The Old Vic: Helping to start something
The Old Vic is one of the best known and best loved theatres in the world, synonymous with the greatest acting talent that Britain has ever produced.
We’re delighted to be working with them as title sponsors of the Under 25s Club.
Why we’re backing the arts
We’re embarking on this relationship because we believe that support for the arts is about more than ‘mere charity or empty philanthropy’. Not only do the arts enrich the next generation, but importantly, they also enrich the business community. Whether people participate as a student or a corporate volunteer, not only is participation in the arts widened, but essential skills in the workplace are developed too. Last year we had over 4,500 volunteers taking part in community based activities, far away from their day-to-day business responsibilities. That very contrast encourages creative thinking, better use of language, and improves team work and interpersonal skills. All this while enthusing young people with transferable skills and qualities which will ultimately enhance the workplace they will join. The benefits are to business and society as a whole. Such investment is vital to help both communities and the businesses operating in them to transcend the ‘chill winds of recession’.
When Kevin Spacey joined The Old Vic as Artistic Director in 2004 he pledged to extend the access and reach of the theatre’s audiences into the local community and across all demographics. One of the key drivers for the success of this aspiration has been the Under 25s Scheme. This offers 100 tickets for £12 for the under 25s for EVERY performance at EVERY production at The Old Vic and has been in place since 2004. With average prices in the west end reaching £50, this is a huge saving.
An average of 15,000 Under 25s tickets have been sold per year with over 1000 young people now a member of The Old Vic Under 25s Club. We’re delighted to be able to contribute as title sponsor to not only make sure this good work continues but take the scheme into a new era.
Why we chose the Old Vic
We have a lot in common. The Old Vic is known for nurturing young actors, writers and directors playing a pivotal role in starting their careers. And they work with schools and their neighbours to bring theatre to a wider audience.
Our firm has been a starting point for the careers of so many people over the years, giving them the chance to work with many of the world’s leading companies and organisations. As well as developing their skills, they’re be able to build long-lasting relationships, both within and outside the firm, that will stay with them throughout their career.
Doing the right thing for our local communities is a huge part of our firm’s strategy. Like the Old Vic we’ve got a long history with Southwark and over 5,000 of our people come to work here every day so we want to make sure we’re creating the value that the area needs. That’s why we recently re-energised our community investment to more effectively tackle employability and social inclusion, which is a big concern not just in Southwark but right across the UK at the moment.
As part of this we’ve set up the Fire Station, a social enterprise hub near our More London building which is the result of a unique collaboration across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. It includes a social enterprise bistro, wine bar, private dining and event facility as well as a social impact knowledge centre. And we look forward to seeing you there on 12 March to get our relationship with the Old Vic started.
Working together with the Old Vic we want to make sure that the PwC Under 25s Club continutes to do great work, bringing theatre to an even wider audience. Helping to open up a whole new world to people. And helping to start something.
