The RABBLE Access Fund
Ensuring everyone can access everything we do.
What is the RABBLE Access Fund?
The RABBLE Access Fund means that people don’t have to pay to take part in a RABBLE Activity. We raise money year round through funding applications, private donations and fundraising events like The RABBLE Dazzle and use it to cover our costs, such as wages, rent, licenses, performance rights and equipment hire.
“My daughter loves RABBLE Theatre and without her funded placement, I would not be able to afford for her to attend. Not being able to afford to give your child the opportunity to fulfill their ambitions is very hard. I’m so grateful for the funding that has been available to her.”
Parent
Why does it exist?
Reading is a fantastically diverse place of 120 languages, thriving on incredible stories of journeys, like the Ugandan Asians fleeing Idi Amin, Windrush Elders drawn here on false promises and WWII evacuees from Southampton prejudiced against for fear of taking local jobs.
And yet it is among “the most unequal towns in the UK”, with 27% of the town’s children living in poverty (household income under £17k) according to the Reading Post, rising to 33% in one suburb (which is actually a strong community where we work every week).
Simply put, a quarter of the town doesn’t have the money to send their children to classes, go to adult workshops, join a work experience programme or come to a show. As a result, local communities are denied the opportunity to tell their stories, share experiences and explore identity. Yet, when everyone has access, diverse voices are heard, confidence builds, career options broaden, storytelling becomes representative of the entire community and, well, life gets better for everyone.
“Thank you for the complimentary tickets. Many of us had never been to the theatre before, it was an amazing first time experience. We appreciate everything you have done to boost our creativity.”
Young Pupil
How many people does RABBLE support?
In 2025, we supported 114 children through our Access Fund, but demand has increased significantly as more families feel the cost-of-living crisis. Our July 2026 parent survey found that 96% rated the quality of our programmes 4 or 5 out of 5 and 83% said RABBLE had improved their child's wellbeing. However, a staggering 80% reported that rising living costs were affecting access to extracurricular activities.
“I wouldn’t be able to afford for him to attend without the support. RABBLE makes the difference in his day-to-day life, giving him an outlet and allowing his mind to explore and confidence to grow.”
Parent
What can it be used for?
You can apply to the RABBLE Access Fund for anything we do.
Get Up On Stage Adult Acting School
- Develop confidence in a welcoming community
- Monday Nights, 7-9.30pm
- Be inspired by your own creativity
- Saturdays, 10am - 1pm
- Have fun and build confidence through singing, dancing, and acting.
- Fridays, 6-8.30pm
- Individuals, families, schools and community groups can apply for group or individual tickets
- GCSE Macbeth, Verbatim and William the Conqueror themed workshops
- Held across the region at various times and locations
- A week of high-energy fun singing, dancing and acting, with Grammy award-winning industry professionals
- Every Easter and Summer
How do I apply?
Individuals, families, schools and community groups can apply.
You can either email us or send a short video, explaining who you are, which programme / production you wish to attend and a little about your situation. Don’t worry, all your information is completely confidential and the benefactors are never revealed (unless they really want to be).
Please remember to give your contact details and let us know whether you need us to support part or all of the fees.
To apply or to find out more, please contact us today.
“You will appreciate what it is to have local events for kids who can’t afford expensive trips. They now want more, which is fantastic”
Local School
How can I support?
Any contribution to The Access Fund makes a difference. You can either make a one-off donation here or you can sign up to become a RABBLE Rouser. To ensure that the money is allocated exclusively to the access fund, please send Emma a quick email to admin@rabbletheatre.com and she’ll ensure that it is ring fenced.
Help support young people in Reading
The RABBLE Access Fund is here to ensure that everyone can enjoy our work, regardless of family finances.
Help support a local young person here in Reading.