Next week, is Remember a Charity Week, a national initiative that celebrates the vital work of charities and the powerful, lasting difference a gift in a will can make. While many in Norfolk are familiar with Norwich Theatre for its performances, many people in Norfolk may not be aware that Norwich Theatre is a registered charity.
Norwich Theatre hosts a wide range of creative engagement activities that serve to prevent loneliness, tackle social isolation, and improve mental and physical wellbeing. Last year, over 3,800 people participated in these activities. Over 10,000 children engaged through performances and workshops, and we partnered with schools, care homes, GP surgeries and other charities and community groups.
Nik Khandpur, our Assistant Director of Development & Partnerships, highlights Norwich Theatre’s commitment: “Here at Norwich Theatre, we take our role in our community very seriously and are proud of the impact we have. We believe creative experiences are for everyone. Whether we are working with schools, families, older adults or young people in care, we witness that creativity changes lives.”
For Lesley, a supporter of Norwich Theatre, this work is vital: “With the reduction of all forms of creative arts education in our schools, Norwich Theatre plays a vital role in extending access to these activities across the age range.”
This commitment to the community is what inspired supporters Olwyn and Paul to leave a gift in their wills. As they explained: “Moving to Norwich and seeing what a wonderful job Norwich Theatre Royal does in bringing a broad spectrum of shows to the region and its pioneering efforts to bring in the local community and talking to some young people who have been invigorated by their exposure to this world we can think of nothing more rewarding than to support these efforts by leaving them money in our wills.”
Beyond our community engagement, Norwich Theatre acts as a crucial cultural hub, providing a platform for stories from all over the world while also nurturing local artists. We are currently supporting 300 new and emerging artists and theatre companies in the region.
Nik added: “We only keep 20p in every £1 from a theatre ticket, which gets reinvested directly back into our work. This means that every pound that people donate is vital. And every penny in every one of these pounds is spent on creativity, education and engagement activities at our theatres and in the community.”
You can make a donation to Norwich Theatre or learn more about how to support Norwich Theatre here: https://norwichtheatre.org/friends-support/