Reading’s award-winning professional theatre – Reading Rep – which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, combines high-class productions with ground-breaking education and community engagement. As part of the anniversary celebrations, HRH Prince Edwards, The Earl of Wessex became royal patron, and the date also marked one year since the new 163-seat theatre and cultural hub opened. 

One of the most important elements of Reading Rep’s work is connecting with audiences underserved by the arts. It does this through the award-winning ENGAGE programme, which sees free tickets for people who can’t afford to visit the theatre (10% of all Reading Rep tickets are given away) and 500 hours of free workshops each year. There are also £5 tickets for the under 30s and all tickets cost £20 or less.

And that’s before we even mention the brilliant and varied shows on offer – there’s truly something for everyone including the youngest audience members. Currently, you can join Make/Sense Theatre’s Creative Youth Assembly on an adventure through the Big Band era of mid-century America, performed by a cast of neurodivergent actors aged between 7 and 28 years. Or check out Rumble under the Rug, an interactive adventure for children aged 4 – 7 years with tickets costing just £5. There’s also a musical theatre summer camp in August for children aged 9  – 16 years, which includes the chance to learn from professional West End stars  and perform on Reading Rep’s main stage. Keep an eye on the website for what’s coming next.