Polka Theatre has announced its full Autumn/Winter 2025/26 season, promising a vibrant mix of new productions and returning favourites designed to captivate young audiences and their families.
The season kicks off with Dweeb-A-Mania, a bold new comedy celebrating individuality and self-expression. Running in the Adventure Theatre from 4 October to 9 November, this Polka Theatre production is written by Sarah Middleton and directed by Hannah Stone. It’s the winner of the Polka Playwriting Award 2025.
Kemi and Norah are self-proclaimed mega-nerds. But when they’re snubbed from a wrestling-themed party, they set out to become champion wrestlers and prove just how cool they really are.
Also premiering this season is Who Let The Gods Out, a brand-new musical based on the bestselling book by Maz Evans. With book and lyrics by Evans and direction by Ria Parry, this Polka Theatre production runs in the Main Theatre from 7 February to 22 March.
Elliot Hooper’s life is far from ideal. His mum is unwell, his home is under threat, and he’s accidentally unleashed a death daemon. With the help of the constellation Virgo and a band of Greek Gods, Elliot embarks on a quest to save the world—and himself.
For younger audiences, Well Done, Mummy Penguin takes to the Main Theatre from 18 October to 2 November. Adapted from Chris Haughton’s beloved book, this heartwarming tale is brought to life by Can’t Sit Still and is perfect for ages 3–7.
From 28 January to 1 February, New International Encounter returns with Hamlet, a reimagined take on Shakespeare’s classic for 8–12-year-olds, following last year’s success with Macbeth.
In the Adventure Theatre, Counting Sheeps by Herd Theatre (13–24 August) invites babies aged 0–3 and their carers to a cosy bedtime journey. Baby, Bird and Bee, created by Sarah Argent and Kevin Lewis for Theatr Iolo, runs 17–21 September for children aged 6–18 months.
Grandad Anansi, a vibrant tale by Elayne Ogbeta celebrating intergenerational bonds, runs 12–16 November for ages 4–9. Then from 11–22 February, Ruby’s Worry, adapted from Tom Percival’s picture book, explores emotional wellbeing through puppetry and live music for ages 3–7.
This year’s festive Main Theatre production is The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, running 15 November to 18 January. Directed by Lee Lyford and adapted by Jude Christian from Philip Pullman’s novel, it follows Lila’s magical journey to become a Master Firework-Maker.
In the Adventure Theatre, The Snowflake runs 29 November to 25 January. This co-production with Birmingham Rep and Little Angel Theatre is adapted and directed by Matt Aston from Benji Davies’ Christmas tale, and is ideal for ages 3–6.
Polka will also host The Big Bash! on 7 December, a festive family party featuring crafts, face painting, a buffet, and tickets to either The Firework-Maker’s Daughter or The Snowflake. Proceeds support Polka’s community outreach.
The season is complemented by a wide range of workshops and classes, from sensory storytelling to combat training, ensuring children of all ages can engage creatively.
Helen Matravers, Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive, said:
“I am delighted that with this wonderful season, Polka are able to introduce theatre to the very youngest audiences with sensory, fun and interactive storytelling with Early Years specialists, Theatr Iolo and The Herd, whilst simultaneously keeping pre-teen audiences on the edge of their seat with adventure mayhem in the form of Who Let The Gods Out and wrestling party chaos in Dweeb-A-Mania. We’re also creating stage-magic firework displays to entertain all the family at Christmas. This season addresses important issues around the planet, moving schools and navigating friendships, as well as mental health and caring for others, but also makes space for staging pure unadulterated joy for children who will really benefit in the current climate. I am over the moon that we are developing exciting adaptations by some of the world’s leading children’s writers and nurturing exciting new writing collaborations with artists UK-wide, cementing Polka’s place as one of the most exciting and dynamic producing theatres in the country.
In the process of curating this season, we have collaborated with young people at every juncture, asking them what they want to see, what the important topics and issues are to them, resulting in work that children feel passionate about, and engaged in. We continue to give away thousands of free tickets to schools – addressing the urgent need to support schools to seek out creative and cultural experiences for students – and work closely with our local community to ensure there are no barriers which mean families cannot attend performances or workshops. All Main Theatre shows at Polka have a £10 ticket availability, and our play spaces continue to be totally free to use. Polka is committed to ensuring that access to brilliant live art, workshops, activities and free play space is available for all.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
