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Howden Renews Community Commitment

We’re excited to announce that Howden Insurance in Winchester have renewed their Corporate Partnership with us for the next three years!

Long-standing support 

The team at Howden Insurance (the new name for A-Plan) has always been brilliant at getting involved with Theatre Royal Winchester and Hat Fair's Sunday festivities at North Walls Recreation Ground. Now, they're continuing their contribution as Corporate Partners by supporting our Playmakers Youth Theatre.

Empowering youth through theatre

Playmakers Youth Theatre offers young people in school years 4 - 11 a unique opportunity to devise their own work, develop their confidence and build resilience by experimenting with theatre in new and exciting ways. Read all about the success of their 2024 Youth Theatre Showcase here.

We are passionate about making our Youth Theatre affordable and accessible for everyone. We offer financial support (such as bursaries) and our professional and experienced team ensure every young person feels welcome, heard and supported no matter their lived experience or accessibility requirements.

Team photo of Howden and Play to the Crowd

Play to the Crowd with Corporate Partner Howden Insurance left - right: Chief Executive and Artistic Director Deryck Newland, Communications and Development Director Kirstie Mathieson, with Ian Tuffrey and Kevin Nicholson from Howden Insurance.

Commitment to the community

With their personal, tailored and people-first approach, it’s clear that Howden Insurance are committed to supporting our charity’s values and their incredible advocacy demonstrates a shared dedication to supporting families and young people in the local community.

Our very own Kirstie Mathieson, Communications and Development Director, expressed sincere gratitude to Howden Insurance for their support, saying, “We are thrilled that Howden Insurance in Winchester recognise the important role participating in a Youth Theatre can have on developing a young person's life skills - from finding their own voice to building their self-confidence and improving their social skills. We can't wait to develop the partnership further - it's always great fun working with Ian and the team!” 

Ian Tuffrey, Winchester Branch Manager, also shared his excitement about the renewed partnership: "Howden Insurance in Winchester are proud to be a part of a long term relationship with Play to the Crowd. As a local Insurance Broker, the community is at the heart of what Howden stands for, and working together with Play to the Crowd we hope to provide continued support for the fantastic work they do for so many people in the Winchester area and beyond.”

Looking ahead

Playmakers Youth Theatre will be continuing to hone their theatre-making skills this summer term as they craft original performances ready to wow audiences at Hat Fair, the UK's longest running festival of Outdoor Arts, based in Winchester city centre, this year from Friday 5 - Sunday 7 July. Don't miss it!