened on 20 November 1979, the first UK theatre venue dedicated exclusively to children. The Polka Theatre was converted from a church hall and adjoining premises; the building is now rendered and painted off-white with a slate roof which gives a slight Swiss-chalet appearance. The main entrance way is slightly fluted and on either side are large display windows, each within a pair of engaged fluted columns; above is a large clock face and the legend POLKA THEATRE. Through the etched glass entrance doors is the box office, and a pair of similar doors lead to a large entrance foyer with display windows on three sides and a couple of large tactile wooden fixed animals. Their studio space, the Adventure Theatre, is through another set of doors and is a large room with seating for 80; this is used by visiting companies and puppet companies. The main auditorium is at first-floor level and accommodates 300 on raked seating. The stage is proscenium with forestage, no flying height. The Polka is said to be the most successful theatre for children, and certainly the atmosphere created inside the building is quite magical.

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• Events
  • Design/Construction: as Holy Trinity Halls (date and architect unknown).
  • Owner/Management: Local Authority
  • 1979 Use: continuing
  • 1979 Design/Construction: converted to theatre for children (architect unknown).
• Capacities
  • Original: 300; Main Theatre
  • Original: 90; Adventure Theatre (studio)
  • Current: 300; Main Theatre
  • Current: 90; Adventure Theatre (studio)
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Proscenium with forestage, flat
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 3.8m Width SL: 6.52m SR: 4.12m
  • Proscenium width: 6.7m