Jordan's Journal

I was sad to read comments from The Mercury Theatre in The Times yesterday criticising of the Government’s scheme for theatre tickets for young people. I appreciate people have concerns about the proposals, but this level of scepticism of was certainly not in keeping with the festive time of year. In September, the Government announced plans for a £2.5 million pound scheme, starting in February 2009, that will allow millions of under 26 year-olds across the UK to experience going to the theatre for free.

Students at local schools, and at the University of Essex, are just a small proportion of the young people in Colchester who will directly benefit from the Government’s plans. Even those young people not directly involved in the arts will have the opportunity to learn more about the theatre by being able to go for free.

I feel the scheme goes further than simply getting young people interested in arts and culture. It’s about inclusion, breaking down barriers and inspiring young people.

It is encouraging to see institutions like The National Theatre already leading the way on this, by introducing £5 tickets for under-20s. This creates greater access to the arts for young people regardless of their social and economic background. Theatres and arts centres’ must encourage and support this investment, so that there work can be brought to a whole new audience who in turn will get the chance to enjoy the best our theatre has to offer.