Job Description

Polka Theatre in Wimbledon seeks Cafe Assistants (casual contract)

Would like to work for a pioneering national theatre for children.

Are passionate about food and delivering excellent customer service.

Are available during the weekends and some weekdays for casual work.

This is a casual worker contract based on hourly rate of pay.

Our unique cafe is part of Polka Theatre, which is a registered charity, with any profit going back into the charity's work. You will work, with enthusiasm and energy alongside our Cafe Chef / Manager in our purpose-built cafe in Wimbledon. You will be one of the first staff members people see when they visit Polka so, as well as preparing and serving food and making drinks, the role will involve lots of face-to-face communication, answering queries and helping people in a positive way.

You will have some experience in a similar environment, including experience working with the public. Barista experience is beneficial but not essential.

Salary:

13.85 per hour (London Living Wage) plus holiday pay.

Hours:

you need to be available to work weekends with some weekday shifts. Polka Theatre is open Tuesday to Sunday each week and hours are worked according to the needs of the theatre's venue and performance and schedule and, therefore, no minimum weekly hours are guaranteed. Schedules are completed two weeks in advance and shift length may vary slightly depending on the length of the performance.

Polka's commitment as an

equal opportunities

employer means we are keen to encourage applications from people from the Global Majority, people across the gender spectrum and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.

Polka is funded by Arts Council England, London, registered charity number 256979.

For a

Recruitment Pack

with more information about who we are and what we're looking for in this role plus

how to apply

please visit our website. https://polkatheatre.com/jobs/

Deadline for applications

9am on 27 November 2025

Interviews

w/c 1st December 2025

Ideal start date

as soon as possible

About Polka

Polka is a pioneering national theatre for children, a charity, based in Wimbledon, South West London. The first UK venue to be created exclusively for young audiences, we have been serving the local community since 1979. We are one of just a handful of dedicated children's venues in the UK. Presenting a year-round programme of new work made at Polka, visiting shows, and Creative Learning activities for 0-12 year olds, we continue to pioneer developments in children's theatre, nurture artistic talent in the sector, and maintain an international reputation while serving local communities.

Over 100,000 people visit us each year and a further 20,000+ take part in creative learning and community activities. Inclusivity is and always has been an integral part of the company's offer. In 2007, Polka pioneered relaxed performances for children on the autistic spectrum, a model which continues to be replicated across the cultural sector. We run a free ticketing scheme, enabling children from deprived areas to experience live theatre for the first time, and a range of initiatives that provide opportunities for children with particular access needs or who live in challenging circumstances to participate in our activities. We offer opportunities for all children and families regardless of age, ability, culture or background, to engage in theatre.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 13.85 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 7 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 27/11/2025