The Barn Theatre and Cirencester Town Council are working together to bring some early Christmas cheer to the community.

They are offering tickets to those hardest hit by the pandemic to come and enjoy their musical play - Cinderella.

Cllr Claire Bloomer, the Mayor of Cirencester, and the award-winning Barn Theatre have teamed up to provide those hardest hit with an opportunity to bring their families to the Barn's Christmas production, The Brothers Grimm present Cinderella, free of charge as part of an initiative to spread joy to the whole community at such an important time of year.

Iwan Lewis, artistic director and CEO of the Barn Theatre, said: "Families play a big part in the fabric of rural communities, none more so than here in Cirencester and the surrounding villages.

"The last two years have been particularly challenging, especially around Christmas time with families unable to see their loved ones due to various Covid restrictions.

"It has also, financially, been particularly hard on many families, and again the festive season brings another set of challenges as people struggle to make ends meet.

"It's been a particularly challenging time for everyone, emotionally and financially. We have always regarded ourselves as a 'theatre for all' and the Barn has consistently strived to provide opportunities for our community to experience the values of live theatre at its best.

"The Brothers Grimm present Cinderella is packed with great music, magic, puppets and an amazingly talented cast; two hours of escapism where people will hopefully laugh and have fun."

Tickets will be made available for an exclusive first night viewing on Tuesday 16 November

Cllr Claire Bloomer said: "This initiative is at the very heart of what we believe in at Cirencester Town Council, that everyone should be able to access local theatre; particularly at Christmas. I welcome this opportunity for those hit hardest financially being made possible by everyone at The Barn."

Andrew Tubb is CEO of Cirencester Town Council and is pleased that the initiative has been put forward. He said: "On behalf of the Town Council, I would like to thank the Barn Theatre for all they do and for those who have suffered during COVID through personal loss of a loved one or financially, that this kind gift will make a difference in bringing a sense of hope and light for the future."

The Barn Theatre's production of The Brothers Grimm present Cinderella runs from 16th November until January 2. For more information visit their website at barntheatre.org.uk  or call the Barn Theatre box office on 01285 648255.

Tickets are now on sale from £11.50, with family ticket deals and school offerings available.