School children offered free travel to theatre

Children from Quarry Bank Primary School will be the first to use the scheme

More than 300 school children will be able to travel to a theatre for free this year.

It is part of a pilot scheme by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to make extra-curricular trips more accessible for the youngsters.

Schools that receive a minimum of 25% pupil premium in Brierley Hill, Dudley, will qualify for the transport when they book a production.

The project has been funded by the Richardson Brothers Foundation, which was "delighted" to support new opportunities for children and young people.

'The magic of theatre'

Prospect Coaches will also support the scheme by transporting children to and from the theatre.

Quarry Bank Primary School, Brierley Hill, will be the first school to benefit in April.

"For them to see a live production of a book they are studying massively supports their learning, whilst also exposing them to the magic of theatre," head teacher Alex Rawlings said.

The project also supports the UK Theatre campaign which advocates for every child to visit a theatre and experience the joy it can bring.

Vicky Price, from the theatre, added she was determined to get additional funding to open the opportunity to other areas of Wolverhampton and The Black Country.

|Adrian Jackson, the theatre's artistic director, said: "One visit to the theatre could inspire a creative career path and a lifelong passion for the arts."