Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre is growing its acclaimed Curtain Up! programme to offer 10,000 free tickets to pupils from state and special schools in 2026/27.
The children’s theatre, based in Wimbledon, will increase the reach of a number of its schools programmes over the coming year, including Curtain Up!, in response to growing demand from schools to provide more opportunities for children and teachers to experience live theatre, develop creativity and build confidence.
Polly Simmonds, director of creative learning at Polka Theatre, said: “Building on the evidence and learning gathered through our programmes, we are delighted to be extending the reach of our schools programme in 2026/27. We want to strengthen our partnerships with schools and continue to demonstrate the transformative role that theatre and the arts can play in children’s education, creativity and confidence.
“We are incredibly grateful to all our funders for their generous support. Their commitment is making it possible for thousands more children and teachers to experience the power of theatre and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be creative, find their voice and experience the joy of the arts.”
Curtain Up!
Polka’s annual Curtain Up! programme provides free theatre tickets to children from state and special schools who may otherwise be unable to experience a live performance. The programme has been running for 30 years in which time it has provided theatre tickets for an estimated 76,000 children.
With support from The Garek Trust, the number of free tickets available to pupils will increase from 9,000 to 10,000 in 2026/27. The expansion follows significant demand during 2025/26, when Polka received 16,749 requests for free tickets.
The free ticket scheme aims to ensure that cost is not a barrier to children experiencing live theatre. Schools that meet one or more of the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Have more than 30% of their students who are eligible for Pupil Premium Grant (PPG)
- Have more than 40% of pupils for whom English is an additional language
- Have a large number of children who have refugee status
- Are a special school, or a SEN/ARP unit within a mainstream school, who face financial barriers to accessing theatre
- Find it difficult to give their students opportunities to experience the arts
Upcoming Curtain Up! productions at Polka Theatre include Peter Pan for Year 1-8, with performances from 20th November to 15th January 2027 (applications close 9th October) and Antarctica for EYFS to Year 3 with performances on select dates in January 2027 (applications close 19th October).
About Polka Theatre
Polka Theatre opened in 1979 as the UK’s first theatre dedicated to children. The venue in Wimbledon produces up to ten new productions each year aimed at 0-12 years olds as well as hosting touring shows by international children’s theatre companies.
In 2006, Polka was the first theatre to implement Relaxed Performances, an accessibility policy now widely available across event venues and attractions.
As well as theatre shows for primary groups, Polka Theatre offers a range of drama, art and PSHE workshops for EYFS to Key Stage 5. Workshops can be combined with a tour of the venue and a Q&A with theatre staff.
For more information about Curtain Up! and general school visits, go to: polkatheatre.com/schools.
