Families looking for inspiring, entertaining and thoughtful ways to spend February half term 2026 will find plenty to enjoy at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, with two brilliant stage adaptations and a packed programme of creative workshops designed for children of all ages.

From epic Greek gods to gentle stories about feelings and emotions, Polka’s half-term programme combines laughter, learning and creativity — all under one roof.

Who Let the Gods Out – World Premiere Musical

Saturday 7 February – Sunday 22 March
Ages 8–13
Y C Chan Theatre

Polka Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of Who Let the Gods Out, a hilarious new musical based on the bestselling book series by award-winning author Maz Evans.

The show follows Elliot on an epic quest to save the world, joined by a chaotic family of Ancient Greek gods, an evil death daemon and a very suspicious neighbour. With original music by Luke Bateman, this fast-paced musical is packed with humour, adventure and heart — perfect for older children and families.

Fans of the books can also enjoy an exclusive post-show Q&A with Maz Evans, free for ticket holders, taking place after performances on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February at 2.30pm.

Ruby’s Worry – A Musical Adventure

Wednesday 11 – Sunday 22 February
Ages 3–7
Adventure Theatre

Younger audiences will love Ruby’s Worry, a delightful and reassuring musical adaptation of Tom Percival’s much-loved picture book. Told through live music, puppetry and physical theatre, the story gently explores emotions, anxiety and how sharing worries can help make them feel smaller.

Produced by Mishmash Productions with Nottingham City Libraries, this tender production is ideal for preschool and early primary-age children.

Creative Half Term Workshops

Alongside the theatre shows, Polka is offering a range of hands-on workshops inspired by the productions and Children’s Mental Health Week:

  • Learn To… Express Yourself! (Tuesday 17 February): A sensory workshop inspired by Ruby’s Worry, using music, colour and texture to explore emotions.

  • Make Your Own Superhero Puppet (Wednesday 18 February): An arts and crafts workshop helping children express feelings through character creation.

  • Greek Myth Masterclass (Thursday 19 February): A drama workshop inspired by Who Let the Gods Out, where children create characters, use masks and write their own myth.

A Theatre Designed for Families

Recently refurbished, Polka Theatre is one of the UK’s leading venues dedicated entirely to children and families. With two performance spaces, free indoor play areas, a welcoming café and step-free access, it’s an ideal half-term destination — whatever the weather.

Tickets are on sale now via polkatheatre.com or by calling 020 8543 4888.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.