Stage adaptations of favourites by Julia Donaldson and Jacqueline Wilson are among the announcements from Polka Theatre for 2027, plus tours to Bristol, Derby and Chichester.
Polka Theatre will bring back fan-favourites alongside new productions throughout 2027 for students to enjoy.
The Wimbledon venue produces up to ten shows each year for children between the ages of 0–12 and hosts touring productions from British and international children’s theatre companies. Selected productions will also travel to Bristol Old Vic, Derby Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and the Southbank Centre.
The announcement follows a successful 2025/26 for the theatre, with two Olivier Award nominations for Polka productions and more than 14,000 free theatre tickets provided to young people.
Artistic Director and Joint CEO Helen Matravers and Executive Director and Joint CEO Lynette Shanbury said: “Taking theatre to children who need it is part of our continued mission to dismantle the financial, logistical and social barriers that keep children from experiencing the magic of live performance.
“We’ve seen the impact of theatre on children first hand, and we know that children not only deserve but need the very best creative experiences to help them flourish.”
Shows expected for 2027
Polka Theatre and Can’t Sit Still’s co-production of The Snowy Day will perform at the Weston Studio at Bristol Old Vic from 28th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027, while Derby Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Polka Theatre’s The Owl and the Pussycat will run at Derby Theatre Studio from 5th December 2026 – 9th January 2027.
In February, Polka’s production of Maz Evans’ Who Let the Gods Out will travel to Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall from 16th – 20th February 2027, before playing the Minerva Theatre at Chichester Festival Theatre from 24th – 28th February, as the bestselling book celebrates its tenth anniversary.
At Polka Theatre, schools can see Colours, Colours Everywhere from 6th-13th March. Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and suited to Key Stage 1, the story follows a little girl’s adventures as she paints a journey through vibrant worlds.
Key Stage 2 groups can see The Bed and Breakfast Star at the Wimbledon venue from 25th March to 25th April. This is a new stage adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s beloved novel about a girl who dreams of being a comedian and strives to find the bright side even when her family are forced to live in a run-down Bed and Breakfast.
What is the Polka Theatre?
Founded in 1979, Polka Theatre was the UK’s first theatre dedicated to children. Since reopening in 2021 after a significant redevelopment, the venue has welcomed more than half a million visitors.
Accessibility and affordability are central to Polka’s work. In 2025/26, more than 12,000 children and adults saw productions created with audio description, captioning and British Sign Language fully integrated into performances. Plus, over 10,000 free tickets were distributed through Polka’s Curtain Up! scheme, which provides free access to live performances to children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Alongside theatre performances for school groups, Polka offers drama, art and PSHE workshops to various ages.
For details of Polka Theatre’s productions and workshops, visit polkatheatre.com/schools.
