Polka Theatre has announced a vibrant line-up of new productions for Spring 2026, continuing its mission to deliver world-class theatre for young audiences.
Opening the season is Cinderella Ice Cream Seller, a musical twist on the classic fairytale from Little Seeds Music Productions. Running from 18–29 March in the Adventure Theatre, this deliciously inventive show is recommended for ages 5–10 and promises “a delightful blend of storytelling, stunning live music, and theatrical magic that will capture hearts and tickle taste buds.”
From 13–15 March, Kish Kush arrives at the Adventure Theatre. Created by Teatro Distinto with Giuseppe Palesciano and Ettore Chiummo, this gentle production for ages 3–8 explores cultural connection through shadow play and movement. Two strangers, separated by a paper wall, learn to communicate through a universal language of creativity.
Returning after a sell-out run in 2023, toooB by Angel Exit Theatre will run from 25 February to 8 March. Designed for babies aged 6–24 months, this wordless, sensory adventure invites little ones and their grown-ups into a playful world of empathy and wonder.
Polka also confirms the return of its Catapult artist development programme, supporting underrepresented voices in Theatre for Young Audiences. Thanks to increased funding from The Garek Trust, seed commissions have risen to £2,500 for Next Steps and £1,200 for First Steps.
One artist from last year’s cohort said the scheme was “most rewarding… giving me the tools, time and resources to achieve,” while another praised Polka as “a really positive and supportive place that encourages free-thinking and creativity.”
Artistic Director Helen Matravers said, “Polka is totally committed to supporting artists, finding new voices and providing room for risk and play. I am delighted to be able to increase our seed funding across the Catapult programme, to be able to fuel the TYA sector with exciting theatre projects, and give makers a platform, training and mentoring model which enables learning and network building. Polka is the home of children’s theatre, and to be at the very forefront of that sector we have to invest in the next generation of artists, this is vital. We will establish these fruitful networks, find untold stories and invest in makers who will deliver in the most inspiring ways for audiences. I encourage any artist, in any creative discipline, at any stage of their career to apply and take a risk on a great idea, we can’t wait to meet you.”
Applications for Catapult open on 15 October and close on 15 December. More information is available here.
Also announced for 2026 are several exciting productions already on sale:
- Hamlet by New International Encounter, running 28 January – 1 February, reimagines Shakespeare’s classic for ages 8–12.
- Ruby’s Worry, from MishMash Productions in partnership with Nottingham City Libraries, runs 11–22 February and is aimed at ages 3–7.
- Who Let The Gods Out, a new musical based on Maz Evans’ bestselling novel, runs 7 February – 22 March in the Main Theatre.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
