The Lichfield Garrick Theatre has announced the launch of the newly rebranded Big Ticket Appeal, formerly known as the Christmas Ticket Appeal.

This annual appeal helps young people who may have experienced trauma, bereavement, illness or financial barriers, to attend the Garrick’s pantomime and experience the magic of Christmas no matter their circumstances.

With the generous support of local businesses and individuals, the appeal benefits groups including Lichfield Foodbank, Pathway Project, Spark Burntwood and National Deaf Children’s Society amongst many other local charities and groups. For many of these children and young people the appeal gives them their first ever visit to a theatre or arts venue.

The Big Ticket Appeal is part of the theatre’s continued commitment to provide access to the arts across Lichfield, Burntwood and the wider community. 42% of parents in the UK with children under the age of 16 said they cannot afford to take their child to the theatre this year (John Lyon’s Charity, 2023). Last year the heartwarming initiative garnered support from 28 local businesses and 1089 individual Garrick audience members, whose generous contributions allowed the theatre to provide 478 tickets to children facing various challenges.

Since 2017, local supporters and businesses have sponsored over 1000 tickets given to families and groups of young people via local charities. This year, the Garrick hopes to offer tickets to more people than ever before and welcomes individual donations and business sponsorships for this important cause. The appeal is an opportunity to make a profound difference in our local communities and help those who need it most.

Matt Clay, Director of Development says:

“Accessing live theatre is so important for young people, not only for learning and development, but also for their wellbeing and experiencing escapism, allowing them to forget their troubles for an hour or two. We are so grateful to the supporters of the appeal who make this happen and are thrilled to welcome Cathedral Hearing as our first new sponsor this year.”

The Lichfield Garrick is delighted to announce local independent family-owned audiology practice, Cathedral Hearing as one of their first business sponsors of the Big Ticket Appeal 2024. Recently opened on Sandford Street, the clinic offers many services including hearing tests and hearing aid packages. The practice has donated for a family, including grandparents, to enjoy this year’s Christmas panto.

Principal Audiologist Laura Evans says:

“Music and theatre are so important not just because of the performances, but because they bring people together, especially families. We live in a multi-generational society, with grandparents, becoming more and more vital to childcare. I also know how special the bond is between grandchild and grandparent. I am a working mum and very fortunate to have the support of my parents and that’s why my donation will cover the cost of not just a mum, a dad and their children, but also grandparents.”

“I have been visiting the Garrick for many years and especially now enjoy taking my young children there. I’m delighted to be supporting the Lichfield Garrick Big Ticket Appeal. Knowing that somewhere in the audience is a family, enjoying drinks, ice-creams and time together is a fantastic feeling and I encourage businesses to come forward and make another family’s Christmas extra special.”

Individuals can donate at lichfieldgarrick.com, or in person when they attend this year’s pantomime. Alternatively, businesses who would like to become a sponsor are invited to contact Director of Development Matt Clay, by emailing matthew.clay@lichfieldgarrick.com.