To celebrate its 35th anniversary this November, John Lyon’s Charity (JLC), one of London’s leading funders in the children and young people sector, is taking more than 2,000 children and young people to a special performance of Disney’s The Lion King.
John Lyon’s Charity awards grants to benefit children and young people up to the age of 25 across nine boroughs in North and West London. Through its Cultural Capital Fund, the Charity supports access to theatre and the arts, enabling schools and organisations to provide enriching cultural experiences. This helps ensure that all children and young people, especially those who might otherwise miss out, can benefit from the inspiration and opportunities offered by London’s world-class cultural sector.
The Charity has awarded a one-off special grant to Go Live Theatre to coordinate a special JLC performance takeover of Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in Covent Garden. Go Live Theatre is a charity that uses the power of theatre to create inspiring experiences and unlock possibilities for children and young people. It shares JLC’s belief that every child and young person should have the opportunity to experience the life-enhancing benefits of seeing and participating in theatre.
Disney’s The Lion King is the most popular production among primary schools seeking funding through JLC’s Cultural Capital Fund. The production is highly valued not only for its enduring popularity but also for the extensive educational resources it offers, including primary school teaching materials, education packs and relaxed performances throughout the year, helping to ensure the show is accessible to a wide range of audiences. As part of its commitment to inclusion and ensuring that all children and young people can access the same opportunities as their peers, John Lyon’s Charity has chosen to fund one of Disney’s specially created relaxed performances. This will enable as many young people and schools as possible from across its community to attend, including children and young people with disabilities, neurodivergence, sensory sensitivities and other access needs.
Dr Lynne Guyton, CEO of John Lyon’s Charity, said: “For 35 years, John Lyon’s Charity has invested in opportunities that help children and young people thrive. We are proud to celebrate this anniversary by giving more than 2,000 young people the chance to experience the magic of theatre, as access to the Arts is incredibly important to JLC. Theatre has the power to spark imagination and bring people together, and we believe every child should have the opportunity to enjoy these experiences regardless of their background or circumstances.”
The theatre takeover aims to ensure that children and young people from all backgrounds can experience the magic of live theatre and enjoy one of the world’s most celebrated musicals.
To find out more about John Lyon’s Charity and its Cultural Capital Fund, please visit www.JLC.london. Further information about Go Live Theatre and the educational resources available for Disney’s The Lion King can be found via the links below.
Primary Resources | The Lion King Education Programme | Disney on Stage