St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation helps Big Brum Theatre company bring ‘The Little Red Cap’ to life

As part of its drive to bring live theatre to every child and young person in North Solihull, one of England’s most disadvantaged communities, Big Brum TIE (Theatre in Education) is delighted to have received specific support from the St. James's Place Charitable Foundation to take its production of ‘The Little Red Cap’ to special schools in the area.

Big Brum was brought to the attention of Jon Lee, a Director at Throgmorton Associates, by a client who is a long-time supporter of the charity.  She mentioned that she was particularly impressed with them as they work with disadvantaged students to “enable them to have a voice” and wondered if we could help them in anyway at all. We were absolutely delighted to be able to do so.

Big Brum places inclusion and the needs of the child at the heart of its work. It is particularly proud that its recent tours have been enjoyed by large numbers of children with Special Needs and Disabilities. 

Jon said “I was really impressed by Big Brum, both the set up and the staff who are totally committed to helping children and young people in the North Solihull area. Their enthusiasm knew no bounds and they were so grateful for the donation of £2,500 that the SJP Charitable Foundation had granted them – it will make a real difference to many young people in this area. Being able to support charities such as Big Brum is a privilege and an absolute pleasure to be able to do so. I cannot vouch for them enough and the work that they do”.

‘The Little Red Cap’ is an adaptation of the Little Red Riding Hood story for primary, secondary and special schools. It was adapted for Big Brum by Chris Cooper and directed by Richard Holmes. Four young professional actors are taking the production directly into the area’s schools, complete with a stunning stage set, costumes and sound. The tour runs until Easter 2026.

Ben Ballin, Big Brum’s Educationalist said, “This support will really help the young people who we most want to see benefit from our work. We’re regularly told by teachers that without Big Brum these young people would seldom - if ever - experience quality live theatre.

Big Brum specialises in creating challenging new theatre which supports young people of all ages in making meaning together of their lives and the world around them. The Company is one of the longest-established Theatre in Education (TIE) companies in the UK and has been working across the West Midlands since 1983. Big Brum is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), with an international reputation for its unique way of working.

Jon also said that “Visiting their site was a bonus for me, as I used to use this community facility when it was a youth centre back in the early 70’s, it all brought back some great memories!”

For more information on Big Brum or the work of the SJP Charitable Foundation, please visit www.bigbrum.org.uk / www.sjpfoundation.co.uk