Published: 15 Jul 2026
We welcomed 360 young people to our first-ever Education Performance outside London…
On Wednesday 22 April, in partnership with New Adventures and Bradford Theatres, 11 state secondary schools and community organisations attended the Alhambra Theatre for just £10.
Our Education Matinees and Performances are designed to give young people the opportunity to experience live productions – often for the very first time – in a safe and supportive environment, surrounded by their peers. This April, we took this experience to our first-ever regional venue, taking over the Dress Circle at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford. We targeted schools with high Pupil Premium and community groups working with families and young people in challenging circumstances.
The Education Performance was a resounding success: 100% of young people expressed an interest in returning to the theatre and 95% of group leaders stated the experience met their expectations.
The evening performance was accompanied by a pre-show Careers Talk, led by Kerry Biggin (Take Part Creative Director for New Adventures) introducing the young people to the variety of careers beyond the stage.
Student Demographics & Impact:
- The average Pupil Premium percentage across the schools that attended – 45% (national average is 28%)
- 46% of the pupils attended the theatre for the first time
- 35% of the young people that attended had English as an Additional Language (EAL)
- 22% of the young people that attended had a Special Education Need (SEND)
- 24% of the pupils that attended are from ethnic minority backgrounds
Group Leader’s were asked what barriers exist that make it more difficult to attend the theatre:
“Some of the cultural context and the lack of exposure to these norms for our students.”
“The young people we work with come from disadvantaged communities – with huge financial barriers. Simple things as getting a bus from their community to the centre of town can cost too much let alone the ticket to the theatre.”
“Money, access needs around being autistic, feeling like it’s not for them. More funding direct to community settings or partnering with their expertise would help.”
Young People’s Thoughts
Their reactions captured the immediate impact of live performance and how essential breaking barriers are to open access for future theatre-going audiences:
“I’ve never been to the theatre before, it made me cry”
“I didn’t realise there was no talking in the show, but I understood it”
“The lights and the costumes were amazing”
“Can’t wait to go again”
🎥🔗 Watch New Adventure’s video to hear more from the young people…
Group Leader’s Testimonials
They highlighted how important access to these cultural opportunities are in a safe and supportive environment:
“They all came out after the show wanting to be ballerinas and pivoted around the train station.”
“Thank you for giving my students this opportunity I am an avid fan of Sir Matthew Bourne and wanted my students to experience his works.”
“I think opportunities like this for the communities we work with are vital. Some of our young people and families do not step outside of their post code areas and are very within their own communities. Bringing them out of what is their safe space is a huge challenge – giving them this opportunity and guiding them through it can truly be a once in a lifetime opportunity that could have further personal impact.”
🎥 Follow along below to see Go Live’s trip to Bradford…
The Education Performance of Matthew Bourne’s Production of The Red Shoes successfully broke down financial and cultural barriers for 360 young people in Bradford and the surrounding counties, marking Go Live’s first-ever Education Performance outside London! With 46% of the audience experiencing live performance for the very first time and many never seeing a ballet before, this initiative fully delivered on its goals of connections and access.
Huge thanks to everyone involved with this Education Performance for making this programme possible.
Donate today to help ensure every child, regardless of background, has the chance to experience the transformative power of live theatre and open doors for the next generation.
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📸 Header Photo: Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures
🎥 Video: Eleni Cashell
