Partner Organisation Information Pack 2011

2011 Programme Monday 25th July - Monday 29th August

Partner Organisation Information Pack

Index Page: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Title Page Index page Welcome Frequently Asked Questions FAQs continued Distribution Guidelines About Family Workshops List of Shows Theatre Access Guide The 39 Steps All Join In! and Other Stories Betty Blue Eyes Blood Brothers Crazy For You Dreamboats and Petticoats Legally Blonde The musical Lend Me A Tenor Love Never Dies Million Dollar Quartet Mr Stink Live on stage Potted Potter Pygmalion Stomp The Railway Children The Tiger Who Came To Tea Thriller—Live Wicked Suggestions—Things to do in London Suggestions—Other theatre access programmes Suggestions—Other ticket offers

“We have just got home from our wonderful night out at High School Musical. I just HAD to email you all at Mousetrap to say a huge thank you for giving us the opportunity to go- my girls (aged 5 and 10) absolutely loved it and were singing and dancing all the way home....they fell sleepily into bed with smiles on their faces! You've made their summer holidays and I am truly grateful.”

- Past Participant

2

We l c o m e . . .

Dear Partner, Welcome to Family First Nights 2011!

We are thrilled that you are taking part in our programme this year and look forward to working with you over the next few months.

This pack is designed to provide you with an understanding of each of the 18 shows that we have on offer this year, in order to help you support your families to make an informed decision about which shows they might like to see.

Information includes: performance lengths, interval times, travel information, age recommendations and disability access. Please ensure that your families consider all of these factors carefully before applying. The priority is that families have a wonderful experience at the theatre and that they are encouraged to come back again!

We are very excited to be offering Family Workshops for the first time this year. Please encourage your families to consider taking part. They will be fun, help families gain a greater insight in to the production that they will see and it’s a great way to make a whole day of it.

(For more information about what these workshops will entail, please see page 7.)

Please also find a list of Frequently Asked Questions and a table of Access Information for all of the participating theatres.

Towards the back of this pack, we have included a list of other ways that families can obtain discounted theatre tickets through Mousetrap Theatre Projects and other organisations. It would be wonderful if you could share this information with them.

If there’s anything you would like to discuss further, please give Katherine a call on 020 7240 6606 or email her at katherine@mousetrap.org.uk.

We are delighted that you have chosen to work with Mousetrap Theatre Projects on Family First Nights this year; we couldn't run this programme without you - so a huge thank you to you from all of us here at Mousetrap Theatre Projects.

Warm regards, Katherine and FFN Team

Mousetr ap Theatr e Proj ects 23 - 24 Henri ett a Str eet, Co v ent Garden, Lon don , WC 2E 8N D FFN Hotline: +44 (0)20 7240 6606 Email: katherine@mousetrap.org.uk or ffn.admin@mousetrap.org.uk Web: www.mousetrap.org.uk

3

Frequently Asked Questions F requ ently Asked Qu esti on s Who is eligible to take part?

Family groups with limited resources, support or access, who would never otherwise be able to attend theatre productions. Regrettably, we are unable to take applications from any paid members of our partner organisations.

What makes a family group?

A family group can consist of parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, foster parents or guardians but half the family group MUST include young people aged 3 to 16. Carers can accompany families as long as there are other family members present. Most shows are not suitable for children younger than three, and most London theatres will not allow access to children under 3 yrs. Please ensure your families check the age recommendations carefully before applying.

Who subsidises the tickets?

Mousetrap Theatre Projects works directly with theatre producers to arrange the tickets and has raised funds to subsidise the ticket cost. Tickets cost significantly more than £5.00.

How do you identify families?

We work alongside charities, housing associations and community organisations like yours to identify and distribute information to families who qualify for the scheme. We don’t means test families or pursue references, but we do ask families to tell us where they received their leaflets. We rely on our partners to reach out to those families unable to attend otherwise.

How do I get hold of the leaflets?

Leaflets will be distributed to the ambassador who attends the Information Evening on Tuesday, 14 June. If an ambassador cannot attend, leaflets can be posted. If you would like leaflets posted to you, please contact us and we will give you postage cost information.

Do you arrange transport for the families?

No, but we do provide directions and travel information to each participating theatre.

