Polka Children's Theatre Limited
Also known as: Polka Children's Theatre, Polka Theatre, Polka Theatre for Children
Polka empowers children aged 0 to 12 years old to navigate their world through inspirational theatre and creative experiences: improving children's lives, bringing communities together, creating ground-breaking theatre. Since 1979 we have built a local, national and international reputation. Our venue in Wimbledon is a theatre and community hub where everyone is welcome.
Activities & Mission
Polka empowers children aged 0 to 12 years old to navigate their world through inspirational theatre and creative experiences: improving children's lives, bringing communities together, creating ground-breaking theatre. Since 1979 we have built a local, national and international reputation. Our venue in Wimbledon is a theatre and community hub where everyone is welcome.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 45% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 780). How is this calculated?
Higher than 52% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 32% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £3,620,501 | £3,373,382 | £3,232,162 | £9,849,071 | £787,098 | 36 / 98 |
| 2024 | £3,009,800 | £3,203,252 | £2,951,097 | £9,768,225 | £688,701 | 35 / 123 |
| 2023 | £2,636,562 | £2,973,692 | £2,833,512 | £9,961,678 | £657,862 | 33 / 140 |
| 2022 | £2,994,641 | £2,281,284 | £2,133,533 | £10,298,808 | £633,520 | 28 / 80 |
| 2021 | £2,869,831 | £924,239 | £746,481 | £9,585,451 | £452,458 | 13 / 25 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Polka Children's Theatre Limited
What does Polka Children's Theatre Limited do?
Polka empowers children aged 0 to 12 years old to navigate their world through inspirational theatre and creative experiences: improving children's lives, bringing communities together, creating ground-breaking theatre. Since 1979 we have built a local, national and international reputation. Our venue in Wimbledon is a theatre and community hub where everyone is welcome.
How much income did Polka Children's Theatre Limited report in 2025?
Polka Children's Theatre Limited reported total income of £3.62m and reported expenditure of £3.37m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Polka Children's Theatre Limited?
Polka Children's Theatre Limited has a program ratio of 89.3%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 45% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 780 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Polka Children's Theatre Limited registered as a charity?
Polka Children's Theatre Limited was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 2 October 1968 as charity number 256979. It has been registered for 58 years.
Who runs Polka Children's Theatre Limited?
Polka Children's Theatre Limited is governed by a board of 11 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Polka Children's Theatre Limited operate?
Polka Children's Theatre Limited operates across 2 areas: Surrey and London.
Is Polka Children's Theatre Limited a registered charity?
Yes — Polka Children's Theatre Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 256979.
Details
240 The Broadway
LONDON
SW19 1SB
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Polka Children's Theatre
- Polka Theatre
- Polka Theatre for Children
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated