Sheffield Theatres Community Outreach Work Receives Gala Boost

Sheffield Theatres held its annual fundraising gala on Thursday 8 November to generate support for its extensive community engagement programme. The event raised £53,000 which will enable the Theatres to continue its programme of Dementia Friendly activity as well as expanding its work with children and young people in the City Region.

The annual event includes a stunning three course meal served on the Crucible stage - allowing guests the unique experience of enjoying an actors-eye view of the iconic theatre. In addition, there were performances from the company of Kiss Me, Kate, and a finale which brought Everybody's Talking About Jamie alumni, Josie Walker, back to the Crucible to perform the heart-wrenching He's My Boy.

An auction of money-can't-buy theatrical prizes formed the centre-piece of the gala, which featured: the opportunity to spend a day on set of the film of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, with a chance to feature in a walk-on part; exclusive access to the band call for Standing at the Sky's Edge when Richard Hawley's music and songs will be performed by the company for the first time; and the chance to win dinner with Sir Ian McKellen.

The funds raised go towards Sheffield Theatres' vital community projects, including engagement with young people and schools, and Dementia Friendly projects.

Dan Bates, Chief Executive at Sheffield Theatres, said: 'This remarkable result is testament to the tremendous support we receive from our donors and supporters. The passion and talent of the team here, combined with the overwhelming commitment of our donors makes for a fantastic night that will make a huge difference to our city and its citizens over the coming year.'

Robert Hastie, Artistic Director added: 'It's an exciting time at Sheffield Theatres. Our programme to ensure our theatres are for everyone is expanding at a thrilling rate: from Dementia Friendly projects; growing numbers of Relaxed, Captioned, BSL interpreted and audio described performances; opportunities for local artists through our Making Room; Fun Labs and Fun Palaces; outstanding engagement with children and young people through schools programmes and ticketing initiatives, we are doing more than ever before.

We belong to everyone and we're committed to ensuring that anyone can be part of what we do on our stages, in our buildings and across our city. The gala was a celebration of that energy, and the money we raised will help to realise our ambitions. We're very, very lucky to have friends and supporters in the city who share our determination to make great things happen.'