Bath’s dedicated young people’s theatre launches the Wonderfund

The Egg has launched the Wonderfund, a brand new fundraising initiative to introduce more school children to live performance for free across 2022.

Since opening its doors in 2005, The Egg, one of the UK's best loved children's theatres, has presented quality productions for thousands of young people in a space designed just for them. As schools’ resources have become even more stretched during the pandemic, teachers now need support to return to theatres with their classes. 

Recently the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology stressed the vital importance of prioritising “children’s access to educational, social and recreational activities”, like theatre, to aid their mental wellbeing. Children need to learn and laugh together in special places and a trip to the theatre can unlock a much bigger story for them, their schools and families. However, children’s theatre engagement is currently declining nationwide faster than all other creative activities, with only 25% of 5 to 10 year olds engaging in theatre, a figure that has halved since 2009. Research shows that over 10,000 under 11s in Bath & North East Somerset may never have been to the theatre or taken part in extracurricular drama activities. 

As a charity, Bath’s Egg Theatre is asking for the public’s help to make 2022 the year where all the barriers to school trips are removed enabling as many children as possible to experience live performance and access additional resources to enhance their education. A donation to The Egg’s Wonderfund will give school children the opportunity to experience the joy and wonder of live theatre, many for the first time, creating memories that can inspire lifelong passions and lighting a spark in young minds. As well as free tickets, the scheme will also help to provide transport and teacher support to those schools with the highest levels of deprivation. 

Kate Cross, Director of The Egg, said: “A first trip to the theatre can change someone’s life forever. It can mould a career or define leisure time. It can help them in their exams or in their relationships. At The Egg we are so sure of this, through testament, data, instinct and years of experience that we urgently want to give this opportunity to as many young people as possible. In our young communities, we are witnessing a happiness deficit and we want theatre to top that up. But resources are needed to take a child to the theatre. The Wonderfund will provide logistical and financial support which we promise will make a difference to our local school community.” 

Andrea Harris, Head of Development at the Theatre Royal Bath, said: “Most people can’t imagine a world where the children they know would never be taken to the theatre. Sadly we know this is true for around three quarters of primary school children nationwide. St John’s Foundation and Bath & North East Somerset Public Health have helped us to identify the schools that need the most help. Now we are appealing to the local community and businesses to help provide a solution by working with us to fund free tickets and transport for school children to enjoy live theatre at The Egg. It is possible to donate online, via text or simply by calling our box office. We will also be fundraising here at the Theatre Royal throughout the festive season. Every contribution made to the Wonderfund will help to ensure that more children get to experience live theatre and all the benefits that brings.” 

Any state school can now apply to benefit from the Wonderfund in 2022 by contacting The Egg and those in the greatest need will receive additional support and finance for eligible performances.  

To become a Wonderfunder call the Box Office on 01225 448844, text WONDER to 70470 to donate £10 (standard network charges apply) or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk/wonderfund