Arts Minister Visits the Polka Theatre
Lord Parkinson impressed by newly refurbished facilities
Lynette Shanbury, Peter Glanville and Lord Parkinson. Picture: Paul Rutland
November 22, 2021
Arts Minister Lord Parkinson paid a visit to Polka Theatre earlier this month to check out the newly refurbished venue. He was taken on a tour of the spaces by Artistic Director Peter Glanville and Executive Director Lynette Shanbury, as they highlighted the importance of Polka’s role in empowering children through creatives experiences.
The renovation was completed a few months ago and includes a new early years theatre, rehearsal and development studio and a creative learning studio for children with sensory needs.
The main building has been opened up and extended with the takeover of an adjacent retail unit and a new glazed entrance makes the venue more welcoming from the street as visitors are drawn to the central corridor. This leads to a new box office and cate.
The outdoor area has a sensory garden created as well as a play area, including a purpose-built treehouse climbing frame.
The creative Clore Learning Studio is behind the main foyer and provides sensory activities for use by children with sensory or special educational needs.
Polka Theatre now has the first theatre space in the UK purpose built for under sixes in the 100-seat Adventure Theatre located to the rear.
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