Mayflower Theatre’s Transport Subsidy Scheme, launched in January 2025 in partnership with Xelabus, provides 100 per cent subsidised travel to its venues for schools and community groups, helping to remove cost barriers and broaden access to the arts.
Michael Ockwell, chief executive of Mayflower Theatre, said: “We are immensely proud that we have reached over 6,000 students in the past two years and enabled them to enjoy the transformative power of live theatre at our venues.
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“The partnership with Xelabus helps us remove one of the biggest barriers for schools – the cost of travel.”
The scheme supports the UK Theatre’s Theatre for Every Child campaign, which promotes the value of theatre visits for students.
Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, said: “Mayflower’s Transport Subsidy Scheme is a fantastic initiative that helps remove that barrier, ensuring more young people can experience the inspiration, creativity and confidence that live theatre can bring”
