Published: 24 Jun 2025
Now in its 26th year, Family First Nights returned bigger than ever...
Hundreds of Children and Young People Experienced the Magic of the West End for the First Time
Throughout May 2025, Go Live Theatre ran its revamped Family First Nights programme – and what a month it was!
With support from ten of London’s leading West End shows, 335 families were given the chance to experience the thrill, joy and magic of live theatre, many for the very first time.
Families had the chance to see a spectacular range of productions including Back to the Future: The Musical, Matilda the Musical, Mean Girls The Musical, MJ The Musical, My Neighbour Totoro, Starlight Express, Clueless The Musical, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, and Wicked.
The initiative aimed to offer families facing financial difficulties an opportunity to attend the theatre together – an experience they otherwise might not have been able to afford. With tickets subsidised to just £10, we made sure cost wasn’t a barrier to joy, inspiration and discovery.
- 90% of families said the experience made them more likely to go to the theatre again
- 100% said it had a positive impact on their children
- Over 50% of families had never attended the theatre together before
We were especially proud to welcome families from across 30 London boroughs and 14 areas outside the capital, many of whom are living in the UK’s most deprived areas, are in receipt of benefits, or have complex access needs.
Families told us that, before this programme, they had never even considered theatre as a possibility – not because of a lack of interest, but because of cost, confidence, or simply a lack of opportunity.
“It wasn’t just a fun trip to the theatre. It was a moment of hope, inspiration, and real connection that she’ll carry with her for a long time.”
“As a full-time carer, I really needed the night out too. We absolutely loved the show and enjoyed spending some fun time with my daughter as so often I’m just supporting her to get through the day.”
Our Impact at a Glance
335 families
704 children and young people (alongside their parents)
70 referring organisations – 58% new to the programme
50% from the most deprived areas in the UK (IMD 1–3)
31% of families with an access need
68% receiving state benefits
51% from a global majority background
What We Heard from Families
“The children have been singing the songs of Matilda ever since – and they all hope to audition one day.”
“We are a large family and West End shows are just out of reach financially. This was a fantastic opportunity for us.”
“My 9-year-old son had a fabulous time, he absolutely loved MJ! You truly are touching lives, and we’re so grateful.”
“We have a variety of foster children offering with disabilities, this service that you offer is so amazing as we wouldn’t be able to afford the array of children we have. We watch the joy in their faces – something they’ve never experienced before. We often have a nice meal out and buy them a dress or a nice top and trousers. In the chaos that they have in their lives to offer this memory for them is so cherished you have no idea how grateful we are”
“My daughter struggles to get out of the house and so struggles to attend the theatre, though she loves it. It had been about 5 years since we’d tried as it’s very expensive if she has to cancel last minute. These tickets gave us the opportunity to try again and she absolutely loved the experience. This was the pick-me-up she needed and will definitely help her to get out to the theatre, and for other enrichment activities, more often.”
Meet some of the families who took part in this year’s programme and attended My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Watch the video now to hear directly from the young people and their parents/carers about what the programme means to them!
To learn more about how you can support our work or to explore partnership opportunities, get in touch using the form below.
Video: www.chaaustaoglu.com
Photos: @charlieflintphotography
