Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive Helen Matravers, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive Lynette Shanbury, and the whole team are delighted to announce that – following the Olivier Award-nominated success of The Boy With Wings and the world premiere stage adaptation of Who Let The Gods Out – two of the UK’s most celebrated storytellers will formalise their relationship with Polka Theatre; Sir Lenny Henry and Maz Evans will become Patrons of the Wimbledon venue.
The announcement follows on from both artists’ recent creative collaborations with Polka Theatre. Maz Evans’ bestselling book Who Let The Gods Out was adapted into a vibrant new musical that has just finished its critically acclaimed run at the venue, while Sir Lenny Henry’s The Boy With Wings received its world premiere at Polka last summer — a production that has since gone on to receive Olivier Award recognition.
Their appointment as Patrons marks an exciting next chapter in these relationships, as Polka continues its commitment to creating bold, imaginative theatre for children and young people, and championing access to the arts for all.
Sir Lenny Henry is one of the UK’s most beloved performers, writers and advocates for diversity in the arts, whose work spans stage, screen and literature. Maz Evans is a bestselling and award-winning author whose hugely popular books for children have captivated readers around the world.
Together, their appointments reflect Polka’s ongoing ambition to collaborate with leading artists who share its passion for storytelling, creativity and championing young voices.
Sir Lenny Henry said, “I am so chuffed to be joining the mega-tastic Polka posse as a Patron! Theatre has a superpower to inspire children and impact their lives, which is why it’s so important that we remove barriers and make sure it is accessible for every child. Polka is so brilliant at championing this, and I’m over the moon to help share that message far and wide. I loved watching The Boy with Wings come to life on stage at Polka last summer and look forward to a glorious future with them.”
Maz Evans said, “I am absolutely over the moon to become a Polka patron! Working closely with the team has reaffirmed daily that imagination and inclusivity are at their very core and I cannot wait to be part of the next exciting chapter in the Polka story.”
Their new roles as Patrons will see them support Polka’s mission to make exceptional theatre accessible to all children, champion creativity and imagination, and inspire the next generation of audiences and artists.
Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director Helen Matravers said, “I am incredibly excited that Sir Lenny Henry and Maz Evans have joined Polka as Patrons. They are superheroes in the worlds of children’s literature, theatre and children’s advocacy. Their extensive work and unquestionable passion in making sure theatre and the creative arts are accessible for all children, and made specifically for children, aligns perfectly with the mission of Polka and our team. Working with them both personally over the last year on the stage premieres of The Boy with Wings and Who Let The Gods Out has been an utter joy. They are two of the most energetic, generous and passionate people to celebrate Polka’s commitment to creating empowering, inspiring and life changing work with and we can’t wait to get started.”
Polka opened its doors in 1979, the UK’s first theatre venue dedicated exclusively to children. Polka Theatre is one of just a handful of dedicated children’s venues in the UK, presenting a year-round programme of shows produced by Polka and from visiting companies. Polka also offers a full programme of Creative Learning activities for ages 0–12, with over 21,000 children taking part in the last year. Polka enjoys flexible rehearsal and workshop spaces along with two performance spaces: the Y C Chan Theatre has a 300-seat capacity, and the Adventure Theatre can seat up to 90 depending on the show format.
Over the past year, Polka has worked with 143 schools through Creative Learning projects and has distributed over 9,000 free tickets to schools through their Curtain Up! scheme.
Polka is a community hub and vital resource, open 6 days per week, 50 weeks per year at a challenging time to be a sustainable public venue with step-free access, free-to-access play spaces and a cosy and welcoming café and shop.
