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Presents for Present: A Gift Drive for Crisis Skylight Newcastle

This Christmas, Live Theatre, in association with Alphabetti Theatre and Crisis Skylight Newcastle, is proud to launch Presents for Present, an initiative to spread festive cheer and support those experiencing homelessness in Newcastle.

How You Can Get Involved:

If you're attending any event at Live Theatre this December—whether it’s Present, Blitzen on the Tyne, or a visit to Santa in the undercroft —you can make a real difference by bringing along a gift to donate to Crisis Skylight Newcastle's annual Wishlist Scheme.

Every year, Crisis Skylight Newcastle supports people facing homelessness by ensuring they receive a Christmas present to open. This year, we’re teaming up to help make those presents possible, and we need your help.

What to Donate:

We’re encouraging our audiences to bring along gifts that can help meet the urgent needs of people facing homelessness this Christmas. Here are some suggested items:

Food & Drink (Non-Alcoholic):

· Biscuits

· Crisps and savoury snacks (individually wrapped portions)

· Chocolate and confectionery (individually wrapped portions)

· Bottled water and soft drinks (250-500ml cans/bottles; no glass)

· Tea, coffee, and teabags

· Tinned food (soup, chopped tomatoes, pasta sauces)

Clothing (New or Excellent Condition):

· Men’s warm clothing (jumpers, winter coats, scarves, hats, gloves)

· Tracksuit bottoms and new underwear (sizes S-M)

· Trainers and footwear suitable for winter

Toiletries:

· Deodorant (roll-on or spray)

· Hand/foot cream

· Shower gel, toothpaste, and toothbrushes

· Flannels, lip balm, hairbrushes, face wash

· Hand sanitiser (non-alcohol-based)

· Hand warmers

Gifts:

· Travel games (cards, draughts)

· Puzzle, crossword, and word search books

· Adult colouring books and coloured pencils

· Paint by numbers kits

· Power banks

· New sleeping bags

· Gift cards for supermarkets, clothing stores, or food establishments/takeaways

How to Donate:

It’s easy to participate! Simply bring your gift to Live Theatre when you attend any event this December. Our team will collect your donations and ensure they’re delivered to Crisis Skylight Newcastle, who will distribute them to those in need.

Please ensure that all donations are labelled, especially if you’re wrapping the gift and creating hampers, so Crisis volunteers can distribute them effectively. Any surplus donations will be given to local organisations focused on eradicating poverty and homelessness in the area.

About Present:

This initiative is linked to Live Theatre’s festive production of Present, a heartwarming and poignant play written and directed by Ali Pritchard. Premiering at Alphabetti Theatre in 2019, Present tells the story of Dave, a homeless man (played by the remarkable Malcolm Shields), who embarks on an epic quest to buy his grandson a Christmas present. The show features live music by Ceitidh Mac and is a perfect tonic to the commercialism of the season.

Writer Ali Pritchard explains: “Present is a play that reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas, about giving, kindness, and human connection. This year, we want to go beyond the stage and bring that spirit to life by helping those who need it most.

Join Us:

Attend Present and be part of the Presents for Present initiative. It’s a wonderful way to support Crisis Skylight Newcastle’s work, enjoy some fantastic theatre, and help make this festive season brighter for people in need.

Present runs from Tuesday 3 December to Saturday 21 December. Tickets are on sale now—book yours today and bring a gift to share the love this Christmas. For more information about Present or to book tickets, visit: https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/present

  • Arts Council England
  • Community Foundation
  • European Regional Development Fund
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