This Christmas season, Mendes Management is sprinkling a little extra magic over the North East as they join forces with the NSPCC to deliver festive cheer to children who need it most.
As part of this heartwarming new partnership, the professional theatre company is hosting a free NSPCC pantomime evening on Monday, 16th December, at 6:00 pm at The Exchange in North Shields.
This special event promises to be a night of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories, bringing together hundreds of school children, their teachers, and support workers from some of the most deprived areas in Tyne and Wear.
Mendes Management’s production of Cinderella is set to dazzle audiences with sparkling costumes, catchy songs, and a story that has been cherished for generations.
Poor Cinderella dreams of escaping her dreary life, and with the help of a magical Fairy Godmother, she might just make it to the royal ball – and into the hearts of everyone in the audience.
In the true spirit of the season, Mendes Management and The Exchange – which has generously provided the venue for free for the NSPCC evening – are pulling out all the stops to make sure every child feels the magic of Christmas.
Danielle Mendes, Director of Mendes Management, said: “Christmas is a time for families, for magic, and for hope. Mendes Management is incredibly proud to partner with the NSPCC to bring a little sparkle into the lives of children who may not otherwise get the chance to enjoy the magic of theatre. We want every child to believe in a happily ever after.”
Why This Matters
This partnership goes beyond festive fun. The funds raised throughout the December run of Cinderella will support the NSPCC’s life-changing work, including their Speak out Stay safe programme. This vital initiative educates primary school children about how to recognise and report abuse, empowering them to stay safe from harm.
Cheryl Ellis, NSPCC Schools Coordinator, spoke of the impact this collaboration will have: “This is what Christmas is all about – coming together to make a difference in the lives of children. Mendes Management’s support will help us continue to provide essential services to families and children across the North East. Through initiatives like Speak out Stay safe, we can ensure every child has the knowledge and confidence to stay safe. It’s truly wonderful to see the community rally together in this way.”
For schools interested in attending the free show or learning more about how the NSPCC can support their pupils, contact Cheryl Ellis at cheryl.ellis@nspcc.org.uk.
A Christmas tradition at The Exchange
This marks Mendes Management’s fifth Christmas season at The Exchange, a beloved venue that has become synonymous with festive fun in North Shields.
A spokesperson for The Exchange shared their excitement: “We’re over the moon to welcome Mendes Management back this Christmas. Their pantos have become a cherished part of the season, and this year’s Cinderella is set to be their most magical yet. We’re proud to support their NSPCC partnership and help bring joy to children who deserve it.”
Jon – We agreed a 2 year deal this year and next year is Jack and the Beanstalk, if you want to add in?
A Call for Community Support
With the cost-of-living crisis affecting so many families, Mendes Management remains committed to keeping ticket prices affordable, ensuring everyone can experience the joy of pantomime. But they need help to spread the magic even further. The company is seeking regional sponsors to help cover the cost of school coach hire, so no child misses out.
Danielle added: “We know times are tough for so many families, which is why we’re committed to keeping our tickets as affordable as possible. But we also want to make sure every child, no matter their circumstances, can join us. We’re calling on local businesses and sponsors to help us make this happen – together, we can make Christmas magical for everyone.”
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Danielle at info@mendesmanagement.co.uk.
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This December, step into a world of glittering gowns, glass slippers, and fairy-tale dreams. With Mendes Management, the NSPCC, and The Exchange, Cinderella is more than just a show – it’s a chance to make Christmas truly magical for children.