Theatre and child development: is Southwark Council the start of a trend?

It’s no secret that theatre tickets can be expensive. This is especially true in London, where everything apparently has to be double the cost of everywhere else. This is not ideal if you’re a student, or come from a low-income background, where you’re already struggling with basic necessities – let alone the luxury of going to the theatre. In one part of London, the council are trying to tackle this issue to allow all children the opportunity to go to the theatre. Southwark Council have recently launched a new £500,000 scheme to ensure that every child between the ages of five and eleven receives a free visit to the theatre annually. This will have a particular focus on those from low-income backgrounds, or those less likely to have the opportunity to visit the theatre otherwise.

This is an incredible idea, especially allowing children from lower income families, or those in difficult circumstances, to have the opportunity to go to the theatre, something that may have not been possible for them before this. What many people do not realise is that going to the theatre has a host of benefits for child development, and equips them with an experience which will benefit them greatly when they grow up.

It’s no secret that theatre tickets can be expensive

The main benefit of going to see live theatre is that it helps children’s emotional understanding. The ages five to eleven can be tricky to navigate, as children learn to grasp ideas of empathy and social interaction. The theatre often explores a multitude of emotions and scenarios reflective of real life – from bullying to friendship. By watching realistic narratives unravel in front of them, children can gain experience of turbulent or difficult emotions that they may be unfamiliar with, in an enjoyable and safe environment.

This can be much more effective than simply reading a book or watching TV because the narrative is occurring right in front of them. The theatre can also often capture children’s attention more effectively because the trip itself is exciting, and there are no other distractions.

Not only this, but the theatre can also increase tolerance. Performances follow people from all walks of life in varying scenarios, allowing children to be exposed to the diverse world around them. This also aids children in building relationships and understanding how others feel, which is crucial to growing up and living a successful and happy life – both personally and in the workplace.

Theatre often explores a multitude of emotions and scenarios reflective of real life

Sometimes parents or carers worry about taking their children to see certain shows, depending on their content. It is always at their discretion what they allow their child to watch, but difficult or slightly more mature plays, within reason, can be valuable in opening up discussion with children about tricky topics. Access to watch more troubling material, again in a safe and enjoyable environment, can allow children to better understand parts of life that can be less talked about.

Furthermore, I believe theatre is even more important in disadvantaged areas, as the imagination behind certain theatre performances raises aspirations. The Borough of Southwark has a poverty rate of 31% in comparison to the 27% London average, and often children from disadvantaged backgrounds can struggle to see themselves having high paid jobs in the future. This leads to a cycle of poverty passed from parent to child, and can result in crime, as people see the wealth and power of gang members and join organised crime to escape from poverty. Through allowing children to explore theatre, not only are they learning valuable interpersonal skills and watching scenarios unfold in a safe environment, they are also seeing other opportunities in life that they may never have thought of – becoming a doctor, a musician, even an actor. Theatre can help to raise their aspirations.

Difficult or more mature plays can be valuable in opening up discussion with children about tricky topics

The theatre opens doors for everyone who goes, as it allows us all to virtually experience parts of life that we may never actually experience personally. However, through watching a play we can better understand those who do.

Southwark’s new scheme may not be achievable for all councils, but I hope that it will help those lucky enough to experience it. Theatre has become an increasingly expensive and elite opportunity, but it shouldn’t be that way. Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the theatre, and there’s much we can all learn from it.