News: Northern Stage festive charity appeal, Pay It Forward

Northern Stage festive charity appeal, Pay It Forward

Giving Tuesday, 29 November 2022

On Giving Tuesday - a global day of generosity on Tuesday 29 November - Northern Stage is encouraging donations towards its festive charity appeal, Pay It Forward. 

Pay It Forward enables children and young people living in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the North East to experience the magic of theatre. Last year, the campaign enabled 212 young people from local communities to see productions at the theatre and provided bursaries for 48 children to take part in workshops for free. 

Northern Stage Director of Development Zoe Hull explains, "As a registered charity, Northern Stage believes that everyone should have equal access to the arts, and we are committed to supporting everyone to be able to enjoy theatre. Newcastle is a vibrant centre for culture, but now more than ever many young people are missing out. We would like to offer free tickets to children who may not otherwise be able to see a show at the theatre, so this Giving Tuesday we’re asking for donations to help even more young people experience the magic of theatre this Christmas. If you are able to, please share some festive joy and support our Pay it Forward campaign this year.” 

Pay It Forward donations will make it possible for a group from St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle to see The Sorcerer’s Apprentice at Northern Stage. Jocelyn Thompson, Matron, Children and Young Adult Service from St Oswald's Hospice said, ”Our children and young adults are thrilled to have the opportunity to experience a trip to the theatre this Christmas. It’s a real treat for our families, making the festive season happy and memorable."

Ahead of launching this year’s Pay It Forward appeal, Christmas came early for pupils at a Shiremoor school when the cast of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice paid them a visit. Originally from Shiremoor but now based in London, Beth Crame who plays Hatty Rabbit, and Nick Figgis who plays the Sorcerer, visited Moorbridge Alternative Education Partnership School (MAEPS) to chat to students about the show. Mrs Grier from  MAEPS said, “We’re really excited to be attending the theatre this Christmas; it’ll be a real treat for our students after meeting the cast in school!” One of the students, Jayden, added, “I’ve never been to Northern Stage before but I’m looking forward to seeing all the actors on stage in their costumes.”

Zoe Hull said, “For many children, a Christmas show is their first introduction to theatre, sparking a passion and inspiring them to explore their own creative talents. We know young people carry those memories with them for many years and for some is has a truly transformative effect on their lives. So we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has already donated, including the R W Mann Trust, and generous support from local businesses including Ward Hadaway and Watsons Timber Ltd.”

To find out more or donate to the Christmas Pay It Forward campaign, visit www.northernstage.co.uk/support-us/