Poverty is a feature of areas of economic deprivation. Children brought up in poverty are much more prone to low academic attainment, poor skills and three times more at risk of severe mental health problems. Most areas of poverty are also areas of low arts engagement and children are deprived of the joy, stimulus, education and cultural richness that live theatre, made especially for them, can bring.

The ability of the performing arts to enhance the lives and achievements of children is widely documented with benefits seen in confidence, academic attainment, motivation, communications skills, behaviours and ability for independent learning. The ability of children to better communicate helps build trust, strengthens relationships, improves self-esteem, helps them feel more secure and fosters a safer environment. Improved emotional literacy in turn aids well-being and mental health.