Brooks Boosts Access to Panto

We’re delighted to announce that The Brooks Shopping Centre has made a generous donation to help local school children experience Panto. 

£1,000 Donation for Panto Tickets

The Brooks, who will continue to support our charity as a Corporate Member, has pledged £1000 to pay for tickets for 100 primary-aged children to see this year’s traditional family pantomime, Puss in Boots, at Theatre Royal Winchester. 

Each year the panto is packed with original songs, jokes, live music, dancing and lots of audience participation, making it a brilliant, fun and engaging introduction to theatre for children, which is why we are so grateful to the shopping centre for their donation. 

Opening Doors to the Arts

The Brooks Shopping Centre said: ‘The Brooks are proud to support Playing to the Crowd in bringing the joy of theatre to more children in Winchester.’ 

Fundraising Manager, Becca Moore, added: ‘This gift means a lot. Because of The Brooks Shopping Centre, local young people will get to experience the fun and magic of panto this Christmas. For some it’ll be their first ever trip to the theatre, which makes it even more special. We’re really grateful to The Brooks for their ongoing support.’ 

Julian Eardley, Dame Dolly Duster in Puss in Boots, commented: ‘How amazing of The Brooks to donate money to allow schoolchildren to experience our Panto. 

‘Panto was my first experience of theatre when I was 5 years old and I still remember some of the show and the magical feeling it created in and around me. It ignited my love of live theatre at a very early age. What a brilliant gift to offer to the children of today. 

‘Hopefully Puss in Boots will inspire a future generation of theatre goers and The Brooks are helping that process along with this wonderful opportunity.’ 

Supporting Our Access Fund

The Brooks’ donation will support our Access Fund, helping local school children visit the theatre when budgets for tickets or transport are out of reach. It ensures money is never the reason a child misses out on a cultural experience with their classmates. 

If you would like to support our Access Fund, please contact our Box Office on 01962 840440 or email info@playtothecrowd.co.uk to make a donation.