A new partnership has been launched to make theatre trips more accessible and affordable for school-aged children across the region.

The initiative run by Xelabus and Fareham Live will provide discounted transport for schools, helping to remove cost barriers and making it easier for groups to attend performances together.

They said that by reducing travel expenses, more schools will be able to organise visits, giving young people greater access to live arts experiences.

Xelabus, an independent Hampshire-based bus and coach operator, is supporting the scheme with high-capacity vehicles of up to 85 seats, allowing schools to travel as a single group while reducing overall costs.

Phil Blair, Commercial Manager at Xelabus, said: “We have recognised the opportunity for schools to take advantage of this partnership, Xelabus are able to provide up to 85 seat vehicles, giving high capacity for those wanting to avoid hiring two standard size coaches, therefore saving schools even more.”

Sheena Hulme, Venue Director at Fareham Live, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Xelabus on this important initiative. Improving access to the arts for young people is a key priority for us. We look forward to working closely together and will be actively recommending Xelabus to local schools to help make theatre visits more accessible and achievable.”

To mark the partnership, the Mayor of Fareham, Cllr Louise Clubley, and executive member for leisure and community, Cllr Connie Hockley joined the cast of the West End hit Operation Mincemeat for a photo. 

Cllr Connie Hockley, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work with Xelabus to provide heavily discounted travel for school children in the Fareham community to reach Fareham Live. Participation in the arts is a huge privilege, but one which all children should have the opportunity to experience. This discounted bus service will make Fareham Live even more accessible to our budding theatre lovers.”

Speaking of Operation Mincemeat, the smash-hit musical was a runaway success at Fareham Live recently, becoming the venue’s biggest-selling weeklong show!