Children in Need grant set to help Hackney Shed theatre work with more disadvantaged children

A theatre group that runs inclusive classes for children has been awarded £42,000 by BBC Children in Need.

Hackney Shed Theatre, in Kenninghall Road, will use the money to deliver inclusive theatre workshops to local young people who might not otherwise have access to the arts because of physical needs or financial barriers.

Sarah Schofield, project manager at Hackney Shed Theatre, said: “This funding means we can further our theatre programme with local young people from a range of backgrounds.

“The workshops bring people together and open up new opportunities to those that might otherwise go without, so we’re delighted to get this support.”

Kerry Luker, regional head of London and the South East for BBC Children in Need, added: “In the months ahead, Hackney Shed Theatre will work closely with some of the young people in the area that need it most.

“To all our fundraisers who have made these grants possible, a very big thank you.”

The grant will help fund an artistic director and project manager for three years, during which the theatre is expected to work with 200 young people aged seven and upwards.

The theatre will also run three sessions a week along with workshops and masterclasses to allow members to create original performances inspired by their ideas and experiences.