New Wolsey Theatre's Hare and Tortoise begins school tour this spring

Why it matters: The production provides many young people with their first experience of live theatre, with seven performances offered free of charge to schools in the most deprived areas of Suffolk.

The details: The professional production, adapted by Brendan Murray for children aged 4-8 years, will tour for three and a half weeks across Suffolk and Essex, travelling more than 630 miles.

The show explores themes linked to the national curriculum including the changing seasons, the passing of time, and the importance of friendship.

By the numbers:

• 35 performances across 23 schools

• 2,500+ young people will see the show

• 7 free performances for schools in deprived areas

• 1 free performance for families receiving benefits

Sustainability focus: By reusing sets and costumes from a previous production and partnering with John Grose to tour in an electric vehicle, the theatre is reducing its environmental impact.

What they're saying: Douglas Rintoul, Chief Executive/Artistic Director of the New Wolsey Theatre, said: "At the New Wolsey Theatre, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of live theatre, no matter their background or circumstances. Our touring schools production is often a child's very first encounter with theatre—an unforgettable moment that can spark a lifelong love of the arts."

Despite the production's success, Rintoul warned that such outreach work is under threat: "With the loss of core funding from Suffolk County Council in April, the potential reduction of investment from Ipswich Borough Council next year, plus the relentless rise in costs, we are facing some very difficult decisions. These cuts will have a direct impact on children and young people, particularly those who already have the fewest opportunities to engage with the arts."

The impact: One teacher from the 2024 tour highlighted the production's value: "The combination of physical theatre and live music was spellbinding for our children. A very high percentage of them don't have English as their first language. Some children who find school very challenging and who struggle to access the curriculum were completely focused for the entire piece."

The bottom line: Beyond the school tour, the New Wolsey Theatre will offer three additional performances of Hare and Tortoise in their participation space, NW2, making professional theatre accessible to more children across the region.