PUNCH – EDUCATION MATINEE

On  9 October 2025,  in partnership with the producers, we hosted the first of two Education Matinees at Punch in the West End…

It’s one of the cornerstones of our work, as these matinees are created and designed to enable young people to enjoy often their first theatrical experience surrounded by their peers and feel inspired to return.

We focussed on getting tickets to state secondary schools with a high pupil premium and Alternative Provisions, as so many would love to take their young people to the theatre but the budget is simply not there.

The play is a powerful story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change, so it was important to achieve our core objective of broadening access to the arts for young people affected by the shows themes. You can find out more about Punch here.

The matinee included both the performance and an impactful Q&A session with the cast (including our Go Live Patron Julie Hesmondhalgh), associate director Omar Khan, Jacob Dunne and Joan Scourfield, the real-life individuals who inspired the play.

As well as reaching young people, we felt it was important to include the wider community for this show, so we hosted a Community Performance (and Q&A) on 13 November and invited people affected by the themes of the show.

Go Live (along with the support of the production team) were able to offer tickets for £10 across the auditorium.

43% average Pupil Premium across the schools that attended (national average is 28%) 

21% of the pupils that attended had English as an Additional Language (EAL) 

65% of the pupils that attended are from ethnic minority backgrounds 

32% of the pupils attended the theatre for the first time 

95% of the pupils expressed an interest in returning to the theatre again 

Student feedback showed they connected deeply with the play’s themes, clearly signposting that the production was both educationally relevant and emotionally resonant: 

“I really enjoyed the passion that the actors showed, the themes of the play really linked to us and I loved the Q&A at the end. I feel lucky to have been part of it.”

“The plays topic was so powerful and really made me think about things. The actors were so passionate. I loved the lights and the ensemble movement too.”

“I felt really sad about the fact it is a true story but it has taught me something that I didn’t know about the one punch.”

Testimonials from teachers acknowledged and appreciated the success in getting young people who might never otherwise go to the theatre into West End productions:

“I fundamentally believe that both Punch and on a wider level, the work of Go Live Theatre, are life changing. This isn’t hyberbole. To witness a full Apollo Theatre yesterday and hear the reactions of the students from all schools to every moment and nuance of the play, was simply life-affirming and wonderful.  I cannot thank you enough. I will continue to evangelise for GLT with every teacher I meet and hope you go from strength to strength.” 

‘The event was absolutely fantastic, as always. It was so amazing to have the opportunity to take our students to see live theatre. They rarely have exposure to professional live theatre and the educational matinees are invaluable. There is always such a buzz in the auditorium when schools come together to celebrate outstanding theatre!”

Huge thanks to all the cast and creatives, Jacob, Joan, the whole production team and Nimax Theatres for working with us to create this impactful experience, and we’re excited to be hosting a second Education Matinee on Thursday 13 November!

The production is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch.

Accessible and inclusive programmes like this are just not possible without your support.

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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Photos: @charlieflintphotography