That’s what I call… enterTRAINment!

• Thameslink and Great Northern team up with regional theatres to encourage customers to support local arts
• New partnership offers limited-edition discount to customers who travel to the theatre by train

This autumn, the rail company that operates Thameslink and Great Northern services, is putting local theatres centre-stage with an exciting new partnership that promises to thoroughly entertrain. Teaming up with top regional theatres across its network, the company is offering customers the chance to claim exclusive discounts on spectacular shows in October and November.

With theatres finally being able to pull up the curtains after more than a year of closure, the rail operator is taking the opportunity to support the arts community and highlight smaller, more independent venues that will really benefit from some extra support.

Working with selected theatres – from Portsmouth, Chichester and Brighton, to Croydon, St Albans and Cambridge – the #entertrainment campaign offers limited-edition discounts on top shows for those who travel by train with Thameslink and Great Northern, as well as sister brand Southern.

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “It’s great to be partnering with The Maltings Theatre and ADC Cambridge to encourage our customers to hop on a train and see a show. The pandemic has been tough on all industries, but the arts has especially suffered so we’re really pleased we can team up for this fantastic partnership that celebrates the return of live entertainment!”

Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge added: “Here in Cambridge, we have great theatres right on our doorstep. The last year has been difficult for many in the performing arts community, but I have no doubt that the thrill and excitement of live performance will draw people back again. Theatre is a vital part of what makes Cambridge an attractive vibrant city, which is why continued support is essential.”

Adam Nichols, Artistic Director of OVO at The Maltings Theatre, said: “We’re really excited to be part of this campaign, which is going to be a wonderful way to let people know what’s on at their local theatres and how easy it is to buy tickets – with a discount! We’ve got some fantastic productions lined up for our autumn season and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming audiences to The Maltings Theatre which is situated in the heart of St Albans.”

Jamie Rycroft, Theatre Manager at the ADC Theatre in Cambridge, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Thameslink and Great Northern to offer some fantastic ticket discounts for our jam-packed Autumn season at the ADC Theatre and Corpus Playroom. Highlights include a week of Caryl Churchill plays presented in October across both of our venues in the heart of Cambridge, as well as a unique devised production hitting the ADC stage in November: The Old Bailey Alumni Network. Why not accompany your visit with a trip to the ADC Bar which serves a delicious selection of beers, wines, spirits and snacks before, during and after the show."

The #entertrainment partnership will be live from October until December. To find out more information and book tickets, visit the following websites:

• Thameslink
• Great Northern

Each theatre has individual terms and conditions which will be hosted on their own websites. A valid rail ticket must be shown upon arrival at the theatre.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

Theatres signed up to GTR’s #enterTRAINment partnership are as follows:

• ADC Cambridge
• Chichester Festival Theatre
• Fairfield Halls, Croydon
• Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
• The Maltings Theatre, St Albans
• Theatre Royal, Brighton