Gateley PLC, Catalyst Corporate Finance, Pinsent Masons, The Rigby Foundation and Gowling WLG have all generously sponsored a number of theatre tickets, enabling local disadvantaged children and families the chance to experience the magic of theatre. For many this will be their first ever experience of live theatre.

Christmas can be a complicated time for many young people and part of The REP’s ethos is to open its doors to those who wouldn’t normally have access to culture and the arts. By working in partnership with local businesses The REP is able to offer many disadvantaged children the opportunity to see Treasure Island at the theatre this Christmas. The tickets will be offered to young people aged 7-16 in areas with particularly high deprivation.

Paul Cliff, Partner at Gateley PLC said: “Gateley Plc is proud to be a supporter of The REP’s Christmas Appeal. Children and young people are so important to the performing arts and this appeal provides an opportunity for wider participation, learning and enjoyment. The REP does fantastic work in the local community and we are pleased to support them in this excellent project.”

Richard Sanders, Catalyst Corporate Finance, said “Catalyst is delighted to be supporting the Rep’s Christmas campaign of working with disadvantaged children in the community and hopefully bringing a smile to a number of faces at this time of year”.

The REP’s Fundraising Manager, Rachel Cranny said: “We are extremely grateful to our Christmas sponsors for their support. The REP believes that all children and young people should have the chance to experience live theatre and by partnering with local businesses we can give them exactly that. The REP works hard to develop and sustain rewarding relationships across local communities and as a registered charity relies on the positive and generous financial support of individuals and businesses.”

As one of the UK’s leading theatres, The REP has the third largest learning and participation programme of any theatre in the country. Through its acclaimed community engagement programme, the theatre is committed to working with the diverse population of Birmingham and the surrounding region. As Birmingham’s only professional producing theatre, each year The REP works with over 4,500 young people and delivers projects for marginalised adult groups such as people living with dementia, ex-offenders and those at risk of homelessness.

The REP regularly works in partnership with the Birmingham business community and offers a number of opportunities to the corporate sector. Through engaging with The REP’s community and artist development initiatives businesses are able to address their corporate social responsibility agendas and to make a real difference to the community in which they operate.