Northampton’s Royal and Derngate has started an appeal to give disadvantaged children the chance to enjoy its Christmas productions.
The theatre is collaborating with the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and the Lamport Hall Trust on its 2016 Unforgettable Gift Appeal. The aim is to give tickets to children and young people who live in or are at risk of being in child poverty.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation grants director Rachel McGrath said, “the festive period is a difficult and stressful time for families on a low income. This helps to release some of the burden and pressures at this time of year as well as creating an unforgettable and magical experience.”
Vicki Howlett, house assistant at Lamport Hall, commented, “the Lamport Trust is delighted to support this campaign. Sir Gyles Isham, who lived at the Hall until 1976, was particularly fond of the theatre and was a noted actor between the wars, appearing on stage and screen. We’re sure he’d be delighted to see Lamport supporting this initiative.”
Theatregoers are being invited to add a gift-aided donation of £10 when making a booking for a Royal and Derngate Christmas show. The theatre will make up the difference and provide tickets to disadvantaged children living in Northamptonshire for either the European première of the Peter Pan prequel Peter and the Starcatcher or Jack and the Beanstalk. In 2015 more than 300 children were able to see a production.
More information about the Christmas shows and how to make a donation can be found at the Royal and Derngate web site.