Can families go more than once this summer?

Not through the FFN summer scheme— we are funded to create an entry-level intervention.

We check all applications against our database from the past twelve years to ensure that only new families take part each year.

What if families want to attend again?

We do, of course, encourage families to come back to the theatre as often as possible in a variety of ways: • Once they have attended through Family First Nights, we will contact them again with a range of Autumn/Winter family theatre ticket offers and schemes.

• We also send out theatre offers to our email database of Family First Nights Past • Participants periodically.

• Young people can get involved independently if aged between 15 and 18 via our C145 (See a Show for £5) scheme or our WestEnd 4 £10 scheme for those aged 19-23.

• Young people may also take part via their schools through our London Theatre • Challenge programme. (Visit our website for more information or speak to us at the Information Evening.)

4

FA Q ’s ( c o n t . ) Who handles the money and the bookings?

We do! Families send their cheque and application form to us. We then book their tickets with the theatre. We then contact the family to let them know which show they will be seeing and the time and date of the performance.

It is important to remind families that: • They will NOT be sent any tickets. All tickets will be held at the Box Office for collection on the day of the visit.

• Cheques will not be paid in immediately due to the high volume of administration and it may take several weeks to process, so please ask them to ensure there are sufficient funds in their account.

• Regrettably, we cannot take card payments.

Can members of staff from the community organisations take part?

Unfortunately not. FFN is only open to families who wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to attend theatre and the goal is to encourage families to attend independently.

Can a group of families attend?

Small groups of families are welcome to apply together by sending all their forms in one envelope. We will then send the group to whichever of their three selected productions can accommodate them all. Each family should complete a separate application form to ensure that we send them information directly.

Shows?

This year, we are offering a choice of 18 top London theatre productions. Each of the shows has been carefully selected as suitable for a family audience. Some are targeted specifically at families with younger children. Please ensure families check the Age Recommendations carefully before apply for shows. Warnings regarding any strong language or scenes of an adult nature are included at the top of individual show pages.

Are families guaranteed to get the show of their choice?

Families are asked to list three different shows and dates. While every effort is made to give them their first choice, we have only a limited number of tickets available to us at a discounted price. If successful, families will attend one theatre visit.

How much work will be involved for me?

You will need to: • Identify families you think should take part • Distribute the information to them.

• Be a contact for any application queries Please target families as carefully as possible on an individual basis. Families may need help filling in the form (though we try to keep it simple). We would really appreciate your support with this as it saves time dealing with incomplete forms. In addition, it is helpful if you can complete the ‘organisation’ and ‘worker’s name & details’ sections on the leaflet or stamp them with your organisation’s details. Once the leaflets are returned to us, we do all the administration.

What if our organisation or families have concerns about a production?

If any of your families are concerned about the content of any of the productions listed, they should contact the Box Office for more detailed information.

What if £5 per ticket is still too expensive? £5 per ticket is the best price we can currently offer for tickets which are subsidised by the theatres and Mousetrap Theatre Projects. If the cost is still prohibitive for the families you work with, we would be interested to hear from you for future reference.

5

Distribution It is very important that the leaflets for Family First Nights 2011 are distributed to the appropriate families, therefore we ask you to observe the following: Only families new to FFN can apply.

If a family has seen a production through FFN in previous years, they cannot re-apply. To avoid any disappointment, please do not deliver leaflets to families you know to have applied in the past, as we do check all names and addresses against our database of past bookers.

• • • • •

Please remember there is strictly one application per family Each eligible family should receive no more than one leaflet The programme runs from Monday 25 July to Monday 29 August The closing date for applications is Friday 15 July 2011 Please ensure all leaflets have been distributed in plenty of time of this closing date as it is very difficult for us to process late applications and we want to avoid disappointment.

Family First Nights is specifically targeted to give opportunities to family groups of low-income with limited resources and support.

Family First Nights is only open to families who wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to attend live theatre. Staff members from community organisations are not eligible to apply.

Please do not leave FFN leaflets in a public area, e.g. libraries, schools, universities, hospitals.

This inevitably leads to an influx of applications from people not entitled to tickets.

