Stagecoach partners with Theatre Royal to help Newcastle schools access the arts

Stagecoach North East has launched a new partnership with Newcastle Theatre Royal to help schoolchildren from financially disadvantaged areas of the city access live theatre, removing transport costs that can be one of the barriers that prevent young people from taking part in cultural experiences.

From February, the partnership will support schools to travel to selected theatre performances across the year which align with the school curriculum or offer young people the opportunity to engage with live theatre in different ways.

While participating schools may already benefit from reduced priced or gifted tickets, the cost of hiring coaches or logistics associated with transport, have often been a barrier to attendance; something this partnership directly addresses.

The first schools supported through the initiative travelled last week to see Weird – a brand-new musical created by Wallsend-born West End and international theatre producer Michael Harrison with Stagecoach providing additional dedicated bus services.

For future performances, where duplicate buses are not possible, Stagecoach will provide bus travel vouchers to ensure agreed schools can still attend.

Wendy Leeming, Headteacher at Waverley Primary School, said: “The school appreciated the way Stagecoach stepped in to enable us to access a great cultural event in partnership with Newcastle Theatre Royal. The children had a wonderful time.”

Alongside supporting schools, and as part of Newcastle Theatre Royal’s commitment to embed environmental sustainability into its on-going plans to improve audience experience, the partnership includes a six-month trial offering 40% off Newcastle Dayrider tickets for those attending a show, helping make trips to the theatre more affordable.

The discounted ticket can be used for unlimited bus travel across the day, not just for the theatre journey, making it easier for people to plan a full day out in the city. The trial will be reviewed later in the year.

Steve Walker, Managing Director at Stagecoach North East, said: “This partnership will drive change and enable young people to experience the magic of live theatre. Like our partners at Newcastle Theatre Royal, we believe culture and the arts should be for everyone, and we hope this initiative helps inspire the next generation across the city.”

Kim Hoffmann, Director of Creative Development, added: “Even when tickets are free or heavily subsidised, transport costs still prevent many schools in our region from attending the theatre.

“This partnership will help us welcome more young people to Newcastle Theatre Royal – many of whom might never have had the opportunity otherwise – so they can experience the joy and wellbeing that live theatre offers, while building their confidence and creativity in a cultural setting.”

The initiative reflects a shared commitment between Stagecoach North East and Newcastle Theatre Royal to ensure that where children live, or the size of a school’s budget, does not limit access to culture, creativity and learning opportunities.

Newcastle Theatre Royal is an independent large-scale theatre. As a charitable trust, it runs one of only nine Grade I listed theatres in England and presents a broad and ambitious programme on-stage encompassing the finest of West End, national and international drama, musicals, pantomime, comedy, opera and dance.