Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Trains Inspire Young Minds this Christmas

18 Dec 2025 | Press Release

We were delighted to work with Hull Trains, supporter of Hull Truck Theatre's main stage Christmas production, Oliver Twist to inspire the next generation of theatre stars with a magical day out.
 
25 pupils from Barwic Parade Community Primary School in Selby were given their own ‘creative carriage’ as they travelled to Hull to watch this year’s production of Oliver Twist at the theatre. Selby is one of the picturesque stops on the Hull Trains route, which links Hull and East Yorkshire with other destinations such as Doncaster, Grantham and London King’s Cross. 
 
During the journey, our Hull Truck Theatre creative learning team led an interactive workshop and offered pupils a taste of the theatrical world through vocal warm-ups, acting exercises and drama-based activities. The sessions sparked creativity and confidence, leaving a lasting impact on the children.

Janthi Mills-Ward, Executive Director and Joint CEO at Hull Truck Theatre, said: “It was a joy to work with Hull Trains on bringing Barwic Parade Community Primary School to the theatre to enjoy a festive performance. For some children, this was their first experience of live theatre, and we hope the visit will be the inspiration for a lifelong love of the arts.  

“We’re also delighted to be running our green travel incentive for the third year running, where audiences who travel to and from the theatre to see Oliver Twist, via rail, will be able to show their ticket on-site to purchase an ice-cream for just £1.”
 
Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said: “Partnering with Hull Truck Theatre for a sixth year allows us to celebrate local talent and create unforgettable experiences for young people too. Rail travel is one of the most sustainable ways to get around, and initiatives like this show how we can combine greener journeys with cultural enrichment for our region.”
 
Nathan Vickers, Year 4 Teacher at Barwic Parade Community Primary School, said: "The whole day provided our children with experiences they may not otherwise have had - for some, it was their first ever train journey and their first visit to the theatre. A huge thank you to both Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Trains for providing our children and staff with such a memorable, enriching and worthwhile experience. It is a day our pupils will never forget."
 
This initiative reflects Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Trains’ ongoing commitment to the community, supporting local arts and businesses, as well as creating opportunities for all young people to engage with culture. Selby has been named as an Arts Council England Priority Place, meaning that it requires extra support for local creatives.