Charles Dickens theatre provides leisure programmes for deprived residents
Since the beginning of the cost-of-living crisis, many Portsmouth residents have greatly suffered from a lack of access to leisure activities — particularly those involving the arts.
About 24% of those affected by rising energy rates nationally have admitted to considering pausing hobbies due to money constraints. Communities within the Charles Dickens Ward in particular may suffer from human side effects of deprivation, like mental health issues.
The Groundlings Theatre, in Kent Street, has become well-known in recent months not only for its drama performances, but for the facility’s affordability.
Gill Bate, Theatre Administrator at the Groundlings Theatre, said: “We make sure wherever we can that the drama school reaches out to people who can apply for funding.
“We run family days here, that a lot of the time are free entry. We’re all about getting people through the door, at as low of a cost as possible.”
The theatre’s drama school operates with just under 60 students from the ward and from areas such as Cosham, ranging from young children to over 60s.
Average prices of theatre tickets can cost up to over £25, with the least affluent percentage of the national population only spending 15% of their weekly expenses on recreation.
While the Groundlings Theatre has an outreach from across Portsmouth, the company focuses largely on deprived members of the Charles Dickens Ward, using local volunteers when running shows.
Ms Bate said: “We’re going to start offering leisure card prices to make our events cheaper for people with low incomes.
“If you’re looking for a theatre that feels like a family, then the Groundlings Theatre is the place to be.
“We try to create an intimate atmosphere; if you haven’t been here before, you’re missing out on what’s possible.”
