Check out these brilliant regional theatres offering discounts for schools, top performances and a selection of inspiring workshops.
1. Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
There are a great selection of shows with designated schools performances with morning and afternoon performances as well as evening options for older year groups. The Jungle Book, running from 15th November until 5th January is ideal for EYFS through to KS3. Jessica Swale’s acclaimed stage adaptation features loveable characters, catchy songs and charming puppetry.
2. Bristol Old Vic
This historic theatre in the heart of the city offers school rates on most shows with benefits including a free teacher ticket (for every 10 booked), workshops, post-show discussions as well as a coach drop-off area and parking nearby. Among the school-friendly shows to highlight are Wonder Boy (6th-21st September), a heart-warming and inspiring story about the power of communication and Romeo + Juliet (12th March – 5th April 2025) described as the original play, originally scored – with rap and R&B.
3. Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Inspire your pupils about a career in the theatre with a special focused workshop at the Royal Exchange. The team will talk about the 150 jobs and roles of the people who work there and using practical exercises and tasks, students will form mini theatre companies to take on various responsibilities.
They also run a number of Schools Days for performances (the next is on 8th October for A Midsummer Nights Dream) which include a performance along with an up close and personal look into the production. Look out for a range of Shakespeare workshops from September too.
4. Sheffield Theatres
Primary school groups are invited to go beyond the magic with a backstage tour or explore their first theatre experience with a workshop. Secondary schools can opt for the Theatre Reviewers Workshop which gives students an opportunity to explore the set of your booked show in advance of watching the performance. There’s a special ticket rate for full-time education groups of 10 or more with one free place for every 10 bought on selected performances. Look out for Dear Evan Hansen (8th-12th April 2025) and & Juliet (20th-31st May 2025) both running at the Lyceum.
5. Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne
Said to be the largest producing theatre in the northeast of England, Northern Stage offers discounted tickets for school groups on selected shows. Look out for their production of A Christmas Carol (30th November – 4th January) for a festive treat for your students.
6. The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
There are a number of workshops to engage your pupils with the magic of theatre, introducing drama and about the historic venue itself. The Technical Tours & Workshop offer invites students to discover the methods and magic behind the productions and get hands-on experience with the support of the technical crew. Make sure you’re subscribed to their newsletter for updates on incoming shows too. Some over the next year include Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (8th-31st October) and Annie the Musical (11th-20th April, 2025).
7. Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
This traditional 470-seat timber framed Shakespearean theatre is ideal to inspire school pupils with a vibrant mix of performances and workshops. The latter support cross-curricular teaching and focus on creativity while encouraging young people to develop in confidence, resilience, literacy and analytical skills. This September it is opening Romeo and Juliet (13th September – 5th October) described as a ‘beautiful retelling’ of the Shakespeare love story with each show performed in a relaxed environment and by an ensemble of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent actors.
