Free tickets given to families in need to watch festive shows at Coventry theatre

A Coventry theatre has donated over 500 tickets for residents to see a Christmas show for free this festive season. The Albany Theatre in Earlsdon wants families and individuals in need to enjoy either one of two shows, Alice in Wonderland or Sleeping Beauty.

The theatre recently completed a £3.5m redevelopment in October and donates tickets to families through a foodbank and support organisations yearly. The theatre was upgraded to include two studio theatres, two flexible spaces, a new bar and cafe, a foyer, and a Changing Places toilet.

The new facilities are helping Albany Theatre to expand its community initiatives and help people of all ages engage with performing arts through classes and productions, with both Christmas shows celebrating talents across Coventry, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.

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Bosses say Alice in Wonderland is a 'festive adventure' for all ages. It will feature characters from Lewis Carroll's story in a 'vivid production' with 'magic, mystery, and plenty of laughs'. The show will be at Albany Theatre from Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, December 29.

The Sleeping Beauty Community Pantomime is said to have all the fun of a traditional panto, but with 'unexpected twists' and 'laugh-out-loud' moments, bosses added. The pantomime will run from Saturday, January 4, to Sunday, January 12, 2025.

The Albany Theatre's chief executive, Kevin Shaw, said: "A strong sense of community runs through everything we do at the Albany Theatre, and we are delighted to be welcoming hundreds of people who might otherwise not have made a trip to the theatre this year to see our festive shows.

"The set and costume designs are stunning, and we have cast a brilliant team of actors. I have no doubt that Alice in Wonderland will be a magical show full of spectacle and laughter that will delight the young and the young at heart in equal measure.

"Rehearsals are already underway for this year’s community panto, and I’m thoroughly enjoying working with the team to create a stunning show. Not only is it a great story, but it is also packed with songs and dances, as well as all the traditional panto routines," Kevin added.

Musical Director at The Albany Theatre, Claire Tyler, added: "Having worked on many shows and pantomimes in the past, it’s great to be working with the creative teams at the Albany again this year, and I look forward to sharing our creations with as many people as possible."

Tickets for both shows can be booked by visiting the Albany Theatre website.

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