Twenty children and teachers from a special school have been presented with free tickets to the Nottingham Playhouse pantomime Sleeping Beauty. Newark Orchard School, in Appleton Gate, has been chosen by this year’s theatre sponsor, Robert Woodhead Ltd, as part of the theatre’s 50:50 appeal. Woodhead have recently completed £1,000,000 environmental improvements works at Nottingham Playhouse and a minor works project at Orchard School.
Mark Maisey, delivery team leader with the construction company, said: “We’ve done a lot of work at the school, so we’ve got to see first-hand how hard the teachers work. It’s nice to be able to give back to the community.” The group will be watching a relaxed performance of the classic fairy tale, which has been designed for families with children who have a sensory disorder or learning disability.
Leanne Hurdle, team leader at the school, said: “A lot of the children wouldn’t be able to go to the theatre, as one-to-one trips can be expensive. It’s very interactive, which the children will love, and because panto is repetitive, they’ll be able to join in the fun.”
Katie Monaghan, 10, one of the children who will be watching the panto, said: “I’m excited to go as I’ve seen the film. There’s a true love kiss at the end.”
Nick Lawford fundraising and development manager for Nottingham Playhouse said: “Our aim is to be a theatre for everyone and we are always looking for ways to engage with our local community to ensure that the theatre is truly accessible.”
Pictured: Robert Woodhead Limited team leader Mark Maisey (left) and project co-ordinator Gary Nicholson (right) with (centre) Newark Orchard School team leaders Jim McEwen and Leanne Hurdle with the youngsters who received the Nottingham Playhouse panto tickets