Westlands Entertainment Venue has announced the release of 1,000 tickets priced at just £3 for this year’s highly anticipated Christmas pantomime, Aladdin. Made available through the venue’s flagship Accessible Ticket Scheme, this major release aims to ensure that local families with low-income households do not miss out on the magic of live festive theatre during challenging economic times.
The Accessible Ticket Scheme was launched with the goal of removing financial barriers for local residents. Since November 2024, the scheme has proved to be a vital lifeline for community engagement and cultural access across Somerset.
- To date, 1,541 tickets have been issued through the scheme, with 483 active members.
- Over 13% of applicants had never attended a show at Westlands or the Octagon Theatre
prior to joining. A further 12% had not visited in over two years.
- Renewal data highlights long-term impact: 50% of first-time theatregoers renewed their scheme membership for a second year, proving that breaking down cost barriers creates lasting engagement with the arts.
The scheme’s impact goes beyond financial savings, it addresses complex, overlapping challenges faced by local families. In a recent survey, many members reported having a disability in the family, while others highlighted single-parent challenges or caring responsibilities.
Key Quotes
Adam Burgan, Arts & Entertainment Venues Manager:
“Our venues are central community hubs, and we believe everyone deserves to experience the joy and magic of live theatre, especially at Christmas. Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and
Somerset Council we are delighted to be releasing 1,000 £3 tickets for Aladdin. This is our way of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience the magic of pantomime and create special festive memories. Seeing families who had never stepped through our doors before return to us year on year just shows how powerful and necessary this scheme really is.”
Accessible Ticket Scheme Members:
“I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity to take my grandchildren to see the pantomime. We all had a great time and made special memories, I couldn’t have afforded it on my own.”
“Thanks to you and the Accessible Ticket Scheme. You have made it possible for me to bring my daughter to see the pantomime and Nutcracker – something I never thought I could do.”
Funding & Community Support
The Accessible Ticket Scheme and wider outreach work are made possible thanks to the Octagon Theatre being an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and being awarded a £760,000 investment for 2023–2026. This funding supports the venue’s Arts Engagement & Outreach team in delivering creative projects that improve health, wellbeing, and education across Somerset. Their work seeks to improve inclusion and remove barriers, whatever they may be, so that everyone is able to enjoy and benefit from the creative arts.
How to Apply & Book
Eligibility: £3 pantomime tickets are available to members of the Accessible Ticket Scheme. Anyone with a low-income status is eligible to apply. The following evidence will be accepted, but you can submit alternative evidence such as a reference from a teacher, House Association Officer, or Social Worker:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Council Tax Support
- Free School Meals / Pupil Premium
- Working Tax Credit (low-income category)
- Housing Benefit
- Carers Allowance
- Asylum Support
- Fostering Evidence
How to Apply: More information and the application can be found here.
If you need the application form in a different format, or if you need assistance completing it online,call 01935 422884 or email [email protected].
Availability: Tickets for Aladdin are subject to availability. Early application and booking are strongly encouraged.