Please remind your families that an A5 first class stamped, self addressed business envelope must be included with their application. A diagram featuring a large stamp and A5-sized envelope with approximate minimum size is included below. These envelopes are for an information pack that will be sent to families (not tickets), so it needs to be of an appropriate size. Please try and stress this to your families.

We would be grateful if you have the time to complete the ‘organisation name’ and ‘worker’s name & contact’ fields on the application form. It is important we have this information to process each application and it is easier if it is done centrally. Alternatively, please stamp this section if your organisation has a stamp.

Once you have identified the families you think should take part in Family First Nights and have distributed the leaflets to them — you’re part is done!

Thank you for your support with Family First Nights 2011.

With your help, families from across London will have the opportunity to experience the magic of theatre.

6

Family Workshops Performances with Family Workshops Make it a day to remember! To enrich the theatre experience, bring your family to a special FREE workshop before the matinee.

We understand that the prospect of a ‘drama workshop’ can be a bit daunting and conjures up images of being asked to act, sing or perform in front of strangers — this is not the case! It’s all about having fun and no one will be forced to do anything they don't want to do.

Why should families participate?

Primarily, the aim of the workshops is for everyone to have FUN. It offers families the opportunity to have a full day out together and to learn a bit more about the production they are going to see.

How much does it cost?

It is FREE. The theatre tickets still cost £5 each but there is no additional cost to participate in the workshops. (Though it may be worth your families considering the additional costs of eating out, etc.

Families will be sent, along with their confirmation documents, a sheet with some suggested ‘cheap eats’ and deals.)

How many other people will be participating in the workshop?

There will be a total of approximately 20 people (4 or 5 families) plus the practitioner. Everyone attending will be attending the show afterwards.

Do the parents have to take part?

The idea is that the family has fun together, so we hope that they will — but no one will be forced to participate if they don't want to.

Will I have to ‘act’?

Absolutely not. Workshops will be run by a theatre professional, who is experienced at running workshops with families and young people. The workshops will be relevant to the show that you are going to see, exploring the story through games and activities.

What ages will it be suitable for?

We will tailor the workshops to make sure that they are suitable for a range of ages. Once the families are booked in and we know the exact ages of the participants, we will liaise with the workshop leader to make sure that the session will be suitable for everyone who is participating.

Families can choose from:

Wicked Apollo, Victoria Theatre Wednesday 10th August Workshop at 11.30am – 1.00pm and Show at 3pm STOMP! Ambassadors Theatre Thursday 18th August Workshop at 11.30am – 1.00pm and Show at 2.30pm Lend Me A Tenor Gielgud Theatre Saturday 20th August Workshop at 11.30am – 1.00pm and Show at 2.30pm For further information, give us a call on 020 7240 6606

7

2011 Shows 1. All Join In and Other Stories

10. Mr Stink

2. Betty Blue Eyes

11. Pygmalion

3. Blood Brothers

12. Potted Potter

4. Crazy For You

13. The Railway Children

5. Dreamboats & Petticoats

6. Legally Blonde

14. STOMP!

15. The 39 Steps

7. Lend Me A Tenor The Musical

16. Thriller Live

8. Love Never Dies

17. The Tiger Who Came To Tea

9. Million Dollar Quartet

18. Wicked

8

Foyer

020 7834 6318

020 7839 8811

0844 412 4648

0844 482 5137

0844 412 4648

0844 482 5137

0844 482 5137

0844 871 7677

0844 871 7677

0208 543 4888

0844 826 4242

020 7087 7660

0844 871 7677

020 7836 7969

Apollo Victoria

Criterion

Garrick

Gielgud

Lyric

Noel Coward

Novello

Phoenix

Playhouse

Polka

Regent’s Park, Open Air

Rose

Savoy

Vaudeville

9

Waterloo

0871 297 0740 Please call for details

Foyer

020 7395 5404

Ambassadors

Dress Circle

Foyers

Foyer

Circle

Dress Circle

Foyer

Royal Retiring Room (next to boxes)

Foyer

Foyer

Upper Circle

Foyer

Foyer and Stalls

0844 412 4648

Adelphi

Disabled Toilets Situated

Telephone No.

