On Giving Tuesday, Chris Jarvis has launched this year’s Big Christmas Appeal in a bid to double the number of free and discounted tickets that Lighthouse Poole gives away to those who experience disadvantage.
“For some people this might be the only chance they have to experience live theatre, which can be a life-changing experience,” said the CBeebies favourite who’s also Lead Patron of Lighthouse.
“Last year this amazing venue gave away around 2,000 tickets to children and families and other groups who otherwise would not have been able to enjoy the wonders of live theatre. Coming to see live theatre can be transformational so let’s raise enough money this year to double the number of tickets we can give away!”
Chris, who is in rehearsals for Sleeping Beauty, this year’s Lighthouse-produced family pantomime, was joined by fellow Sleeping Beauty star, EastEnders/Grange Hill actor Todd Carty; EastEnders star Michelle Collins, who appeared in Beauty and the Beast at Lighthouse in 2021; and Poole-based actor-singer-comedian Debra Stephenson.
“The Big Christmas Appeal is an incredible effort and it can only happen with the support of Lighthouse audiences, supporters and donors, which is why Todd, Michelle and Debra – who all know and love Lighthouse like I do – are so happy to support the Appeal.
“We can’t wait to meet all the local families who come to see our pantomime, and we love putting on a spectacular show to make them laugh and boo and hiss, but it also reminds us how important it is to ensure no one misses out on the benefits that arts, music and theatre can add to their lives, for education, understanding, entertainment and enjoyment.”
As well as families, charities and organisations that support veterans’ associations, the homeless, survivors of domestic violence and people living with life-limiting illnesses have all been offered the chance to visit Lighthouse to enjoy live music, stand-up comedy or a theatre show.
One of those to benefit was Ms D Armstrong, a member of the Prama Life community who attends weekly groups with her mum who has dementia. She told us: “My appreciation can be summed up with my mum’s comment to me this morning: ‘It sort of made me feel… when I got home, I don’t know the word, but I was singing as I went round the bungalow and I haven’t felt like that for a very long time.’ I said: ‘Happy Mum?’ She replied: ‘Yes that’s it.’”
Penny Day, from MYTIME Young Carers, explained: “Childhood caring responsibilities can be all-consuming, and young carers often struggle to find the time for rest and recreation. The chance to visit the theatre may be an extremely rare thing for some, but it is exactly the kind of opportunity that can make all the difference.
“A night of relaxation, entertainment and culture can help to reduce stress levels, broaden horizons, and raise aspirations for these children, and can support their development into well-rounded, happy adults, so we are incredibly grateful to Lighthouse for their generosity and support.”
Chris added: “This Christmas, every donation will help us to give even more local families and groups of people who are experiencing disadvantage the chance to visit Lighthouse next year.”