IN THE WINGS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This is your backstage pass to the latest announcements, press releases, entertainment news, and exclusive features. Dive into behind-the-scenes stories, performer highlights, and venue spotlights—this is where the magic of our shared creative journey unfolds.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A global majority woman smiles with an arm outreached in colourful confetti with a microphone

POLKA THEATRE RELEASES ITS 2026 IMPACT REPORT REVEALING THE SCALE AND REACH OF ITS VITAL WORK FOR CHILDREN ACROSS THE UK

In 2025/26 alone, 125,000 people visited Polka, with 724 performances of 20 productions staged across its two auditoriums and 14,156 free theatre tickets distributed. 99% of surveyed visitors agreed that Polka has a positive impact on children’s lives.

A group of primary age children hold certificates up with big smiles on a theatre stage

POLKA THEATRE EXPANDS SCHOOLS PROGRAMME TO REACH THOUSANDS MORE CHILDREN ACROSS LONDON AND SURREY

The expansion will enable thousands more children across London and Surrey to experience live theatre and take part in Creative Learning programmes, developing literacy, communication, confidence and creativity.

A full size Zog the dragon with afternoon tea set out on a table in front of him.

ZOG RETURNS TO CADOGAN HALL IN 2026 WITH A ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RUBENS AT THE PALACE

In celebration of kids week 2026, families can enjoy a regal theatre and dining experience in the heart of London

theatre posters for two shows rfeautring a knight and a girl with red hair holding a sword, and an illustration of a little girl with brown hair and a tiger surrounded by plants.

POLKA THEATRE ANNOUNCES SHOWS AND WORKSHOPS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY OVER THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Arthur will headline this Summer on Polka’s main stage, the Y C Chan Theatre, and There’s a Tiger in the Garden will be this Summer’s Adventure Theatre show.

A series of brightly coloured promotional show images

POLKA THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW SHOWS FOR THEIR 26/27 AUTUMN/WINTER SEASON

Details of the complete Autumn/Winter season and further shows coming to Polka in early 2027 including Toto; Rebel, Rebel and Colours, Colours Everywhere.

Five excited looking people in labcoats burst forward against a yellow background.

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR OLIVIER-AWARD WINNING FAMILY SHOW BRAINIAC LIVE

Returning from the Olivier Award-winning cast to perform at The Garrick are Rik Warren and Tracy Rahi who will be joined by alternating Andy Joyce, and Jack Edwards.

An orange illustrated winged creature on a blue background with ZOG titled above and headshots of actors alongside.

ZOG SOARS TO LONDON’S ICONIC CADOGAN HALL FOR SUMMER RESIDENCY

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story Zog flies onto the stage at London’s Cadogan Hall from 2 – 23 August 2026 following its major UK and Ireland tour, marking the sixth year that Freckle Productions have had a summer residency at this iconic venue.

CASTING FOR NEW SUMMER MUSICAL ARTHUR A BRAND-NEW LEGEND FOR GREAT ADVENTURERS

Announcing the cast of Arthur: Gurjot Dhaliwal, Giles Carden, Rose Wardlaw, Adam Mirsky, and Megan Vaughan-Thomas.

POLKA THEATRE ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF THE 2026 POLKA PLAYWRITING AWARD CHAMPIONING BOLD NEW WRITING FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES AGED 7 - 13

The award responds to a significant gap in the industry, where few major playwriting prizes accept or prioritise work for young audiences.

Colourful letters with party streamers around them read BIG DREAMS EARLY YEARS THEATRE FESTIVAL

BIG DREAMS, POLKA THEATRE’S EARLY YEARS FESTIVAL, RETURNS

Building on the success of previous years, Big Dreams celebrates the very best in Early Years theatre and creativity. Audiences are invited to enjoy an array of imaginative and playful experiences, including a programme of performances specially created for children aged 0–8 years, alongside interactive installations and opportunities to explore and create together.

Two actor's head shots of global majority young women looking straight to camera.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR POLKA THEATRE’S THE RAPPING PRINCESS

Anu Akinseye will play the role of ‘Shiloh’ and Grace Venus is ‘Queendom Storyteller’.

TWO OLIVIER NOMINATIONS FOR ANRPR CLIENTS POLKA THEATRE

The Boy With Wings and The Firework-Maker’s Daughter were both nominated in the Best Family Show category

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF ZOG TRAVELLING ACROSS THE UK AND IRELAND THROUGHOUT SPRING/SUMMER 2026 AND ENDING WITH AN AUGUST RESIDENCY AT LONDON’S CADOGAN HALL

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story Zog flies back onto the stage for a major UK and Ireland tour this year, followed by a special summer season at London’s Cadogan Hall from 2 – 23 August 2026.

POLKA THEATRE ANNOUNCES FURTHER SHOWS TO COMPLETE THEIR SPRING/SUMMER SEASON, PLUS FESTIVE 25/26 PRODUCTIONS

Polka Theatre's 45th year brings diverse theatre and dance, empowering and inspiring children with accessible and sustainable programming.

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