Support theatre for Children & Young People

Aim

Please support us to develop the new venue & inclusive theatre programme, which champions the ideas & creativity of children & young people

Above is is a video message from our AD, Nina Hajiyianni, launching our crowdfunding campaign.

On 10th August 2022, the doors of the new theatre and transformed cultural centre in Whitby Park, Ellesmere Port will open, after a £2.8m development, funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Arts Council England.

The Theatre will celebrate the ideas and creativity of children and young people and will be the only specialist venue in Cheshire, on Merseyside and one of a small number outside of London.

Our theatre will provide an important space for children and young people especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to feel welcomed and valued, and able to express their individuality and creativity through a range of accessible and inclusive arts experiences.

What now?

In order to build on the significant capital investment  we have received and maximise the potential of our new venue – we need your help to establish our new programme which will engage and enthral thousands of children, young people every year. 

By giving to our Crowdfunder you are directly helping towards our goal to raise £50,000 between now and January 2023, which will allow us to;

• Further develop our programme of inclusive, accessible, FREE creative opportunities for children and young people, many of whom face disadvantage.
• Keep ticket prices free and affordable for local families and schools, providing a unique opportunity to see professional theatre ‘on their doorstep’
• Ensure this amazing community asset becomes a resource and home to community groups, artists, young people’s services and charities
• Open our new community café at the heart of the venue 
• Introduce new strands to our programme such as National Theatre Live (NTlive)

Coming summer 2022

When the theatre re-opens, it will be both a creative hub at the heart of the Ellesmere Port community and a world-class, accessible theatre and events space dedicated to improving the lives and wellbeing of children, young people and families.

Our ambition to maximise the potential of this generous investment by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Arts Council England has become increasingly urgent, the opening year is a unique moment in time and as a small charity with big ambitions, we need additional support to reach our goals.

The next generation

From its founding year in 1986 Action Transport Theatre has been a national leader in theatre for young audiences and a gem for Ellesmere Port’s schools and communities. 

For decades, young people have been engaging with us as audiences and participants consistently feeding back that the spaces we provide have offered them a ‘life-line’ at important moments in their personal development.

We invite you to help to ensure the next generation will have the same opportunities.

The potential

Imagine the potential – 1000’s of local children taking part in inclusive arts activities that support their health and wellbeing, school groups and families having the magical experience of walking through our doors to see a world class Christmas Show, access to National Theatre live in Ellesmere Port, a bustling café culture in the midst of our beautiful park, unmissable outdoor projects and performances in our amphitheatre 

We have the opportunity with the recent transformation to open the building up to a much-wider audience, we are especially committed to creating an inclusive space for children and families who experience special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) establishing our theatre as a regional centre for inclusive practices and a welcoming space for all. 

How you can help

Ultimately, we want to turn the building into a hive of creative activity where any young person is able to realise their potential, a place where the creativity of children and young people inspire our programme, and is a space for artists, teachers and local people to come together.  As dear is the building has always been, with your help, Whitby Hall will be an even greater asset to the city’s cultural life when it re-opens. 

Thanks to the generous support of our main funders, Arts Council England, Cheshire West and Chester Council. As well as Esmee Fairbarin, The Westminster Foundation, Marjorie Boddy Charitable Trust, Bluecoat Chester and other foundations and companies. With their support we have raised over 70% of the costs of operating the building and delivering our programmes. 

Can you help us raise another 50k? 

© 2022 Registered in England Company No. 2408067. Charity Commission No. 1042968.

This project successfully funded on 19th August 2022