Press Contact: Natalie Thomas
10 December 2024
Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) has transformed its front of house into a ‘Festive Forest’ with the installation of 12 Christmas trees to celebrate each of its outreach programmes and raise awareness of this year’s Festive Appeal. The sustainable potted trees have been uniquely decorated to represent one of the many community projects the theatre runs, including Acting Up, Our Space, The King’s Trust project (formerly The Prince’s Trust), TRP’s Artist Development programme, Young Company, Young Company Hubs, Young Company Create, NT Connections, Playhouse, Tiny Tales, Company 15 and Young Technicians. The trees, which will all be replanted in the New Year, have been donated by TRP Estates Engineer Paul Wakeling and Otter Garden Centre, with decorative lights donated by Western Electrical and front of house lighting supplied by JHAV.
The significant seasonal display, which features a thirteenth larger tree on its balcony, will be open for theatre goers and the public to view until Thursday 5 January 2025 and aims to raise awareness about the work the theatre does in around the city. Each of the community projects is supported by TRP’s annual Festive Appeal, which last year raised over £20,000 and was relaunched for this year in October. Already at 20% of its 2025 target, the appeal will once again fund the outreach schemes which ultimately help participants to develop core life skills, build confidence and enhance mental health. Donation points are located around the building.
As a registered charity, TRP supports local emerging artists pursuing a career in the industry and works with some of the most vulnerable people in the community, including school children and those who have faced challenges such as homelessness and addiction.
John Spreadbridge, Head of Estates at TRP, said: “The Christmas tree display has transformed the theatre and it’s feeling suitably festive. We look forward to welcoming visitors to view the trees and their dedicated decorations which reflect each group’s outreach work. We thank Paul, Otter Garden Centre, Western Electrical and JHAV for helping to bring the display to life.”
Jane Pawson, TRP’s Head of Artistic Planning, Projects said: “The Christmas trees are a fantastic way to not only highlight all the community work we do, but also encourage people to donate to the Festive Appeal. Every penny donated will go towards ensuring we can continue to offer a broad variety of outreach projects which act as vital lifelines for so many people across the region. Excitingly, after a pause over the autumn, the Young Company will return in January with new opportunities for young people to learn about all aspects of theatre making whilst making friends and having fun. These courses are always extremely popular and supports young people interested in pursuing a career in the arts.”
TRP visitors will also be able to take photos with Father Christmas’ sleigh and a giant smoking chimney, which were hand crafted at TRP’s Production & Learning Centre, TR2. Anyone wishing to support TRP’s Festive Appeal can do so by donating online at theatreroyal.com/donate, adding a donation when purchasing a ticket, by calling the Box Office on 01752 267222 or donating in person via donation points that are situated around the theatre.
TRP has a host of shows across the festive period including The Star Who Danced aimed at youngsters aged 0-3, Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas for ages 3-7 and this year’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for all ages.
Watch TRP’s Festive Appeal launch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm9DALS_ZJM