Taunton Brewhouse is working with two local charities – Christmas Sparkle and Taunton Foodbank – to offer families free tickets to The Nutcracker later this year.
Written and directed by Sasha Wilson, this new production will be a spellbinding adventure celebrating bravery, friendship, and the bonds of family. Blending live folk music with echoes of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, audiences will be transported to a magical winter wonderland.
As part of the Pay It Forward campaign, customers purchasing tickets for The Nutcracker will be asked if they would like to donate to the Brewhouse fund. Every penny that is donated will be used to fund free tickets for families who would otherwise not be able to see the show. The free tickets will then be distributed directly by the two charities. 
The Christmas Sparkle Project is a not-for-profit run by the community for the community. They work with local schools, charities, and organisations to support families in need, aiming to give a Christmas gift to every child aged 0-18 years living in difficult circumstances in the Taunton and Wellington area.
Gill Harrison, who volunteers at the Christmas Sparkle Project and who also works as an Open Mental Health Community Engagement Worker at Spark Somerset, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Brewhouse to support the most vulnerable members of our community.
“This Christmas will be made magical for families who receive tickets for The Nutcracker, a treat that would not be possible without the generous support of this Pay It Forward scheme.”
Taunton Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust. They work to combat poverty and hunger across the UK by providing three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. They opened in 2012 and last year issued over 4,900 seven-day food supplies.
Sue Weightman, Manager at Taunton Foodbank, said: “The Foodbank and the Brewhouse have been doing incredible work together, especially with initiatives like the Pay It Forward campaign. It’s a wonderful way to bring joy to the community while continuing to support those in need. We really appreciate the support that the Brewhouse have given us over the past few years.”
The Nutcracker runs at Taunton Brewhouse from December 2-28. Customers can book tickets and donate to the Pay it Forward campaign now by visiting www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk or contacting the Box Office on 01823 283244 (open weekdays from 10am – 4pm).
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