Children encouraged to enjoy arts

A children's theatre in Bath has been chosen to take part in a national arts project to strengthen relationships between schools and cultural venues.

Three schools in Bristol will work with the Egg Theatre as part of the Start programme attending professional performances and joining workshops.

The aim is to show young people who may never have been to the theatre that they are "welcoming and accessible".

The project is funded by The Prince of Wales arts foundation.

'Theatre is vital'

Kate Cross, director of the Egg Theatre, said: "We are delighted to have been given this funding because it endorses our own belief that the experience of watching live theatre is vital for a young person and that all children should be offered the opportunity."

Actor Jeremy Irons, ambassador for The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts said: "Anything we can do to involve children in the arts must presage a richer society in the future."

The schools taking part are Ashton Park School, The Oasis Academy Brightstowe and Merchant's Academy.

A Start partnership project lasts for two to three years and begins immediately with the children seeing their first performance this week.