Did I ever tell you I wanted to be an actress when I was a kid? I know, I know, it isn’t such a strange ambition but I was pretty serious and headed off to stage school when I was 11 to learn my craft. Somewhere along the way stage-fright took over and I decided a life on the stage wasn’t for me. I’m sure my kids (like me) will be big fans of the big screen but I want them to also inherit my love of stage performances too — that’s why I love the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon– a theatre which specialises in children’s productions and caters for a wide age-range (starting as young as 6 months).

The Polka is celebrating its 30th birthday this year and it is no surprise that it is still going so strong. They have a consistent high-standard of performances aimed at children and often have high-profile directors and actors involved. They also have a very good programme of stage-related workshops for slightly older children during school holidays.

We recently went to see Goldilocks and the Three Bears — I was a little worried as my son has a bit of an ‘issue’ with bears — but the story was so brilliantly told in an intimate setting that he smiled all the way through and wasn’t the least bit scared. I loved the imaginative set-design. We’re planning to go an see Circles in the Sand (a story told with sand not words) and we’re very annoyed that we missed tickets for Penguin (adapted from the fabulous Polly Dunbar book). It is worth noting that performances can sell out quickly.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Polka Theatre:
240 The Broadway
Wimbledon
London SW19 1SB

Tickets & Information
+44 (0)20 8543 4888