Nearly 200 pupils from primary schools across the BCP region will be able to watch this year’s festive pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at Bournemouth Pavilion.
It’s thanks to public donations into BH Live’s outreach fund.
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
The outreach fund consists of donations received from members of the public during previous pantomime performances at the theatre.
Thanks to their generosity, BH Live is able to provide cultural opportunities for underprivileged young people who would not otherwise be able access them because of social or economic barriers.
Collections are also shared with Variety, the Childrens’ charity, to carry out its valuable work in the local community.
To identify those who might benefit the most from an introduction to the theatre, BH Live has worked alongside the Early Years & Primary adviser at BCP Council to identify the primary school from each town with the greatest number of pupil premium students, inviting one nominated year group from each school.
Other local schools who have already made bookings for this year’s event have been offered panto places for their pupil premium students.
Steve Turner, BH Live’s Director of Venues, said: “I want to offer my huge thanks to everyone who has supported the outreach fund by donating at Bournemouth Pavilion.
“Most of the children we’ve invited have never visited the theatre before and we hope this year’s pantomime is a magical introduction for them.”
Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communications said: “Theatre and the arts can transform lives, and this initiative by BH Live to make the excellent Christmas panto at the Pavilion available to even more children is to be applauded.”
Bournemouth Pavilion’s annual pantomime returns from Saturday 7 December 2024 until Sunday 5 January 2025 with Jack & The Beanstalk, a GIANT panto packed with festive fun.
Comic Noel Brodie returns this year as Simple Simon, bringing laughs and mayhem as he tries to help his brother Jack on his quest to save the Princess.
Additional casting is to be announced later this year.
A captioned performance, a relaxed performance, and a school performance are also available for booking.
More information on dates, group rates, and ticketing is available at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events/jack-the-beanstalk-2024.