Sheffield children to experience the “joy of theatre” through new national funding
Fresh funding will provide children across South Yorkshire with cultural experiences
A brand new programme has been launched to provide children across South Yorkshire with cultural experiences.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has announced fresh funding which will allow children across South Yorkshire to indulge in sport, theatre and the arts.
For some children who haven’t accessed live shows due to cost or location, this will allow them to experience Sheffield’s theatres for the first time.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced £15 million in funding from the Every Child Can programme. This will support the National Theatre to work with The National Lottery Community Fund and regional theatres across England, including Sheffield.
Children in Sheffield can explore acting, directing, playwriting and backstage roles through training and workshops.
This aims to help kids in South Yorkshire to develop skills for careers in the creative industries on stage and behind the screen.
The announcement comes alongside Andy Burnham’s £688 million plan to improve the cultural experience for children growing up across the country.
Tom Bird, Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres, said: "Sheffield Theatres is delighted to be partnering with the National Theatre as part of National Theatre Nationwide.
“While our programmes already engage with thousands of children and young people from across our city, this increased resource will ensure that young people in our communities have even more opportunities to enjoy the benefits to employability, wellbeing and confidence that a creative life can bring."
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “I am tired of being told that not everybody can or should have access to the best of what this country has to offer.
“Experiencing the joy of theatre shouldn’t be restricted to only those who can afford it or who were born in the right postcode.”
The programme will bring to Sheffield children’s doorsteps the opportunity to see ‘the very best of the National Theatre’ and ‘encourage them to see a creative future for themselves’.
Actor Sir Ian McKellen, famous for starring in Lord of the Rings and X-Men, said: “It is appropriate that a National Theatre should live up to its name by taking their work round the country.
“For young audiences living far away from the NT’s London headquarters, here is a chance to see them close to home and get involved.
“If this means that theatre-going becomes a habit rather than an occasional adventure, hurrah!”