NICK RAYNSFORD MP CELBRATES SUCCESS OF FREE THEATRE FOR UNDER 26 YEAR OLDS IN GREENWICH

Nick met with Greenwich Theatre’s Director last Friday, James Haddrell, to congratulate the Theatre for taking part in the Government’s highly successful initiative to offer free theatre for people under 26.

A Night Less Ordinary is a £2.5m scheme to enable more young people to attend the theatre. Branded a ‘gimmick’ by the Tories, nearly 50,000 free tickets have been allocated across England so far.

The dedicated website – www.anightlessordinary.org.uk – has received millions of hits and averages almost 7,000 visits a day.

Nick says: ‘I know that price can be a significant barrier to participation in culture. The Government’s experience with free entry to museums has shown how great an impact removing cost as a barrier can have on attendance levels. Greenwich Theatre is a fantastic venue that puts on some wonderful plays. I fully support the Government’s initiate to get more people interested in the arts, the same way free entry to museums has encouraged participation in culture. People can now spend a leisurely Saturday at the Royal Observatory then catch a play – all for free!’

James says: ‘Working with young people is a core part of everything we do. The opportunity to invite under 26s to see shows for free has added an exciting new level to that’.