free children's theatre tickets

pchelpman

No need to rush on this one (yet) as it doesn't go "live" till next month.

The government are handing out money to many theatres so they can offer free tickets to young people over the next 2 years or so.

However, I cannot find a definitive list of all the theatres that have been awarded cash for this.

I am looking for somewhere to go with my kids and, if I can save a few bob en route, so much the better.

Does anyone know if such a list exists and, if so, where I can find it.

Thanks.

phsychoduck

http://press.artscouncil.org.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=478&NewsAreaID=2

I believe it is this scheme that you are referring to? This Arts Council press release has the details of the theatres in the bottom.

Just a note, I don't know how old your kids are, but it is for 18-26 year olds. (Actually not sure it is just for that age group, but that was my original understanding?)

Goes live on 16th Feb apparently

pchelpman

Thanks for that. I'll look into it.


PCH

willin06

Hey,

I actually covered this earlier in the week, so I spoke to someone at the Arts Council press office about it.

It was initially titled the Free Theatre Initiative, but it seems they will be 're-branding' it before launch.

The press launch is apparently happening on the 10th Feb with a new dedicated website and a new name. On there you will be able to find info about which theatres are participating and which performances you can get free tickets for. You will also be able to book tickets for the performances.

The actual scheme itself begins on the 16th with a launch week of special events.

They seem a little vague on the Arts Council website about who will be eligible, but it seems that tickets will be available to anyone under 26, (subject to the actual performance) but their target market will be 18 - 26 year olds. So anyone under 26 will benefit from this scheme.

It will be first come first served with the tickets so get in there quick!

Hope this helps.

:j

babyx1uk3

Woo hoo im under 26, be great if you do actually get these for free, fingers crossed somewhere local will be included and tickets dont go too fast! Thankyou for this post, will be watching closely

mrs_lds

Since when have 18 - 26 year old's been children?

mcallister1

I think its more that they are aiming at a younger audience and we can slightly abuse the scheme by using it for children. I suppose they are hoping to hook them into a theatre going habit which they may not otherwise get- but it does rankle a bit that then they can afford to go out clubbing afterwards. But maybe it is just subsidy money diverted- the theatres will gain by putting on 'edgy' stuff that will appeal to 18-26 year olds. Hello Russell Brand...
PS Have I been reading the Daily Mail too much?:p I feel old...

SamP_2

Very nice link and info. This will be used.

Ta very much

Sami

cardiffforthefacup

I believe there is another scheme that runs from October until JUly each year that allows young people to buy theatre tickets for £5 without adults, from the age of 15, which are available at box offices in london (certain shows) from 10 am on the day of the performance. I noticed this on one of the theatre websites but can't remember which at the start of January.

DazzaMc

I posted something about this in the Freebies section a few days ago but didn't know it was at more than one theatre - the MET in Bury is taking part in the promotion. The annoying thing is that each person has to sign up individually for tickets rather than one person getting 4 for example but I guess that's to make sure it's run fairly. Great idea and some of the productions, although quite bizarre, look good

petshopgirlemma

Here are the specifics of how Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre (can't see them on the Arts Council list!) are going about distributing the free tickets:

http://www.royalexchangetheatre.co.uk/news_detail.aspx?article=85