News from East Midlands Labour

Stars back Labour’s scheme for free theatre in the East Midlands

Eddie Izzard and Kevin Spacey have joined Labour’s Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham and Labour’s Minister for the East Midlands, Phil Hope MP, in welcoming Labour’s offer of free theatre tickets for under 26 year olds.

Northampton’s Royal and Derngate Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, Derby’s Assembly Rooms and Guildhall Theatre and the South Holland Centre have all signed up to Labour’s free theatre scheme which is offering 618,000 free theatre tickets across England for the next two years.

Backing the plans in the East Midlands, Phil Hope MP said:

“I am extremely pleased that five theatres across the East Midlands have taken up this scheme as it is so important that we make sure as many young people as possible have the chance to go to the theatre. That is what Labour is all about – giving new opportunities to young people.

“These theatres have excellent reputations for putting on a wide variety of fantastic productions and this scheme will help ensure that more young people here in the East Midlands get the chance to experience these brilliant productions, and I look forward to working with local schools and colleges to ensure that we encourage young people under 26 to get their free tickets.

“Having people like Eddie Izzard and Kevin Spacey offer their support is great, and I recommend people view their video clips and contact one of the participating theatres as soon as possible to get their free tickets.”

Eddie Izzard said:

“I think free theatre tickets for young people is a great idea, especially as things are getting tough financially right now. I am very pleased that the Labour Party has launched this scheme for under 26 year olds. We have a great British theatrical tradition and I hope people take advantage of this offer.”

Andy Burnham, Labour’s Culture Secretary said:

“Labour has always believed in making the best in life available to everyone. We all know how a visit to the theatre can be a life-changing experience, and it’s incredibly exciting to imagine our theatres full to bursting point with young people. This new scheme sees Labour values in action.

“This scheme allows us to unlock seats that might otherwise have remained empty, giving us good value for money, as well as ensuring we open up theatre to as many people as possible. In the same way we opened up access to our great museums and galleries, we are now extending this principal through to the performing arts, and I congratulate all those theatres taking part.”

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