For nearly a decade local businesses and charitable trusts have brought a touch of festive magic to the lives of thousands of local children from some of the most deprived areas of our region.  Their support enables children to enjoy a special Christmas treat, by providing free tickets and help with transport to the theatre.

We match each supporting organisation with a school or community group, or if preferred the sponsor can nominate a group to be included in the scheme and we contact them on their behalf.  After their visit,  the children write directly to their sponsoring organisation with letters and pictures recording their visit as a special thank you.

Our huge thanks to the following organisations, who last year made it possible for over 500 children to see Hansel and Gretel and The Goblin Who Saved Christmas:

• The Barbour Trust
  
• Benfield Motors Charitable Trust
• Cummins Ltd
  
• John Lewis Newcastle
• Greggs Trust
  
• NCJ Media
• RW Mann Trust
• Ward Hadaway
  

If you would like to support this year's scheme your donation will be credited on the Northern Stage website and you will receive a personal thank you from the children you have supported.  The amount given is at each organisation's discretion but as a guide, a donation of £600 will enable 60 children to enjoy this special Christmas treat.

If you would like to contribute, please send your cheque (made payable to Northern Stage) to Jane Hall, Development Manager, Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RH.  If you would like further information on the Christmas Access scheme, please telephone Jane Hall on 07730 677418 or jhall@northernstage.co.uk.