Digger maker JCB has pledged £30,000 towards a new programme introducing young children to theatre and the joy of reading.
The Rocester-based firm is supporting the New Vic Theatre’s three-year Tale Blazers storytelling scheme along with a series of school and community theatre workshops.
The free programme of events is taking place in libraries and local community venues across Staffordshire as well as at the Newcastle-under-Lyme theatre.
The inaugural Tale Blazer, called Rats’ Tales, was a new take on the Grimms’ fairy tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and took place at Leek Library.
A JCB spokesperson said: “We are delighted to support The New Vic in bringing theatre and storytelling to life for families in our local community. This project has the potential to raise the aspirations of children who might never have had the pleasure of seeing professional live performances.
“Such experiences can spark a lifelong interest in theatre and have a profound effect on a child’s education.”
Jill Rezzano, Head of Education at the New Vic, said: “Tale Blazers is a wonderful opportunity to bring the joy of storytelling directly into communities across Staffordshire.
We know how powerful stories can be in helping children to build confidence, develop their imaginations and express themselves and we’re delighted to be able to offer these free sessions to local families.
“We’re incredibly grateful to JCB for their support, which is making it possible for us to reach even more children and families across the next three years.”
The programme is part of the prestigious theatre-in-the-round’s 40th anniversary celebrations and marks JCB’s 80th anniversary and support of the National Year of Reading and Queen’s Reading Room projects.