Theatre

Stalls x 2

Dress Circle x 1

Stalls x 5 Circle x 5

Stalls x 38

Stalls x 6

Stalls x 6

Circle x 1

Circle x 2

Boxes M and I x 2

Boxes C, D, E

Circle x 2

Dress Circle x 3

Upper Circle x 2

Circle x 4

Stalls x 2

No. of Wheelchair Spaces

Radio Signal

Induction Loop and Sennheiser Infrared

Radio Signal

Induction Loop

Induction Loop and Sennheiser Infrared

Induction Loop and Sennheiser Infrared

Sennheiser Infrared

Sennheiser Infrared

Sennheiser Infrared

Sennheiser Infrared

Sennheiser Infrared

Sennheiser Infrared

Induction Loop and Sennheiser Infrared

Induction Loop

Sound Amplification

Steps

Ramp

Ramp

Ramp

Ramp

Steps

Steps

Ramp

Ramp

Steps and Ramp

Ramp

Steps and Lift

Steps

Ramp

Access from street to foyer

To Dress Circle

Stalls

Stalls

Box M and L

To Boxes C-E and Dress Circle

Dress Circle

To Upper Circle

To Stalls

Level Access

Lift to dress circle and upper circle

Lift

Ramp to Royal Circle

Ramp to Dress Circle

To dress circle

Stair lift/ Lift/ Ramp available

Disability Access Information

The 39 Steps Venue:

Type: Starts: Length: Interval:

Criterion Theatre 2 Jermyn Street London SW1Y 4XA Comedy, Play Matinee 3pm/5pm, Evening 8pm 1hr 45mins 15 minutes

Age: Details:

8+ www.love39steps.com or 0844 847 1778

How to describe this production to families: See 4 actors take on Alfred Hitchcock’s film The 39 Steps and its 150 characters, with hilarious results. Scenes tackled include the chase on The Flying Scotsman, the escape on Forth Bridge and the first ever on stage bi-plane crash! Fun for all the family, this is a British Spy Classic, perfect for all adventure fans.

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus / Leicester Sq Nearest Bus: 14, 19, 38

Nearest Train: Charing Cross Double yellow lines in Jermyn Street. Masterpark at Whitcomb Street and Trafalgar Square.

NCP in Denman Street.

10

All Join In & Other Stories Venue: Type: Starts: Length: Age: Details:

Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB Children’s Musical Tuesday 2.30pm, Sat 11am & Wed 11am 1hrs 15mins (inc. interval) 4-7 years (Watch with Baby on 30th July) www.polkatheatre.com or 020 8543 4888

How to describe this production to families: All Join In And Other Stories is a musical celebration of the work of writer and illustrator Quentin Blake. A mix of songs, stories and dancing, this production features some of Blake's most colourful characters from his much-loved stories including All Join In, Mr Magnolia, Mrs Armitage On Wheels and Patrick. This toe-tapping, sing-along show for ages 4-7 has plenty of opportunities to All Join In!

Nearest Tube: Wimbledon / South Wimbledon

Nearest Train: Wimbledon

Nearest Bus: 57, 93, 219

Parking: Pay and Display bays available near the theatre. Car Parks located in Wimbledon

11

Betty Blue Eyes Venue:

Novello Theatre, The Aldwych London, WC2B 4LD Type: Musical Starts: Matinee 2.30pm, Evening 7.30pm Length: 2h 30 mins Interval: 20 mins Age: 8+ Details: www.bettyblueeyesthemusical.com or 0844 482 5170 WARNING! Betty Blue Eyes contains noises that some children might find distressing—but the pig doesn’t die!

Charing Cross

How to describe this production to families: Betty Blue Eyes is set just after the Second World War in 1940s Britain. The story follows people living in Austerity Britain, where belts remain tightened, with the country suffering the after effects of the war. Based on the film A Private Function and involving an amazing animatronic pig, this is a brilliant new musical with catchy songs for everyone to remember.

Nearest Tube: Holborn, Charing Cross, Covent Garden

Nearest Train: Charing Cross

Nearest Bus: 6, 13, 19, 77a

NCP - Drury Lane

12

Blood Brothers Venue: Type: Starts: Length: Interval:

Phoenix Theatre, 16 Denman St, London W1D 7DY Musical Tragedy Matinee 3pm, Evening 7.45pm 2hrs 45mins 20 minutes

Age:

10+

Details:

www.kenwright.com or 020 7492 1552

WARNING! Blood Brothers contains strong language

How to describe this production to families: Blood Brothers is the story of twin brothers born to a working-class Liverpudlian woman.

