Lisa Nandy meets Devon youngsters to announce new theatre opportunities
The scheme involves Theatre Royal Plymouth
Last updated 13th Nov 2026
Youngsters from Ivybridge Community College and members of Theatre Royal Plymouth joined Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and stars of the stage and screen including Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton at the National Theatre.
It was to help announce a government-backed programme to open up opportunities in the arts for young people across the UK, including the South West.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “I am tired of being told that not everybody can or should have access to the best of what this country has to offer. Arts and culture gives the chance to live a richer, larger life and that chance should be afforded to every young person.
“Experiencing the joy of theatre shouldn’t be restricted to only those who can afford it or who were born in the right postcode. This programme takes the very best of the National Theatre and brings it to the doorsteps of our young people across the country, many for the first time ever, to help them find their spark, expand their horizons and encourage them to see a creative future for themselves."
At the star studded launch event, the Culture Secretary announced up to £15 million from the Every Child Can programme. This will support the National Theatre to work with The National Lottery Community Fund and regional theatres across the UK, including Theatre Royal Plymouth
James Mackenzie-Blackman, Chief Executive & Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Plymouth, said: "Our region is full of young people with incredible creative potential but too few of them understand how to harness it.
"Together, with our partners across the country, this opportunity will ensure more young people across the South West experience worldclass theatre and develop their creative skills, in turn, developing their confidence and widening their horizons."