Coinciding with Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s festive production of The Hundred and One Dalmatians, the theatre is appealing for 101 businesses to give hundreds of young people the chance to visit the theatre this Christmas. Businesses are being asked to pledge an amount between £175-£500 which will provide family tickets or group tickets to those most in need.

One business to have already pledged support is JLT Speciality. Sally Swann, Head of the Midlands Region for JLT said: “We’re delighted to get behind this brilliant campaign. The appeal to recruit 101 businesses is a great opportunity for Birmingham companies to get together for a very worthwhile cause that will have a positive impact on the lives of many local children.”

Rachel Cranny, Head of Fundraising at Birmingham Repertory Theatre added: “As a charity, we are committed to making theatre accessible to everyone regardless of social or economic barriers. I am extremely excited about the potential of this project, not only in the number of tickets it will enable us to offer, but also the opportunity to demonstrate the impact of corporate support for the arts.”

The 101 businesses initiative recognises that Christmas can be a complicated time for many. It aims to offer light relief by enabling children and families who never usually visit the Rep to enjoy the magic and escapism of theatre, free of charge. Some of the groups who will benefit include; children with learning disabilities, families living in sheltered accommodation and children who are terminally ill.

The campaign has also been selected to form part of the national fundraising initiative, The Big Give, whereby donations given during the Big Give Christmas Challenge (28th November-5th December) have the chance to be doubled.