Unable to care for both boys, their mother gives one up to her employer, hoping her little one will have a better life. The twins grow up in very different worlds but when they meet they instantly form a special bond. No matter how much their parents try to keep them apart, their blood continues to draw them together.

Nearest Tube: Leicester Sq/ Tottenham Court Road Nearest Bus: 1, 14, 19, 22b, 24, 29, 38, 134, 176

Nearest Train: Charing Cross NCP - Great Russell Street and Upper St Martins Lane

13

C r a z y F o r Yo u Venue:

Type: Starts: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR Musical Matinee 2.15pm, Evening 7.45pm 2hrs 30mins 20 minutes 12+ www.openairtheatre.org or 02079355756

How to describe this production to families: George and Ira Gershwin’s hit musical comedy, Crazy for You, is packed full of classic songs including “I Got Rhythm”, “Someone To Watch Over Me”, “Embraceable You” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It”. A fun new musical packed full of great Gershwin classics.

Nearest Tube: Marylebone, Baker St, Regent’s Park, Gt. Portland St

Nearest Bus: 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 88, 113, 139, 189, 274, C2

Nearest Train: Marylebone

The Inner Circle nearby has spaces designated for 14 disabled patrons and there is ample room for minibuses and ambulances to park.

D r e a m b o a t s a n d Pe t t i c o a t s Venue:

Type: Starts: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Playhouse Theatre Northumberland Avenue WC2N 5DE Musical Matinee 3pm, Evening 7.30pm 2hrs 30mins 15 minutes 8+ www.dreamboatsandpetticoats.com or 0870 0606631

Waterloo Station

How to describe this production to families: Inspired by the smash hit album series Dreamboats and Petticoats, Dreamboats and Petticoats the musical, features some of the greatest hit songs of the Rock 'n' Roll era.

Spend an evening of pure hedonistic affection for a more innocent era, when love was young and so was rock 'n' roll. Featuring songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, Chuck Berry and many more.

Nearest Tube: Embankment, Charing Cross, Waterloo

Nearest Train: Charing Cross, Waterloo

Nearest Bus: 1, 11, 13, 15, 26, 91, 168, 188, 243, 341

Parking: Westminster City Council Car Park at Trafalgar Square, Adelphi Garage Valet 15 Parking

Legally Blonde Venue:

Type: Starts: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

The Savoy Theatre Strand, London WC2R 0ET Musical Matinee 2.30pm, Evening 7.30pm 2hrs 25mins 20 minutes 8+ www.legallyblondethemusical.co.uk or 0870 164 8787

How to describe this production to families: Legally Blonde The Musical is the story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods, who doesn't take no for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School!

Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Nearest Tube: Charing Cross, Embankment, Covent Garden

Nearest Train: Charing Cross

Nearest Bus: 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 68, 76, 91, 168, 171, 176 188

Westminster City Council car park at Trafalgar Square.

16

L e n d M e A Te n o r Venue:

Type: Starts: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6AR Musical, Comedy Matinee 2.30pm Evening 7.30pm 2hrs 30mins 20 minutes 8+ www.tenorthemusical.co.uk or 0844 482 5130

How to describe this production to families: It is Ohio, 1934, where the failing Grand Opera Company is about to be saved by the arrival of the world’s greatest tenor Tito Merelli. When he is unexpectedly incapacitated, it falls to the director’s meek assistant to find a replacement. A task made more difficult by a scheming soprano, a tenor-struck ingénue, a jealous wife and the Cleveland Police Department.

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus / Leicester Sq Nearest Bus: 14, 19, 38

Nearest Train: Charing Cross 2 spaces for blue badge holders in Archer Street.

Westminster City Council car park at Poland Street and China Town. NCP at Wardour Street, Newport Place, Denman Street, Lexington Street.

17

Love Never Dies Venue:

Type: Starts: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London, WC2E 7NA Musical Matinee 2.30pm, Evening 7.30pm 2hr 30 (inc. interval) 10+ www.loveneverdies.com or 020 7344 0055

How to describe this production to families: Love Never Dies continues the story of The Phantom of the Opera who has moved from his lair in the Paris Opera House to haunt the fairgrounds of Coney Island, far across the Atlantic Ocean.

