Under 26? Like going to the theatre? Christmas pantomimes to Lion King, I know I enjoy a good performance especially if I know the words to the songs! Theatre tickets will given away for free to all those under 26years old in England from February 2009. This won’t be a short-lived scheme like the Free Night of Theatre in the US but a long-term campaign running up until March 2011 in theatres across the country. Young children to teenagers to young adults from all backgrounds will get the chance to see free performances as long as enough is done to make them aware of this incentive.
This incentive has been organised by Department for Culture, Media and Sport and was announced by Andrew Burnham, the Cultural Secretary on 23rd September 2008. The aim behind is to reach new young audiences to encourage engagement with the arts to increase attendance. DCMS believe that access to the arts is vital and can provide valuable experiences, change behaviour/attitudes and enhance academic achievement within children.
Personally I think this is a great idea…maybe because I am in the relevant age group so therefore I am eligible for this scheme and will make the most of this. However, this will be funded with £2.5million of tax-payer’s money; how many people will think this is beneficial and how many will think this is a waste of money during the current credit crunch?
I would love to hear your thoughts….
I have just noticed an article on Times online also posted yesterday titled ‘Boys and girls come out to plays’ which looks at how workable this scheme will be take a look: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/theatre/article5252870.ece
