Bringing joy and magic to children

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and 101 Dalmatians are well-loved books for a reason, and the theatre productions based on these classics take children (and adults) into new worlds and on great adventures. This year more children have been able to enjoy theatre visits thanks to the Barrie Wells Trust and its Box4Kids initiative, which helps seriously ill children and their families.

Box4Kids gives children and their families the opportunity to enjoy theatre and entertainment events from the comfort of executive boxes. Ambassadeurs Group (AG) has been supporting the Barrie Wells Trust since 2016 and donates regularly through Box4Kids. Earlier this year, AG donated tickets for 101 Dalmatians, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

‘All the young people who attended 101 Dalmatians live with a variety of significant, life-affecting and in some cases life-limiting illnesses and disabilities, and events like these provide them with such a brilliant chance to make unforgettable memories with their loved ones, and have some fun away from medical environments,’ said a member of the team at Barrie Wells Trust.

For the families of the children – as well as the children themselves – the tickets represent more than a simple theatre show. They are a passport out of the day-to-day caring or hospital visits and are a respite from the anxiety that many of them experience. ‘We had such a special day together,’ said one Mum; another said: ‘We really appreciate this special gift.’

The chance to watch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe had an unexpected educational benefit for some of the young people. ‘It’s been the most amazing end to what has been a hard summer for us. Coincidentally, Jessica is studying World War II at school next year, and it has been a brilliant way of introducing her to the evacuee theme,’ said Jessica’s mum.

Another child’s father said: ‘Beth will be studying drama for A-levels, so she especially enjoyed and benefitted from attending.’

The guests who went to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe live with a wide range of illnesses and disabilities, including leukaemia, epilepsy, heart conditions and hyperinsulinism. ‘For them, the amazing donation of these tickets allowed them to spend special time with friends and family having fun,’ said a member of the team at Barrie Wells Trust.

Krishna Hathi, AG’s Charity Initiatives Advisor, said: ‘Our commitment to giving back makes relationships like the one with the Barrie Wells Trust possible. We are so pleased to be able to provide this kind of experience for children and young people who so deserve a day out.’

This year, AG has also bought tickets for shows like Back to the Future, Horrible Histories – Awful Egyptians, Matilda, and Hercules.