The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre has successfully delivered its Panto For All project, an initiative designed to remove financial barriers and ensure that more people across Newport could experience the joy of pantomime.
Through the project, 700 free pantomime tickets were distributed to individuals and families who may otherwise have been unable to attend the Newport Christmas pantomime. By addressing cost-of-living pressures, particularly during Christmas, the initiative enabled wider access to live theatre and helped ensure that pantomime remained a shared cultural experience for the whole community.
The Riverfront worked in close partnership with a range of local charities and community organisations, including local food banks, KidCare4U, Autism’s Hidden Voices, Age Alive, Cynefin Pamoja, Toys For Families, Sparkle / Serennu, Newport People First, and others. These trusted organisations helped connect individuals and families facing financial, social, or accessibility barriers with free tickets.
Feedback from partners highlighted the meaningful impact of the project. A representative from And Breathe, which supports parent carers and children with additional needs, said:
“We support parent carers and children with additional needs. We are based in Bettws, an economically deprived area, and most parents we work with can’t work because of their children’s needs. This will be such a treat for them.”
Cynefin Pamoja, which works with young people across Newport, also shared their appreciation of the initiative, adding: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for making this possible. Your kindness and support will mean a great deal to the young people involved, and we’re truly grateful.”
The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre is a non-profit venue, with its cultural programme, including the annual pantomime, supported through Newport Live’s core and grant funding.
“Panto For All shows what can be achieved when culture is placed at the heart of the community,” said Sharon Casey, Head of Theatre, Arts and Culture at The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre. “Thanks to our partners and dedicated team, hundreds of people were able to share in the laughter, joy, and magic of pantomime at Christmas. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access live theatre remains a core priority for us.” The Riverfront would like to thank Newport City Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for their support of the Panto For All campaign, which played a vital role in making this inclusive project possible and helping to ensure that the magic of pantomime reached communities across the city.
