Making Memories at the Belgrade Theatre this Christmas

Following the success of last year's Making Memories campaign, the Belgrade Theatre is once again raising money to offer families in need with the opportunity to experience the magic of pantomime. The campaign is run in partnership with Coventry Foodbank and aims to provide 500 free tickets to watch Dick Whittington at the Belgrade.

For children and adults alike, a visit to the theatre at Christmas is a magical experience and often a treasured memory. It sparks the imagination and curiosity of children and brings people together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, for many families across the region who are facing financial hardship, illness or isolation, a trip to the theatre is a luxury that they simply cannot afford.

Making Memories is aiming to raise £6,840 to support 114 local families to experience the joy, excitement and escapism of theatre. Following the huge success of last year's campaign, which supported 100 families, the Belgrade Theatre has set its targets even higher this year, aiming to spread the joy a little further and reach even more families than before.

Dick Whittington is written and directed by Iain Lauchlan, who will also star as Dame Sarah the Cook in his 22nd pantomime at the Belgrade Theatre. Iain said, "for families facing financial hardship or illness, a trip to the theatre is an unaffordable luxury. Making Memories offers them a rare opportunity to spend quality time together and creates memories that can last a lifetime. Panto is a chance to escape the challenges of their everyday lives and give them something to look forward to. We desperately need your help in order to reach as many families as possible so please give generously!"

This year's legendary Belgrade pantomime, Dick Whittington, is an enchanting tale of fame and fortune, heroes and villains, cats and rats for all the family. For many families across Coventry and Warwickshire, the Belgrade panto is an unmissable Christmas tradition, with its spectacular sets, glittering costumes, slapstick comedy and sing-along songs.

Running on the Main Stage from Weds 23 Nov 2016 to Sat 7 Jan 2017, join Dick on his quest for fame and fortune and to see if the streets of London really are paved with gold. It's the beginning of an exciting adventure. Can Dick find love, can his faithful cat rid London of Queen Rat and her hordes of little rats and will his dream of becoming Mayor of London ever come true?

To acknowledge Making Memories donations of £60 or over (the cost of supporting one family), 114 polka-dot bindles are displayed in our first floor windows. The theatre is calling for donations to be made to the campaign to help reach their target of raising £6,840.

You can support Making Memories by making a donation via the collection buckets at the theatre or by calling the Belgrade Box Office team on 024 7655 3055. You can also visit www.belgrade.co.uk/memories to donate online and find out more information.

Photo credit: Robert Day

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