Theatre announces new ticket appeal ahead of panto season

The Lichfield Garrick Theatre has announced its rebranded Big Ticket Appeal, formerly known as the Christmas Ticket Appeal.

This annual appeal helps young people who may have experienced trauma, bereavement, illness or financial barriers, to attend the Garrick’s pantomime and experience the magic of Christmas no matter their circumstances.

With the generous support of local businesses and individuals, the appeal benefits groups including Lichfield Foodbank, Pathway Project, Spark Burntwood and National Deaf Children’s Society.

For many of these children and young people the appeal gives them their first visit to a theatre or arts venue.

The Big Ticket Appeal is part of the theatre’s continued commitment to provide access to the arts across Lichfield, Burntwood and the wider community.

Just 42 per cent of parents in the UK with children under the age of 16 said they cannot afford to take their child to the theatre this year.

Last year the heartwarming initiative garnered support from 28 local businesses and 1,089 individual Garrick audience members, whose contributions allowed the theatre to provide 478 tickets to children facing various challenges.

Since 2017, local supporters and businesses have sponsored over 1,000 tickets given to families and groups of young people via local charities.

This year, the Garrick hopes to offer tickets to more people than ever before and welcomes individual donations and business sponsorships for this important cause.

Matt Clay, director of development, said: “Accessing live theatre is so important for young people, not only for learning and development, but also for their wellbeing and experiencing escapism, allowing them to forget their troubles for an hour or two.

“We are so grateful to the supporters of the appeal who make this happen and are thrilled to welcome Cathedral Hearing as our first new sponsor this year.”

Independent family-owned audiology practice Cathedral Hearing is among the business sponsors of the Big Ticket Appeal 2024.

Recently opened on Sandford Street, the clinic offers services including hearing tests and hearing aid packages.

The practice has donated for a family, including grandparents, to enjoy this year’s Christmas panto.

Principal audiologist Laura Evans said: “Music and theatre are so important not just because of the performances, but because they bring people together, especially families.

“We live in a multi-generational society, with grandparents, becoming more and more vital to childcare. I also know how special the bond is between grandchild and grandparent.

“I am a working mum and very fortunate to have the support of my parents and that’s why my donation will cover the cost of not just a mum, a dad and their children, but also grandparents.”

Individuals can donate on the theatre’s website, or in person when they attend this year’s pantomime.

Alternatively, businesses who would like to become a sponsor are invited to contact Matt Clay, by emailing matthew.clay@lichfieldgarrick.com