Set 10 years after the mysterious disappearance of the Phantom from Paris, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new show is all about obsession and intrigue, in which music and memory can play cruel tricks and the famous masked murderer sets out to prove that ‘Love Never Dies’.

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden, Charing Cross/ Embankment, Leicester Square Nearest Bus: 6, 9, 11,13, 15, 23, 77A, 91, 139, 176

Nearest Train: Charing Cross

Single yellow lines and meters behind theatre on 18 Maiden Lane. Meters further up. NCPs in Drury Lane and Upper St Martin’s Lane.

Million Dollar Quartet Venue: Type: Start: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin's Lane WC2N 4AA Musical Matinee 3pm, Evening 8pm 1hr 30 No Interval 8+ www.milliondollarquartet.co.uk or 0844 482 5141

How to describe this production to families: Inspired by a true event. Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis got together for a session at Sun Records in Memphis. A story of fame, friendship, discovery, divided loyalties, professional jealousy and incredible music, Million Dollar Quartet tells of the moment when the four most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, made music together for the first and only time in their careers. Featuring over 20 classic hits.

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Covent Garden Nearest Bus: 24, 29, 176

Nearest Train: Charing Cross

Parking: Westminster City Council car park at China Town and Trafalgar Square. NCP at Upper St Martin’s Lane.

19

Mr Stink Venue: Type: Start: Length: Age: Details:

Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street Kingston, KT1 1HL Children’s Musical Matinee 2.30pm, Evening 7pm.

Sundays 11am and 3pm 2hr 10min (inc. interval) 7+ www.rosetheatrekingston.org or 0871 230 1552

How to describe this production to families: Chloe doesn't like school very much. She isn't as cool as the other kids. No iPhone, no DS and no friends. Then she meets MR STINK - the local tramp. Yes, he smells a bit but he's the only person who's ever been nice to her...but is there more to him than meets the nose?

Nearest Train: Kingston Rail Station (30 mins from Waterloo Station) or fast train to

Nearest Bus: K1, K2, K3, K4, 57, 85, 111, 131, 213, 216, 285, 371,

Parking: The Rose Car Park (formerly Drapers Car Park) on Kingston Hall Road (entrance 20 on High Street). Kingston is largely pedestrianised—leave plenty of time.

Po t t e d Po t t e r Venue:

Type: Start: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Garrick Theatre Charing Cross Road London, WC2H 0HH Play. Comedy, Drama 11.30am, 4 pm or 7pm 2hrs 10mins 5+ www.pottedpotter.com or 0844 482 9673

How to describe this production to families: Former CBBC presenters and Blue Peter Storytellers, Dan and Jeff, star in this show to coincide with the release of the final Harry Potter film. Containing endless costumes, ridiculous props, a generous helping of Hogwarts magic and a live game of Quidditch, Potted Potter is a madcap romp through all the much-loved stories, suitable for Potter fans young and old.

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Charing Cross Nearest Bus: 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 24, 29, 30

Nearest Train: Charing Cross

Parking: Westminster City Council car park at Trafalgar Square and Whitcomb Street. NCP at Upper St Martin’s 21 Lane.

Pygmalion Venue:

Type: Start: Length: Age: Details:

Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0HH Play, Drama 7.30pm 2hrs 10mins (inc. interval) 12+ www.pygmaliontheplay.com or

0844 482 9673

How to describe this production to families: George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion is an entertaining exploration of sexual politics and class restrictions. Egocentric Professor of Phonetics, Henry Higgins, makes a bet with his friend, Colonel Pickering, that he can transform the manners and speech of Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle and pass her off as a society lady.

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Charing Cross

Nearest Train: Charing Cross

Nearest Bus: 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 24, 29, 30

Parking: Westminster City Council car park at Trafalgar Square and 22 Whitcomb Street. NCP at Upper St Martin’s Lane.

S TO M P !

