D&E Coaches is helping schoolchildren across the Highlands experience Eden Court's ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ this festive season.
The north of Scotland’s leading private hire coach operator is taking centre stage in this year’s Eden Court pantomime by ensuring that schoolchildren from across the Highlands can experience the enchantment of live theatre this festive season.
Throughout December, D&E Coaches will be transporting pupils from schools far and wide to Eden Court’s festive production of Jack and the Beanstalk, clocking up an impressive 8950 miles to connect even the most remote communities with this cherished cultural tradition.
Donald Mathieson, owner of D&E Coaches, said: “For many children, the school panto trip marks their first encounter with live theatre, a magical experience that often sparks creativity and fosters a lifelong passion for the arts.
“Over the last five years, we’ve been delighted to work alongside Eden Court to make this experience possible for schoolchildren across the region, no matter where they are based.
“For our team, there’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement on the children’s faces as they step off the bus and head into the theatre. It’s a reminder of how important these trips are – not just for the children, but for their teachers too, who get to share in the experience with them.”
Eden Court Theatre’s annual educational outreach programs, including school pantomime visits, serve over 200 schools across the Highlands annually, helping to make theatre accessible to children from all backgrounds.
Through partnerships like Eden Court Theatre and D&E Coaches, young people across the Highlands are given the opportunity to connect with live performances, particularly those from remote areas where access to such cultural events is limited.
Eden Court’s panto director, Steven Wren, commented: “The first, and probably only panto I saw as a child, was Cinderella at the Edinburgh King’s in 1967. I was 7 – don’t do the maths! Stanley Baxter and Ronnie Corbett were the ugly sisters.
“I remember so much about it, mostly the costumes and the spectacle. Now, as a director and performer, I aim to create lasting memories for the youngsters who see our shows as their first venture into theatre – it truly is a privilege to be part of creating those moments for children.”
D&E Coaches is the largest private hire coach and minibus operator in the north of Scotland, providing transport solutions to the Highlands for over 25 years. The award-winning transport firm specialises in contract and private hire, business hire, event transport, school bus runs and airport transfers. D&E Coaches also operates the Inverness City Sightseeing service alongside D&E Tours, which provides tourists with the opportunity to visit sights across the Highlands, including Loch Ness.
For more information, visit www.decoaches.co.uk or follow D&E Coaches on Facebook
