Norwich Theatre marks Giving Tuesday - a global movement that inspires millions of people to give – with the launch of its Christmas Appeal.
The Christmas Appeal is raising funds to help the theatre bring the joy of creativity to people who may face barriers to exploring it on their own.
Creativity is a powerful force that can transform lives and is a vital tool to improve our wellbeing and self-perception. It offers a space to express feelings, find a sense of play and connect to a community.
By supporting Norwich Theatre’s Christmas Appeal, you can help us offer reduced price tickets to shows and activities through our My Theatre scheme; reach people who would not otherwise visit us by building partnerships with community organisations through our Encore scheme; and make visiting the theatre as easy and accessible as we can, with our Accessibility scheme.
The arts play an integral role in keeping the nation well. According to the Creative Health: The Arts for Health Wellbeing report, music therapy has been found to reduce the need for medication in 67% of people with dementia. An arts-on-prescription project has seen a 37% drop in GP consultation rates and a 27% reduction in hospital admissions. A study conducted within deprived communities in London found that, of those people who engaged with the arts, 79% ate more healthily, 77% engaged in more physical activity, and 82% enjoyed greater wellbeing.
Norwich Theatre has workshops for parents and their babies; explores the power of music with individuals living with mild to moderate dementia and their caregivers; provides sessions for refugees; and hosts an array of activities for people to come together and meet likeminded people.
Joanne Tweedale, Adviser Inclusion and Attainment for Children with Disabilities at Norfolk County Council brought students to one of our subsidised activity sessions. She said: “It was a privilege to spend the day with some of the young people who are in care and on my caseload, to watch them flourish throughout the day and be completely immersed in the activities was great.”
Working with Juventas Service (a social care organisation that accommodates and supports unaccompanied teenage asylum seekers into independence within Norwich) we helped several young people access the arts and enjoy theatre and music where otherwise they would not have been able to. Joe Cook, Team Manager, said: “For some it is the very first time they have ever witnessed any kind of live performance. It’s a privilege to be alongside them as they experience this for the very first time.”
The money raised will ensure Norwich Theatre can make free and discounted tickets and activities available to those who need them most.
Chief Executive & Creative Director Stephen Crocker at Norwich Theatre said: ” Norwich Theatre receives no public funding, we generate all of our income through our share of ticket sales, plus commercial activities and fundraising. Any surplus funds we reinvest into artistic and creative programmes.
“On Giving Tuesday and as the festive period gets into full swing, the season of goodwill and giving is the perfect time to think about giving the gift of creativity to someone. Please donate what you can and help us bring hope and joyful moments to those who need it most.”
Friends and Supporters Manager, Hannah Crouch agreed: “We know these are challenging times and there are lots of different reasons that people might not be able to experience the joy of creativity and all of the benefits this brings. We believe everyone should have this opportunity and we are so grateful to the people who give so generously during the festive season. With your support this Christmas, you will enable the theatre to provide a nurturing environment where everyone can discover and develop their talents and ensure creative experiences really are for everyone.”
This year, there is an opportunity to enter a raffle to win a one-of-a-kind collection of crocheted Sleeping Beauty character dolls created by Crazy Hippo Crochet, a backstage tour for the winner and a £150 Norwich Theatre gift voucher. Entries can be made at the Box Office or online here.
Norwich Theatre will be collecting donations at the end of its Sleeping Beauty,
The Fairy’s Tale and its Christmas shows at the Playhouse and Stage Two – with bucket collections and contactless options available. Donations can also be made online at norwichtheatre.org/christmas-appeal
Registered Charity No. 262259
