Polka Theatre has unveiled its full autumn and winter 2026–27 season, featuring a wide-ranging programme of world premieres, returning favourites, and family productions at its Wimbledon venue.
Leading the season is the new musical Toto, which opens on the main stage from 10 October to 1 November in a co-production with Topper and Fred.
Based on the book by Ximo Abadia, the show follows a determined young donkey who dreams of becoming an astronaut, with music and lyrics by Harry Blake and direction by Jennifer Tang.
Also premiering is Rebel, Rebel, written by Nessah Muthy and directed by Polka’s Artistic Director Helen Matravers, running from 30 January to 7 March.
The production follows a modern-day schoolgirl who finds herself transported to 1913, where she meets suffragette Emily Davison, exploring women’s rights across generations.
Another highlight is Colours, Colours Everywhere, adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson and Sharon King-Chai, running from 6 February to 13 March.
The visually rich production combines puppetry, colour and British Sign Language to bring a young girl’s imaginative journey to life.
Younger audiences are also catered for with Blub, an immersive sensory experience for babies aged six to 18 months, presented by Theatre Nuu from 13 to 23 August.
The season includes a host of visiting productions such as The Three Little Pigs, At Sea, and The Sleep Show, alongside international work including You’ll See by Branar.
Festive productions previously announced include Peter Pan, which runs from 14 November to 24 January, and Antarctica, playing from 27 November to 17 January.
Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director Helen Matravers said: “This season is joyful, bold and urgent. Having talked extensively to young people in curating this programme, it speaks directly to two pressing factors for young audiences right now: that they deserve to be utterly entertained with magical, often bonkers and adventurous escapism, but also that there are big, important issues facing young people in real life that we can explore, debate and embrace in a truly unique way through theatre.”
She added: “These shows taking centre stage at Polka celebrate voices, stories and lived experiences from all over the world. I am delighted to be working with such bold, talented and caring artists to bring Polka’s theatres to life. It’s a diverse, exciting colour palette of productions which offer something entertaining from baby to teenage years, showcasing the very best in new writing, sensory-led theatre, dance, puppetry and music. Every production is designed to spark imagination and conversation.”
Alongside the stage programme, Polka will present an extensive range of workshops, classes and family activities, as well as the return of its Big Dreams Early Years Theatre Festival in September 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
