Written by: Natalie Thomas
January 2026
TRP has announced a two-year partnership with Pennon to support its Young Company Bursary project, which funds spaces on drama courses for local young people facing barriers to accessing theatre.
Pennon’s support will provide spaces for neurodiverse children, those with learning disabilities, those from disadvantaged backgrounds and children from refugee, asylum seeker and migrant backgrounds.
Partially and fully subsidised spaces are available to any young person who would struggle to cover the cost of sessions, ensuring the arts remain inclusive and prevent exclusion from theatre because of background or social status.
Pennon, is a longtime advocate of TRP, having previously sponsored its Youth and Community Engagement programme and Young Company Hubs, which take youth theatre workshops into local secondary schools in areas of high deprivation.
The utility provider previously sponsored TRP’s Members Lounge and currently holds Gold Level Corporate Membership.
CEO of Pennon Susan Davy, said: “Our partnership with Theatre Royal Plymouth is an important way for us to support young people in the South West who wouldn’t normally have access to theatre classes and the arts.
“This project provides a whole range of opportunities for young people, whether their interests lie in acting and performing, or roles backstage such as set designing, lighting or costumes. We’re so pleased to continue to support this wonderful project and to play a part in encouraging young talent in our local community.”
Lucy Howe, Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships at TRP, said: “Pennon has shown such commitment to Theatre Royal Plymouth over the years, particularly in its ongoing support for our youth outreach projects.
“This latest collaboration is a brand new way of working together and the spaces they are funding will help break down any obstacles to our institution for young people in our neighbouring areas who may face social or economic challenges. It’s truly an investment in the next generation of storytellers and theatre makers, allowing participants to build confidence and friendships, as well as other key life skills. We’re so excited to watch the successful participants flourish.”
Find out more about Theatre Royal Plymouth’s youth theatre programmes by visiting: https://theatreroyal.com/take-part/young-people-2/