Appeal to save 20th anniversary show for children's theatre group

Kidz4Kidz was set up by teacher Cathy Thompson in 2001 after noticing there was nothing for youngsters to do in the Larches area of Preston and worries were growing about anti-social behaviour.

In the past two decades, more than 1,000 children from across Lancashire -including Cathy’s son’s Kyle, Dane, Zac and Oscar - have been through the volunteer-run group, either performing, or helping out backstage.

To celebrate their success, a special show is being put together for September, but Cathy says she has been forced to have it out of Preston.

She said: “Since 2002 we’ve always put on two big shows every year at the Charter Theatre. But it’s been closed since 2019 and although we have since used school spaces, for this anniversary show, we really wanted a big theatre experience.”

>>>Read more about how the Guild Hall and Charter Theatre closed and the rows behind it by clicking hereCathy has secured use of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool for September 19, but now needs to find £4,300 to pay for the venue and staffing.

She said: “Because of lockdown, we have lost out on a year’s worth of subs and a year’s worth of fundraising, and we don’t want to keep asking the parents time and time again.

“We have organised a sponsored walk from the Charter Theatre to the Winter Gardens and an adult danceathon, but we really hope the local community can help us too.”

Cathy, 48, said: “This is my complete passion and through lockdown, I’ve missed it so much.

“Looking back on the past 20 years shocks me to think how long it’s been, but I also feel extremely proud of the work we’ve done and the charities we’ve helped.”

The charitable work

Every year, Kidz4Kidz raises money to support local good causes.

Over the past 20 years, proceeds from their ticket sales has gone towards buying wheelchairs, a deaf-loop system, to Derian House, Rainbow House, the Space Centre and a range of other charities.

Cathy said: “One of the nicest things is that our kids often get to meet the children they are helping. It makes them realise what it’s all about and for some of them, that a broken nail isn’t the worst problem to worry about.”

Donate to the anniversary show by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/kidz4kidztheatrecompany or by clicking here