Young people in North East England face growing disadvantage. 24% live in poverty (Newcastle City Council, 2021); arts education is in crisis with a 47% drop in arts GCSE entries (Campaign for the Arts); many schools have cut creative subjects - 41% have dropped drama; 20% of young people aged 8-25 have poor mental health (NHS England). These factors mean our young people are losing vital opportunities to access and build creativity, confidence, skills and aspirations through arts engagement.

We will contact schools, families and community groups who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend a Christmas show and invite them to experience the magic of a Christmas performance, free of charge, with enhancement activities afterwards. 700 children, young people and families will be able to access a memorable creative theatre experience for free. Creativity boosts well-being by providing avenues for self-expression, emotional regulation and social connection.