The Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre launched the “Theatre for Every Child” campaign yesterday, ahead of the next general election.

They are asking for politicians to commit that every child will attend the theatre before they leave school.

This ambitious yet deliverable campaign was launched at an event attended by actors Charlie Russell, Luke Thompson and Nancy Zamit, writer Lolita Chakrabarti, and politicians Baroness Christine Blower and Barbara Keely MP.

All children have the right to experience our country’s world-leading theatre sector. The benefits are far reaching - it enhances children’s educational attainment and wellbeing, addresses skills shortages in the theatre sector, and boosts the economy.

But access is unequal. Children from low-income families are missing out the most because they are less likely to have access to cultural experiences outside of school.

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has also led to teachers and parents reporting a reduction in school trips of up to 68% compared to last year, which includes theatre visits.

Ahead of the next general election in 2024, the Theatre for Every Child campaign asks all political parties to commit to fund a theatre visit for every child before they leave school. A pledge supported by 84 percent of parents.

Co-CEO of SOLT & UK Theatre, Claire Walker, said: “We believe every child has the right to experience and enjoy our country’s world-leading theatre. Despite amazing work that theatres do up and down the country, access is not equal. This is not right. Which is why we are calling on all political parties to support our call for every child to attend the theatre before they leave school.”