Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre campaign for theatre access for UK children

Trade bodies the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre have launched a new campaign called “Theatre for Every Child” to lobby government ahead of the next general election.

They are asking for politicians to commit to funding the opportunity for every UK child to attend the theatre before they leave school.

The campaign was launched today at an event at the London Palladium attended by actors Charlie Russell, Luke Thompson and Nancy Zamit, writer Lolita Chakrabarti, and politicians Baroness Christine Blower and Barbara Keely MP.

The Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre said in a press statement that: “All children have the right to experience our country’s world-leading theatre sector. The benefits are far reaching – it enhances children’s educational attainment and wellbeing, addresses skills shortages in the theatre sector and boosts the economy. But access is unequal. Children from low-income families are missing out the most because they are less likely to have access to cultural experiences outside of school. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has also led to teachers and parents reporting a reduction in school trips of up to 68% compared to last year, which includes theatre visits. Ahead of the next general election in 2024, the Theatre for Every Child campaign asks all political parties to commit to fund a theatre visit for every child before they leave school. A pledge supported by 84 percent of parents”.

Co-CEO of SOLT & UK Theatre, Claire Walker said: “We believe every child has the right to experience and enjoy our country’s world-leading theatre. Despite amazing work that theatres do up and down the country, access is not equal. This is not right. Which is why we are calling on all political parties to support our call for every child to attend the theatre before they leave school.”

Actor Luke Thompson said: “I was lucky to be taken to the theatre by my school when I was growing up. It’s an exciting and enlightening experience, which can stay with you for a very long time, no matter what you want to do when you grow up. I am passionate about ensuring that every child can have the same opportunities I did. That is why I support the Theatre For Every Child campaign.”

Actor and writer Lolita Chakrabarti said: “Theatre changes lives. It encourages empathy and widens our understanding of ourselves in the world. Every child should experience the transformative effects of going to the theatre. A Theatre Fund would guarantee minimum equal access, which can only benefit every child and in the end, the whole of society.”

Fozia Nisar, Deputy Head at Montgomery Primary Academy, and a member of The Birmingham Hippodrome Education Network, said: “As a mother and as an educator I stand firm that the key to unlocking minds is through artistic exposure: music, dance, acting are all fundamental to a child’s emotional journey and senses whereby they can explore a plethora of feelings in the safety of a theatre platform.”

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Main photo: Theatre For Every Child campaign launch - Lolita Chakrabarti, Claire Walker, Eleanor Lloyd, Luke Thompson, Fozie Nasir. Photo by Ewa Ferdynus