Norfolk theatre offering discounted family tickets during cost of living crisis

Family ticket prices have been slashed from £55 to £25- for yesterday afternoon's performance of 'Summer Holiday'

Author: Tom ClabonPublished 27th Aug 2022

A Norfolk theatre has been offering discounted show tickets to families, so they can continue to go during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sheringham Little Theatre and Theatre on the Coast cut prices so that two adults and children could watch yesterday afternoon's performance of Summer Holiday for £25, less than half their usual price of £55.

"It's really critical that they get a chance to see it because otherwise what's the point?"

Matthew Townshend is behind this initiative.

He says discounts like this may well return, in the near future:

"If we can show that this is really having an impact, because it's giving people who otherwise would say, 'No, I can't do that because it's simply out of reach'- then of course we will do it again, because the arts aren't just for one sector of the society they are for everyone. It's really critical that they get a chance to see it because otherwise what's the point?"

"It's all about those who are sitting, standing or dancing in front of you"

Mr Townshend also told us he has no regrets about doing this- even after a difficult few years for the arts:

"We are taking a hit, but I think we are taking a hit for all the right reasons. Ultimately when you do live performances- music, plays, gigs, festivals, dance, it's all about those who are sitting, standing or dancing in front of you, there's no point doing it in a vacuum. So, we want people to come and see shows like this and be lifted by it".

"By making a significant offer, we are really making it possible- family tickets are going to be significantly under £7 each. It's tough, it's really tough- it would be absolutely wonderful if we could offer seats for free and still be able to pay everybody and do that, but we can't quite do that".

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