KING’S HEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES FREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN TO ATTEND THEATRE TO COMBAT SCHOOL FUNDING CUTS
The Golden Goose Scheme is a pay-it-forward fundraising programme which will provide free pantomime tickets to local schools, partnering with Islington Council’s 11by11 programme
King’s Head Theatre have announced that their 2025 Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk will feature an expanded Pay It Forward initiative, which will provide over 2000 free tickets to schools. In a time where funding cuts are meaning fewer and fewer children are able to experience live theatre, this initiative asks the community, individuals and organisations to purchase tickets for local state schools to attend. The theatre will also provide tickets to low-income families in the area.
The programme began in 2024 as the Fairy Godmother Scheme, which raised over £4,800 – meaning 855 school children were able to see the pantomime thanks to kind donations from businesses and individuals in the community. This year, the theatre has a target of £10,000 – this will allow 2,000 school children to experience the pantomime for free, or at heavily subsidised rates of £2-6 per student. The programme will also allow for subsidies to ensure that all low-income families in the area will have the opportunity to attend the pantomime at heavily reduced rates.
The theatre will be working with Islington Council’s 11by11 programme to deliver the scheme. This is a borough-wide commitment by schools, cultural organisations and councils to work together on ensuring that every child participates in 11 cultural activities by the time they are 11 years old.
Cllr Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington said: “It is incredible to see King’s Head Theatre supporting the local community and encouraging young people to engage in the arts. Islington has a thriving cultural scene, and we are committed to removing the barriers for children to benefit from everything on offer. We are delighted that King’s Head Theatre are making such an exciting step forward with this, and to see them working with the brilliant 11 by 11 Scheme. Pantomime is such a British institution and it’s great to see such a high quality production open its doors to the local families. On recent visits to the venue I’ve been thoroughly impressed by their community ethos, and this initiative will help widen access to something that can genuinely improve people’s quality of life.”
In a poll by The Sutton Trust, it was revealed that this year more than 50% of schools are reducing their budgets for trips and outings, which is the most significant cut since 2017. The Golden Goose initiative hopes to innovate and find new solutions for children to experience the magic of pantomime – often a child’s first experience of theatre.
King’s Head Theatre’s Chief Executive and Executive Producer Sofi Berenger said: “In a borough with such significant economic disparity, the funding cuts we are experiencing to schools disproportionately impact low-income families which perpetuates the division many children experience in accessing theatre and culture. Funding to the education sector is in as much of a crisis as funding to the arts, so theatres need to think outside of the box in order to provide these opportunities and thrive through other avenues.”
Since the theatre moved into its new premises in 2024, it has now been able to welcome school groups and families to its shows far beyond what was possible in the old venue. The theatre produced its first family pantomime last year – Cinderella, led by pantomime legend Andrew Pollard who will be returning to write and direct this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk. Due to the success of last year, and increased demand for the Golden Goose Scheme, the theatre has extended the pantomime a week into term time.
Berenger continued: “Every child deserves the opportunity to see live theatre, and pantomime is a perfect first experience. This scheme enables everyone in the community to come together, no matter whether they are able to donate £10 or £10,000, to do their small bit in ensuring a vibrant, thriving and equitable cultural community. This programme, now in its second year, will only continue to grow and be able to provide more support where other sources have dried up.”
The scheme already has some supporters including the Belaqua Charitable Trust and Unity Theatre Trust who have contributed to the fund. In 2024, supporters included Dame Judi Dench, Humble Grape, Fredericks Restaurant, Timpsons and other local organisations, with more to be added this year.
As an additional part of their commitment to accessibility, the theatre is also offering a Pay What You Can performance on Wednesday 26th November at 6pm.
For more information about the Golden Goose Scheme, and to donate, please see here.
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