On Thursday 12 November 2026 I was invited to the National Theatre for the launch of National Theatre Nationwide, a new programme bringing live theatre to more than 100,000 young people across England.
I joined Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, young performers from around the country and stars including Adjoa Andoh, Adrian Lester, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Indira Varma, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jill Halfpenny and Bella Maclean.
The announcement
Up to £15 million will fund a four-year partnership between the National Theatre and 12 theatres across every English region. It includes thousands of £10 tickets for young people, shows touring 400 schools, and workshops in acting, directing, playwriting and backstage roles. It is part of a wider £688 million government package for activities beyond the school gates.
In conversation with Adjoa Andoh
I spoke to actor and director Adjoa Andoh about why the arts matter for children. Her answer will ring true for anyone who works with young audiences:
“Kids will dress up and make believe and have all these fantastic imaginative leaps… And then at a certain age, it’s like, okay, put that away. And we lose a lot of it, and there’s no reason we should.”
Why it matters to me
Theatre changes people’s lives. Performances change people’s lives. I don’t think I would be working in this industry had I not been profoundly affected by a performer.
That’s why this announcement means so much to me. Making the arts more accessible just gives more opportunity for children and young people to be inspired.
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