PAY IT FORWARD – JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT EXETER NORTHCOTT

The Helen Foundation once again was approached late last year by the Northcott Theatre, Exeter, with a brilliant offer of some free tickets for their winter season's pantomime: Jack and the Beanstalk.

THF immediately contacted a number of Teignbridge schools closest to Exeter who were able to identify individual families with low incomes, for whom going to a pantomime would simply be out of reach.

This ticket offer was made possible by the Northcott’s successful “Pay It Forward” campaign in which generous donors give the gift of theatre to families at Christmas.

Photo credit: Craig Fuller

FEEDBACK FROM FAMILIES:

‘It was amazing—I’ve never been to a show before’- a primary school pupil

‘To have the chance to see a show with our family, and at Christmas, was something we wouldn’t have had. Thank you so much’ – a parent

‘I’d give Jack and the Beanstalk 10 beans out of 10!’- a Year 6 boy

“Many of our families don’t have the opportunity to enjoy a show together at Christmas. We cannot thank the Northcott Theatre enough for providing this bit of festive magic”— Luke Marchant, Headteacher.

Lorraine Curry, Headteacher:

"We were able to offer the tickets to a family with both a Reception and a Yr 5 pupil. Both children thought the show was really funny and enjoyed it immensely. The parent said that they hadn’t been to the theatre before and it was amazing that they could go all go as a family - even Grandma! The children thought the actors were fantastic and they couldn't believe how quickly they could change their outfits. They especially liked Jack’s Mum in the performance - who they thought was very funny indeed!”

Ms Curry remembers lots of smiles from the children when they were talking about her.  The children would definitely like to go to the theatre in the future and are very grateful for the tickets. It is a huge support for schools and for our families who are struggling to enjoy such a wonderful experience.  Thank you so much!"

Alison Roper, Headteacher:

"I wanted to express our gratitude for the wonderful opportunity that The Northcott Theatre provided to send a local family to the pantomime. This gesture means so much and exposing children to live theatrical productions is crucial not only for their cultural enrichment, but also for supporting our vital theatre industry.”

We at THF love to get this kind of positive feedback. Well done again Exeter Northcott with this wonderful “Pay it Forward” scheme.