STAGECOACH TO SPONSOR TRAFALGAR THEATRES PANTOMIME SEASON
Stagecoach Performing Arts has announced a new sponsorship with Trafalgar Theatres for their pantomime season, whose pantomime productions are provided by our award-winning producer Imagine Theatre – becoming the National Pantomime Sponsor for selected pantomime productions across the 2026/27 season.
The sponsorship will see Stagecoach sponsor Trafalgar Theatre venues in Bromley, Cardiff, Crewe, Dartford, Fareham, Glasgow, High Wycombe and Swindon, helping to inspire the next generation of performers while celebrating one of Britain’s most cherished theatrical traditions.
Founded in 1988, Stagecoach has grown into a global organisation teaching more than 70,000 students through over 3,000 schools and classes each week across the UK, Canada, Germany, Malta, Spain, Gibraltar and Australia. In 2026, the brand was named the UK’s No.1 franchise in the Elite Franchise Top 100, becoming the first children’s services brand ever to top the prestigious ranking.
The new sponsorship reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to nurturing creativity, building confidence and ensuring family audiences continue to enjoy high-quality live theatre experiences.
Matt Clark, Commercial Director at Stagecoach, said: “Pantomime is often a child’s first experience of live theatre and has a unique ability to spark imagination, build confidence and inspire a lifelong love of performing arts. That’s why we’re delighted to become national sponsor for the Trafalgar Theatre Pantomimes over the 2026/27 panto season. At Stagecoach, we’re passionate about helping young people develop Creative Courage for Life® – the confidence, creativity and resilience that supports them both on and off the stage. This sponsorship allows us to connect with families across the UK while supporting a much-loved theatrical tradition that plays such an important role in inspiring future performers.”
The sponsorship will include a range of collaborative marketing and audience engagement activities between Stagecoach Performing Arts and Trafalgar Theatres throughout the season, further strengthening the connection between professional theatre and aspiring young performers.
As both organisations continue to champion accessible, high-quality entertainment and arts education, the sponsorship aims to inspire thousands of families and young people across the UK through the enduring magic of pantomime.
Stagecoach Named Finalist in Prestigious BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2026
In other exciting news, Stagecoach Performing Arts has been named a finalist in the Franchisor of the Year (Established) category at the 2026 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards recognising excellence across its national network
Often described as the “Oscars of franchising,” the awards are organised by the British Franchise Association (BFA) and celebrate the very best of the UK’s franchising sector. Now in their 37th year, the 2026 awards feature 58 finalists competing across 14 categories, drawn from the BFA’s membership of more than 2,300 franchisors, franchisees, advisors, and suppliers.
The Franchisor of the Year (Established) category recognises mature franchise brands that demonstrate outstanding business performance, exceptional franchisee support and an unwavering commitment to ethical franchising qualities that have defined Stagecoach Performing Arts since it was founded in 1988.
Finalists will now progress to the judging stage, delivering a presentation and Q&A to a panel of industry experts during the week commencing 20th July 2026. Winners will be announced at a celebratory gala dinner on 12th November 2026 at the Telford International Centre.
