PANTO CAST TAKE A BREAK THANKS TO GOODFUND
16/01/2008

The cast of Aladdin take a well-earned rest on seating installed in the Theatre Royal’s Learning Space thanks to a £10,000 donation from local charity GoodFund.

The new telescopic seating is part of the Learning Space, which opened at the end of 2007, and will provide an inclusive programme of work aimed at schools and community groups across the more deprived areas in Tyneside and the wider North East region.

The 110 square metre Learning Space, with studio theatre capacity, significantly adds to the value of the education programmes visiting companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Rambert Dance Company and Birmingham Stage Company bring to the region.

An increasing number of other companies bring education resources on tour and a greater number of local people can now benefit from them following the creation of a substantial dedicated space at the Theatre Royal.

The Learning Space aims to enhance the enjoyment, understanding and ownership of the work performed at the Theatre Royal among a diverse range of groups in the North East, in particular those who for a variety of social and cultural reasons, rarely visit the theatre.

Teresa Threadgall, Head of Learning at the Theatre Royal said:

“The Learning Space is a fantastic resource for the city and the Theatre.  We are very excited about our new programme and the potential of the space as both a workshop facility and performance space.

 “We have various projects starting this year; some of which target groups which have never had access to this type of work before.  It is our aim to provide a valuable education resource to the people of the region and introduce them to a range of new skills and experiences.”

Manuela Wendler, Executive Manager for GoodFund, said: 

“Through our Charity of the Month fund, GoodFund helps some of the most socially excluded people in the North East.  By giving this donation to the Theatre Royal, we are helping to open up a whole new arena of learning & culture to a section of the community often at a disadvantage when it comes to access to the Arts.”

GoodFund regularly provides funding to North East charities and has received £1,198,564.31 to date via North East players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.