Venue: Type: Start: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Ambassador’s Theatre, West Street, WC2H 9ND Dance Matinee 3pm Evening 8pm 1hr 40mins No Interval 8+ www.stomplondon.com or 020 7395 5401

How to describe this production to families: Stomp is a high-energy, percussive symphony, coupled with dance, played entirely on non-traditional instruments such as garbage can lids, buckets, brooms and sticks. It is a magical evening for the whole family. The energetic performers and infectious beats will have you tapping your feet for days.

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road Parking: Westminster City Council car park at Cambridge Circus, NCP at Upper St Martin’s Lane

Nearest Bus: 14, 19, 22, 24, 29, 38, 40, 176 Nearest Train: Charing Cross

23

The Railway Children Venue: Type: Start: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Waterloo Station, SE1 7NY Victory Arch Entrance Children’s show 2.30pm 2hr 30mins No Interval 5+ www.railwaychildrenwaterloo.com or 0844 412 4648

How to describe this production to families: One of the country’s best loved novels, The Railway Children, comes to life. The stage is the former Eurostar platform at Waterloo Station. Involving a real steam train and a real train track, this show will grab the attention of the whole family.

Nearest Tube: Charing Cross, Embankment, Westminster,

Nearest Bus: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 77, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188,

Parking: Westminster City Council car park at Cambridge Circus, NCP at Upper St Martin’s Lane

Nearest Train: Waterloo, Charing Cross

24

T h e Ti g e r W h o C a m e To Te a Venue:

Vaudeville Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0NH

Type: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Children’s Show 55 mins No Interval 3+ www.nimaxtheatres.com/vaudeville-theatre Or 0844 412 4663

How to describe this production to families: For the first time ever, this much loved tale of a tiger creating tea time mayhem is brought vividly to life on stage in a show packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. The Tiger Who Came To Tea is suitable for children aged three and above and is designed to develop literacy and listening skills.

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Charing Cross, Embankment

Nearest Bus: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 68, 7A, 91, 139, 176

Parking: Westminster City Council car park at Spring Gardens (Trafalgar Square). NCP at Drury Lane.

Nearest Train: Charing Cross

25

Thriller - Live Venue:

Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1V 7HA Type: Musical Revue Starts: Matinee 3.30pm, Evening 7.30pm Length: 2hrs 20mins Interval: 20 minutes Age: 5+ Details: www.thrillerlive.co.uk or 0844 544 3830

How to describe this production to families: Thriller - Live is a spectacular, high octane show celebrating the career of the world’s undisputed King of Pop – Michael Jackson - and the Jackson Five. Expect your favourite Jackson songs including Can You Feel It, Bad, Beat It and of course, Thriller plus many more...

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square

Nearest Bus: 14, 19, 22B, 38, 53, 88, 94, 159

Parking: Westminster City Council car park at Poland Street and China Town. NCP at Wardour Street, Newport Place, Denman Street, Lexington Street

Nearest Train: Charing Cross

26

Wicked Venue:

Type: Start: Length: Interval: Age: Details:

Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LL Musical Matinee 2.30pm Evening 7.30pm 2hrs 45mins 20 minutes 8+ www.wickedthemusical.co.uk or

How to describe this production to families: The spellbinding Wicked transports audiences to a spectacular fantasy world of wizards and witches to tell the incredible untold story of an extraordinary friendship between two girls: the blonde and popular Glinda and the misunderstood green girl, Elphaba, whose destiny is to become the Wicked Witch of the West.

Nearest Tube: Victoria Parking: Westminster City Council Car park, Rochester Row

Nearest Bus: Victoria Bus Station Nearest Train: Victoria Station

27

Things to do in London Wa n t t o m a k e a d a y o f i t ?

Covent Garden: Walk through the markets or sit back and watch the street performers juggle fire, trapeze and much more!

Buckingham Palace: Walk down the Mall from Trafalgar Sq towards the Palace!

The British Museum: Free entry to most exhibitions.

See the Egyptian Mummies!

The National Gallery: Free entry. Also in Trafalgar Sq, Nelson’s Column and the 4 great lions.

Houses of Parliament: Walk down the river Thames, along the Embankment and see Parliament!

Southbank: Explore this hub of entertainment—build sand castles on a beach made on the pavement and see lots of outdoor art exhibitions for free!

28

Other Theatre Access Programmes Through Mousetrap Theatre Projects...

