Christmas came early for pupils at a Shiremoor school when the cast of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice paid them a visit ahead of launching Northern Stage’s Christmas charity appeal, Pay It Forward.
Originally from Shiremoor but now based in London, Beth Crame plays Hatty Rabbit, and Nick Figgis who plays the Sorcerer, visited Moorbridge Alternative Education Partnership School (MAEPS) to chat to students about the show which returns to cast its magic at Northern Stage this Christmas.
Dated: 31/10/2022 Cast Members Beth Crame, and Nick Figgis from Northern Stage's Christmas Show 'The Sorcerer Apprentice' visit students at Moorbridge Alternative Education Partnership School in Shiremoor as part of Northern Stage's 'Pay it Forward' project.
Young Hatty Rabbit thought she was just a normal Geordie lass, a nobody, not destined for anything great, but she couldn’t have been more wrong… Hatty embarks on a magical adventure through the streets of Newcastle (but not as you know them) on her quest to become The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and learns that everyone matters, nobody is a nobody.
The Northern Stage Pay It Forward appeal enables children and young people living in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the North East to experience the magic of theatre. Last year, the campaign enabled 212 young people from local communities to see productions at the theatre and provided bursaries for 48 children to take part in workshops for free.
Northern Stage Director of Development Zoe Hull explains
As a registered charity, Northern Stage believes that everyone should have equal access to the arts, and we are committed to supporting everyone to be able to enjoy theatre.
For many children, a Christmas show is their first introduction to theatre, sparking a passion and inspiring them to explore their own creative talents. We know young people carry those memories with them for many years and for some is has a truly transformative effect on their lives.
Newcastle is a vibrant centre for culture, but now more than ever many young people are missing out. We would like to offer free tickets to school children who may not otherwise be able to see a show at the theatre, so we are launching our Christmas Pay It Forward Appeal 2022. If you are able to, please share some festive joy and support our Christmas Pay it Forward campaign this year!
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a Northern Stage adaptation of a magical family favourite, written by Laura Lindow and directed by Maria Crocker, with original music by Katie Doherty. With all the festive fun, songs and action from last year’s production, this year’s show promises to be even more spectacular with new scenes, new music, new performers, new puppets, and even more magic and mischief.
Mrs Grier from MAEPS said,
We’re really excited to be attending the theatre this Christmas; it’ll be a real treat for our students after meeting the cast in school!” One of the students, Jayden, added, “I’ve never been to Northern Stage before but I’m looking forward to seeing all the actors on stage in their costumes.
Thank you to our early donors Watsons Timber Ltd, Ward Hadaway, R. W. Mann Trust and he Barbour Foundation, who have pledged to donate money to our campaign again this year and to individuals who have donated so far.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is on from 3 December – 7 January. Tickets start from £10, and there will be BSL, captioned, relaxed and audio described performances. Book online at www.northernstage.co.uk or call the box office on 0191 230 5151.
Pay it Forward Christmas Campaign
Our Pay It Forward scheme is an annual fundraising drive that spreads festivities to young people in the region. Your generous gift will help us to share the magic of theatre, by buying a ticket to one of our Christmas shows for a child who wouldn’t otherwise be able to visit.
A £10 donation can contribute to the cost of bringing the show to a local child or young person.
Please select an amount to donate below. Thank you for your support.
Northern Stage is a registered charity (no. 700055).
