A campaign led by Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre is aiming to give every child the opportunity to go to the theatre before they leave school.
The Theatre for Every Child Campaign officially launched at an opening event at London Palladium yesterday (16 October).
It has set its first target as lobbying politicians to include a commitment in their general election manifestos for every child to attend a theatre before they leave school.
According to research conducted by SOLT and UK Theatre, 84% of parents would support the pledge.
The campaign is proposing government then introduces ring-fenced funding to ensure the target is met.
Claire Walker, Co-CEO of the theatre bodies, commented: “We believe every child has the right to experience and enjoy our country’s world-leading theatre.
“Despite amazing work that theatres do up and down the country, access is not equal. This is not right. Which is why we are calling on all political parties to support our call for every child to attend the theatre before they leave school.”
Actor, writer and campaign supporter, Lolita Chakrabarti, added: “Theatre changes lives. It encourages empathy and widens our understanding of ourselves in the world. Every child should experience the transformative effects of going to the theatre.”
“A Theatre Fund would guarantee minimum equal access, which can only benefit every child and in the end, the whole of society.”