Last week, Lady Wimbledon was thrilled to be invited to meet Amanda Holden, patron of Polka Theatre and judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent who kick started the public fundraising campaign for Polka.
The Polka theatre need to fundraise an extra 1 million pounds and to begin this almighty campaign Amanda announced the exciting news that one lucky family will have the opportunity to win four tickets to the live semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in a prize draw.
The money raised will help the Polka’s long term sustainability both artistically and financially for generations of children to come.
Amanda Holden at Polka Theatre Wimbledon | Image credit: Oscar May
Amanda Holden said “I first became aware of Polka Theatre in Wimbledon around 2008 when my daughter Lexi was about two years old. I wanted to take her to see a show that was suitable for young children. Since then we’ve seen so many shows there together and as a family.
The staff at Polka have always been delightful and we’ve loved every show we’ve seen, however the building is in desperate need of renovation. The refurbishment will allow even more children to experience the joy of theatre made just for them. The new space will provide better access for performers and children who take part, their first on-site rehearsal space, a new cafe and a brand new theatre made especially for children under six.
I feel it is enormously beneficial for children to be lucky enough to experience the atmosphere of sitting in a theatre to open their minds & imaginations from an early age. Going to the West End can be an expensive activity for a family which is why investment in local theatres is essential, particularly one like Polka that creates work designed especially for children. Together I know we can raise the £1m needed for a first class venue.”
Amanda Holden at Polka Theatre Wimbledon | Image credit: Oscar May
Peter Glanville, Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director, said “We are delighted to have Amanda Holden as a Polka Patron. Having visited us on many occasions with her family, she passionately recognises the importance and uniqueness of the venue as a creative and inspirational hub for children, families and schools. Her recent visit was an opportunity to talk in more detail with her about our Future Polka redevelopment, and we are honoured to have her as a dedicated ambassador for this campaign.”
The Polka theatre were pleased and stated in their press release that ‘Amanda was able to also meet Jan Blake the creator of Polka show In the Winter Wood, the cast of The Wind in the Willows and Sandra Strachan AKA Lady Wimbledon. On behalf of Polka Theatre Amanda also thanked local company Icon Solutions for their generous 100K donation to the FUTURE POLKA redevelopment fund’.
Tom Kelleher, Icon’s Commercial Director, said: “Polka Theatre is an important centre of creativity and support for the community of Wimbledon and surrounding areas. As Icon Solutions originates in Wimbledon, it is incredibly important to us to support initiatives which benefit our local community. We have supported Polka’s Freefalling Programme for a number of years and we have seen the difference this programme has made to children’s social confidence, creative thinking and academic achievement. It is an honour to be associated with Polka Theatre and we will continue to support their valuable work and the joy they bring to so many.”
Polka Theatre Wimbledon | Image credit: Oscar May
Polka is a pioneering and well-loved theatre for 0-12 year olds based in Wimbledon. It closed to the public on 17 February 2019 to begin the redevelopment and will re-open upon completion of the new building in summer 2020.
We hope everyone gets behind this campaign and enters this very exciting competition that will help kickstart Wimbledon’s cultural hub for children.
Families can enter Polka’s Britain’s Got Talent ticket prize Draw here >.
Amanda Holden at Polka Theatre Wimbledon | Image credit: Oscar May
A family must include at least 1 child over the age of 12. Full terms and conditions are available on the website. Competition closes on midnight on 31 March.
