Adrian Bailey MP today welcomed the launch of a Government website to help provide free theatre tickets for under 26 year olds in some of the regions most prestigious institutions.

The Birmingham Rep, Hippodrome and Royal Shakespeare company theatres all qualified for the premium award of £50,000 each, while the Drum received the flexible award of £10,000.

Adrian Bailey MP said,

“I am really proud that these theatre have signed up to this scheme. Labour got rid of charges at museums and galleries and now they are committed to ensuring that young people have the chance to go to the theatre for free. The new website http://www.anightlessordinary.org.uk/ will help people access these tickets easily.

This will be a great opportunity for young people from Sandwell to travel to Birmingham and Stratford and visit some of the countries best loved theatres. I know that cost can sometimes stop people being able to go to the theatre, so today’s announcement is really encouraging.”

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham said:

“This is a brilliant start to a scheme which will deliver real value for money to the taxpayer.  We are turning modest public investment into a real and enduring benefit for young people.  From February they will get the chance to see excellent work in our top theatres free of charge, broadening their life experiences and supporting their education. “

“Some theatres already run successful schemes to discount tickets.  This will take the idea further and broader.  The theatres which have signed up represent a really good spread of venues across England.  Building on free access to museums, I hope and believe that what we are announcing today is just the beginning of an initiative that will, in time, similarly transform access to theatre in this country.”

Notes

 - For more information please visit the Arts Council website on www.artscouncil.org.uk

- A new website for the scheme is currently being developed and will have more information from February 2009.

- Tickets will be available directly from the theatres. Theatre websites or via the new website from February 2009.

- On the 19th of January Adrian asked the Minister to update the House of Commons on the scheme and received the following response:

Barbara Follett MP: 'Arts Council England announced on the 17th of December that approximately 618000 free theatre ttickets for under 26 year olds would be avaliable between February 2009 and March 2011. over 200 venues will be involved in the scheme, which is due to officially launch on the 16th of February. My Department is supporting this initiative which will help theatres fill their seats while building the audience of the future.'