Unlock a creative journey

Launched as part of our 30th birthday celebrations in 2020, Theatre Passport is a free ticket scheme for Tower Hamlets school and community groups that gives local children the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre, many for the first time, and start them on their creative journey.

Inspired by similar successful schemes in other areas of the UK, the aim is to provide access to high-quality theatre for socio-economically disadvantaged children and young people, who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to visit Half Moon.

Schools and community groups can choose from a selection of shows, including our own professional productions, as well as shows by the best companies from across the UK creating work specifically for young people. We programme productions that show positive representations of our diverse audiences and look for shows which deal with issues pertinent to local young people.

Without Theatre Passport, many children and young people in Tower Hamlets would miss out on the opportunity to experience live theatre, and the positive impact on their personal and social development.

Attending live performances can provide a host of benefits, including improving language and communication skills, wellbeing and emotional literacy, and giving the opportunity to discuss challenging subjects.

Feedback from teachers and community group leaders who have participated in the scheme demonstrates its positive impact.

“For many it was the first time they’d been able to experience a theatre performance,” one local teacher told us. “It was wonderful seeing many of our parents, many of whom have English as an additional language, enjoying quality time with their children who were absolutely enthralled by the show.”

Another teacher said: “We couldn’t have done something like this without the funding. We know how important it is to offer enrichment opportunities but funding has got tighter and tighter. Thank you for making a trip to the theatre possible for our children.”

If you can help us to continue Theatre Passport, so we can ensure children in our borough don’t miss out, please get in touch. A donation of £300 would enable a whole class to visit the theatre, whilst £3,000 would go towards a whole school outing, enabling 400 children and accompanying adults to attend.

Recent companies who have supported the scheme include Canary Wharf Group, Coopers Charity, Clifford Chance and Galliard Homes.

Stephen Beeny is the Communication Manager at Half Moon