£10 theatre tickets: a programme for 100,000 young people

On 13 November 2026 Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced a new programme opening up theatre to children and young people. More than 100,000 young people across England will experience live theatre, many for the first time, and explore acting, directing, playwriting and backstage roles.

How much is a ticket and who is it for?

Partners will offer thousands of subsidised £10 tickets to make performances affordable for young audiences. Productions designed specifically for young people will tour to 400 schools across the country.

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Who runs the programme?

It is a four-year nationwide partnership. The National Theatre will provide up to £15 million from the Every Child Can programme and will work with The National Lottery Community Fund and regional theatres. In total, 12 partners across every English region are involved.

What is included beyond the shows?

Young people will get training and workshops to build skills for careers in the creative industries, on stage and behind the screen. A new music theatre programme will see local young people devise, produce and perform original community productions in their own areas, while a Skills Roadshow brings opportunities directly to communities.

Is it part of a wider plan?

Yes. It sits within the Prime Minister's plan to improve growing up across the country: children in underserved areas are promised sport, the arts, outdoor activities and safe youth clubs, backed by £688 million. Watch for announcements from participating theatres in your region to catch the £10 tickets.

Why is the state investing in youth theatre?

The logic is twofold. First, access: many children have never been to the theatre because of ticket prices or distance from major stages. Subsidised £10 tickets and tours to 400 schools aim to remove that barrier. Second, careers: officials want to show young people that the creative industries are real jobs — not only acting, but backstage work too: lighting, sound, costume, directing and playwriting.

For families across Britain this is a practical opportunity: £10 tickets make a theatre trip affordable, and the workshops and skills programmes are open to local young people whatever their background. Schedules and terms are published by the partner theatres in each English region — it is worth following their announcements early, as subsidised places are limited.

To gauge the scale: the programme runs for four years and reaches every English region through 12 partner organisations, while productions for young audiences will tour to 400 schools. That reach means families beyond the big cities also get a chance to attend. Keep an eye on which theatres are taking part near you and check the terms for subsidised tickets in advance.