Pa s t F a m i l y F i r s t N i g h t s Pa r t i c i p a n t s Once a family has participated in Family First Nights, they are entered onto a database, through which they will be contacted with ticket offers and promotions throughout the year. They can remain on this database as long as they have family members aged between 3—16 years old.

C145 Mousetrap Theatre Projects runs C145 ( S e e A S h o w f o r £ 5 ! ) . This programme encourages young people from 15 to 18 years of age to attend theatre independently. It’s free to join: more information is available on our website, or please contact Nancy Shakerley at nancy@mousetrap.org.uk.

WestEnd4£10 Following on from our C145 scheme, WestEndfor£10 enables young people aged 19-23 to attend top productions and special talks, discussions and more for just £10 a ticket. It’s free to join and you can sign up online at www.mousetrap.org.uk. We’ll send you updates each month of new events - just send us a cheque and we’ll book your tickets for you. All you need to do is turn up on the night and enjoy!

StageXChange Mousetrap Theatre Projects also runs StageXChange, a programme for youth groups to see a West End show followed by three workshops in the youth group’s community. The young people themselves can choose from a choice of shows and one of our dedicated practitioners will carry out the follow-up sessions, the content of which is up to the youth leader. The cost is £5 per theatre ticket and can be tailored to meet the needs of the youth group. For more information, please contact Nancy Shakerley at nancy@mousetrap.org.uk or 020 7632 4115.

Other Family Access initiatives...

Kids Week 2011 Now in its 14th year, Kids Week offers children the opportunity to experience the magic of London theatre for free from 12 to 26 August 2011, with booking opening on 12 July. During Kids Week, a child aged 5 -16 can go free to any participating show when accompanied by an adult paying full price. You can also purchase up to two extra children’s tickets at half price per transaction. Plus, kids can take part in a fantastic range of free activities and events. Whether it’s an energetic dance workshop, a behind the scenes tour or singing workshop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. www.kidsweek.co.uk

29

O t h e r Ti c k e t I d e a s Check out the Society of London Theatre Official London Theatre’s new website at www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk for up to date prices and listings. It has a Kids and Young People section on the website and a Family Bulletin, which you can subscribe to via email, including details of shows for families, workshops and special events.

TheatreFix (www.theatrefix.co.uk) is an initiative from The Society of London Theatre bringing tickets for London’s hottest shows to 16-26 year olds at incredible discounted prices throughout the year. The website is continually updated with advice on where to find cheap eats, reviews, shopping opportunities and more. You can register to receive updates by email - to take part you just have to be between 16-26!

Local Theatre Discount Check your local theatre to see if it offers any special family or resident discount schemes.

Many theatres have terrific deals for families who live nearby.

Here are just some examples of local theatre discounts: • • • • •

The Royal Court in Sloane Square, SW3, offers £10.00 Monday night tickets.

The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn runs ‘pay as you can’ on Tuesday nights and Saturday matinees for under 16s, students and over 60s.

The Southwark Playhouse offers £5 tickets on Mondays plus concessions for students, the unemployed, the disabled, and persons over 60.

The National Theatre on the South Bank has a Travelex £12 season where tickets for a range of shows this summer are just £10. Standbys, student discounts and day seats are also available

If you live in Westminster, the ResCard Scheme offers discounts on a range of arts and theatre events, call 0870 736 4040 for details.

Theatremonkey®.com Theatre Monkey (www.theatremonkey.com) collates many of the offers available across many different sites and national and local newspapers, as well as providing plans of where cheaper seats can be found in different theatres across London. It is regularly updated with new deals and price plans, including the availability of day seats and standbys, which can often be as little as £10-£20 for top seats.

See Tickets operates hosting a range of discounted tickets on rotation throughout the year. Whilst these can sometimes remain quite expensive, it is an opportunity to find some hidden cheap gems including musicals, drama, comedy, dance and events for all the family. Join the mailing list for updates on deals. www2.seetickets.com/ seemorethNew, reviews and tickets News, reviews and ticket offers. A comprehensive list of all shows in the West and Off-West End, with great ticket offers, too. Join the mailing list to receive these to your inbox. www.whatsonstage.com Listings and offers for all independent and local theatres in London. www.offwestend.com 30