Norwich Theatre Royal and Norse are helping primary school children access live performances. Picture: Denise Bradley

A new £90,000 scheme run by Norwich Theatre Royal is helping many more primary school children in Norfolk to access to live performances.

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The Theatre Access Project has already seen 16 local schools watch a show since it launched at the end of 2011 with many more booked to visit in 2012.

Backed by county council-owned company Norse, it offers financial support to schools which had previously found the cost of attending performances prevented them running the trips.

Theatre spokesman John Bultitude said the project was worth £30,000 a year over three years with the money being used to fund tickets, transport costs and other related costs.

Jason Raper, the theatre’s education manager, said: “There is no doubt there are major benefits to young people who visit a live performance. We work hard to create a number of extra learning opportunities linked to productions here like workshops, question-and-answer sessions, and tours.

“Theatre plays a vital role in a balanced education programme to help equip future generations for life and work.”

The project was created following research by the Theatre Royal which showed about 100 primary schools had no regular contact with the venue – with 86pc putting that down to the combined price of travel, tickets and supply teacher cover.

The theatre’s development team linked up with Norse to secure the funding and encourage more young people to visit the theatre.

More than 1,000 tickets have already been booked under the scheme and the theatre’s education team are talking to even more schools who have never visited the venue before.

One school that has already taken part is Great Massingham Primary School, near Fakenham. Teacher Mandy Heley said it was a great experience for the children.

She said: “The cost of transport and tickets had restricted our use of the theatre. The offer from Norse and Norwich Theatre Royal meant we could go along and it was an excellent start to the new term.

“It was a great chance for the children to experience a show at a large theatre and I would advise other schools to get involved with the project.”

Headteachers can use the available money to go towards the cost of tickets and transport for shows at the theatre.

Mike Britch, managing director of Norse, said the company’s financial support would also help fund other initiatives like tailored theatre-based workshops. He added: “The funding will also allow a short informative film to be produced for teachers and pupils. I am sure the project will prove a great success and of benefit to teachers and pupils alike.”

The new scheme has been welcomed by Alison Thomas, county council cabinet member for children’s services. She said: “There is nothing like a trip to the theatre to see a live performance. This excellent project offers schoolchildren from across Norfolk the chance not only to experience a live production but to go behind-the-scenes, talk to the actors and understand how a production is brought to the stage.