Step into the magical world of Polka Theatre this summer, in the glorious National Trust setting of Morden Hall Park.
If you’re missing Polka Theatre as much as we are, you’ll be delighted to know that they’ve teamed up with another of our great local treasures, the beautiful Morden Hall Park, to bring us a summer of family fun. With workshops, free events, crafts, storytelling and a hands-on exhibition, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy – and we can’t wait!
With Polka’s building currently closed for its £7.5 million redevelopment, they’re bringing their special brand of theatrical magic to the National Trust park with a free exhibition that delves into Polka’s archive, giving children and adults a peek into the backstage world of this local theatre. Co-designed with a host of local volunteers, and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the interactive exhibition celebrates 40 years of children’s theatre and performance.
There’s also a host of ticketed and free activities open to different age groups, including acting workshops, talks and crafts that’ll keep everyone entertained this summer. Here’s our guide to what to see, what to do and when:
POLKA IN THE PARK
Exhibition: Celebrating 40 years of Polka
Travel through four decades of Polka Theatre history in a new, interactive exhibition for families. Children, parents and grandparents have the chance to explore and interact with props, costumes and other gems from Polka’s colourful vintage collection.
When: Tuesday 16 July – Friday 2 August, 10am – 4pm daily
Where: Morden Hall Park
Booking: Free; no booking required
Craft: Crazy Creatures with Polka!
Create your own crazy creature in this arts and craft workshop for kids aged 4–6. Explore the incredible wonders of the natural world and let your imagination run wild. Polka’s experienced workshop leaders will be on hand to give top tips for creating wondrous critters from a vast array of fun materials.
When: Sat 20 July, 10am – 12.30pm
Where: Morden Hall Park
Booking: Tickets, £25.00 each. Drop-off workshop for 4–6yrs old. Call 0344 2491895 to book
Polka40: In Conversation with…
To celebrate Polka’s impressive milestone anniversary, people from Polka’s past and present will come together to share tales (and even some gossip!) from over the years. Which famous faces have worked at Polka over the years? What did they get up to? Come and find out…
When: Sunday 21 July, 11am–12.30pm
Where: Morden Hall Park
Booking: Free. Suitable for all ages. Assistance dogs welcome
Polka Theatre’s summer drama workshops for kids | Credit: National Trust
Drama: Polka’s Box of Characters!
This is a fun, interactive workshop for children aged 7–11 who are interested in acting and wanting to have a go at performing. Open the box and pull out a character, who will it be? Who will you become?
When: Tuesday 23 July, 1.30pm – 4pm
Where: Morden Hall Park
Booking: Booking essential; tickets, £25.00. Drop-off workshop for 7–11-year-olds. Call 0344 2491895 to book
Storytelling: Polka’s Tall Tales
This interactive storytelling session for ages 4–6 brings some classic stories from previous Polka shows to life! Take part in tales of enchanted animals, warriors and heroes, monsters, fairies and much more… Roar like the scariest monster, cheer for the bravest hero and help our expert storyteller take you on an imaginative journey.
When: Thursday 25 July, 1.30pm – 4pm
Where: Morden Hall Park
Booking: Booking essential; tickets, £25.00. Drop-off workshop for 4–6-year-olds. Call 0344 2491895 to book
Polka40: Woodland Crafts & Storytelling Picnic
If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise… Join us to make woodland-inspired crafts and pack your sandwiches for a storytelling picnic from 12 noon for a celebration of Polka’s 40th birthday. Bring your teddies!
When: Sunday 28 July, 11am – 4pm
Where: Morden Hall Park
Booking: Free; no booking necessary. Suitable for all ages
Woodland storytelling at Morden Hall Park | Credit: National Trust
Drama: Polka’s Box of Mini Characters
This is a fun, interactive workshop for children aged 4–6 who will enjoy having a go at performing. Open the box and pull out a character, who will it be? Who will you become?
When: Tuesday 30 July, 10am – 12.30pm
Where: Morden Hall Park
Booking: Booking essential; tickets £25.00. Drop-off workshop for 4–6-year-olds. Call 0344 2491895 to book
Puppetry: Puppet Craft with Polka!
Design and make your own rod puppet! Be inspired by the characters in Polka’s exhibition and learn new skills in this exploration workshop for kids aged 7–11.
When: Thursday 1 August, 1.30pm – 4pm
Where: Morden Hall Park
Booking: Booking essential; tickets £25.00. Drop-off workshop for 7–11-year-olds. Call 0344 2491895 to book
More Information: Visit the National Trust site for booking information and further details about Polka Theatre at Morden Hall Park.
Alternatively, visit PolkaTheatre.com, Facebook @PolkaTheatre, or follow @polkatheatre on Twitter or Instagram.
You can also find out more about Morden Hall Park on Facebook @MordenHallParkNT or on Twitter @MordenHallPkNT.
Written By: Harriet O’Connor | Co-Editor, Wimbledon Kids
Twitter: @WimbledonKids
Email: WimbledonKids@LadyWimbledon.com
