ARC Stockton has announced the first recipients of its A Theatre Trip for Every Child scheme which it launched in June this year.
Thanks to donations from businesses and individuals who were asked to donate £10 (or multiples of £10) to pay for a theatre visit for a child, 400 free tickets are now available for this year’s Christmas show, Nearly There Yet’s version of Pinocchio (4 to 23 December), and the first recipients are five-year-olds from Mill Lane Primary School in Stockton, with more to be announced soon.
“It is so fantastic to see the generosity of individuals and businesses in Stockton, who have given to our Every Child campaign,” said Annabel Turpin, ARC’s Chief Executive. “We can’t wait to see the faces of the children coming to see the show—we know they are going to have a brilliant time, thanks to our supporters. Hopefully lots of other people and businesses will support the campaign, to help us hit our target of reaching every five-year-old in Stockton.”
In a new look at the well-known story, Geppetto and Pinocchio meet all manner of characters: a very shady fox and cat, a performing donkey, a terrible whale who swallows people whole, a talking cricket, and an anglerfish blues band.
Nine businesses and many individuals have supported the scheme so far and it is hoped that more will do so, so that every year 1 child in the borough can benefit from the scheme.