Stagecoach SW, Fostering Devon and Northcott Theatre collaborate to create some Christmas magic

Christmas came early for families from Devon County Council’s Fostering Devon service, when Stagecoach South West, The Northcott Theatre Exeter, and Devon Foster Carers’ Association partnered with them to provide foster families with tickets to attend the premiere of Cinderella at the Northcott Theatre

The collaboration, with a contribution from the theatre’s ‘pay it forward’ scheme, enabled the organisations to donate 150 free tickets to Fostering Devon’s carers and their families.

Peter Knight, Managing Director, Stagecoach South West, said: “At this time of year, it’s important for us to give back to the people we serve in our communities. We were thrilled to support this trip for Fostering Devon to help make Christmas wishes come true for families who might not otherwise have had the chance to experience the magic of theatre. To hear the positive reactions of some of the families that attended is what Christmas is all about.”

Kelly Johnson, Community Engagement Director at Northcott Theatre, said: “We’re thrilled to enable children and their carers the chance to experience the magic of theatre this Christmas. Exeter Northcott is a registered charity and sponsorship from businesses along with generous support from individual donors ensures that we can make a big difference to local communities. Collaborations such as these have a huge impact and spread joy at a time when people need it most.”

Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Fostering Devon service, Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, said: “Christmas can be a special time, especially for families, so I’m delighted that so many of our Fostering Devon parents and children have enjoyed this generous gift from the theatre, Stagecoach and the Devon Foster Carers’ Association.”

Leigh Strange, Chair of the Devon Foster Carers’ Association, said: “Devon Foster Carer’s Association is delighted to have been a part of this wonderful opportunity for foster carers, to be able to share the fun and excitement of a pantomime with their children; many of whom will have never been to a pantomime before.  While this is DFCA’s first collaboration with The Northcott Theatre, Stagecoach and Fostering Devon, we sincerely hope it won’t be the last.”

On attending the performance Leigh added: “What a night. I’m still receiving feedback from carers, we had lots of excited children saying it was the best night ever. One family said they felt so looked after by the team.”