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The Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, has unveiled an innovative programme aimed at enhancing access to theatre for young people while fostering career opportunities within the creative sectors. This initiative was announced alongside a range of prominent figures from stage and screen, including Jim Carter, Adjoa Andoh, and Imelda Staunton, during a lively event at the National Theatre. The new initiative is set to unfold over four years and will involve collaboration with theatres across all English regions.
The newly established Nationwide programme will see the National Theatre team up with the National Lottery Community Fund and various regional theatres, with a combined funding of nearly £15 million from the Every Child Can programme. This partnership aims to reach out to young people who have been unable to experience theatre due to financial constraints or geographical barriers.
Expanding Theatre Access for Young Audiences
Through this ambitious programme, it is expected that more than 100,000 young individuals will be able to engage with world-class theatrical productions. The initiative will introduce them to various aspects of the theatre, including acting, directing, and playwriting, through extensive training and workshops designed to build essential skills for future careers in the creative industries.
These enrichment activities will complement National Theatre touring productions in each locality, forging connections between what young audiences observe on stage and their own experiences. Additionally, thousands of subsidised tickets priced at £10 will be made available to ensure performances are accessible to all. Productions tailored specifically for younger audiences will also be touring 400 schools nationwide.
A new music theatre programme will facilitate the creation of original community productions, with local young people taking the lead in the development, production, and performance processes. Furthermore, a Skills Roadshow is set to bring opportunities directly to regions lacking theatre facilities. Young people will be actively involved in shaping the programme through a newly established Nationwide Youth Council, which will ensure their voices influence the activities offered.
Significant Funding to Enhance Opportunities
The government has committed an additional £106 million from the Dormant Assets Scheme to the Every Child Can programme, raising the total funding to £238.5 million. This financial support aims to provide more young individuals with access to enriching activities outside the classroom, spanning the arts, culture, sports, and nature.
Looking ahead, a further £173 million will be made available to organisations across England in 2027, broadening the spectrum of opportunities for youth to acquire new skills, uncover their passions, and form meaningful connections.
Lisa Nandy stated, “I am weary of hearing that not everyone is entitled to the best this country can offer. The arts and culture present opportunities for a more enriching life, and every young person should have access to that potential.” She highlighted that this programme aims to extend the exceptional offerings of the National Theatre to young people nationwide, many of whom may be encountering theatre for the first time.
Reactions from Theatre Leaders
Sir Ian McKellen remarked on the importance of the National Theatre fulfilling its role by bringing productions to audiences outside London, making theatre a regular experience rather than a rare treat. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the increasing costs associated with live theatre and the necessity for governmental support to sustain the art form.
Kate Varah, Executive Director of the National Theatre, emphasised the transformative impact of theatre on young lives, asserting that access should not be determined by one’s postcode. She noted that this initiative represents a practical application of government investment into tangible opportunities for youth across various regions.
Dame Julia Cleverdon, Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, highlighted that the Every Child Can Fund acknowledges the untapped potential of every child, advocating for equitable access to high-quality enrichment opportunities that foster confidence and community engagement.
A Comprehensive Strategy for Youth Development
This announcement is part of a broader governmental initiative aimed at enhancing the experiences of young people throughout the country. The government is committed to rebuilding opportunities for youth, collaborating with local communities to help the next generation embark on successful career paths from an early age.
The investments made will enable young individuals to cultivate crucial life skills and access essential training for their future. This approach also addresses the offline experiences young people have expressed a desire for, as indicated by the extensive ‘State of the Nation’ survey conducted as part of the National Youth Strategy.
In conjunction with the Every Child Can programme, the government is allocating £450 million through the Youth Matters Fund to improve youth facilities and provide meaningful activities for young people, addressing longstanding gaps in access to services.
Targeted Support for Disadvantaged Areas
Funding will be directed to 60 local authorities identified as most in need, ensuring that socio-economic background does not dictate a young person’s access to opportunities. The government plans to recruit and train 1,000 new youth workers, strengthening the support available in communities.
The Youth Matters strategy, launched by Lisa Nandy in December 2025, is a collaborative effort with insights gathered from over 14,000 young people through the ‘State of the Nation’ survey. This comprehensive approach signifies a commitment to creating an environment where every young person can thrive and explore their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
The Every Child Can programme is already making strides in breaking down barriers to opportunity, providing essential resources such as libraries in primary schools, creative spaces for music and arts, and mentoring for care-experienced youth, all aimed at unlocking creative potential.
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