BH Live, the charity that runs Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, has teamed up with Laguna Travel Ltd who this year are providing free coach transport to selected school performances of this year’s pantomime, Aladdin!

Steve Turner, BH Live’s Director of Venues said;

“Many schools tell us that getting their pupils to and from the theatre is a major barrier to them being able to enjoy a trip to the panto – especially those who have a higher number of less privileged pupils.

“This year, thanks to the generosity of our customers, we have already been able to increase the number of free tickets for school pupils on lower income. And now working with Laguna Travel Ltd we can offer coach travel to the theatre and back too.”

Free coach travel and pupil premium tickets are limited and allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Eligible state-funded primary and secondary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are encouraged to ask about coach panto travel, provided their booking includes pupil premium children, and travel costs have prevented past visits. Tickets start from just £21.25 when booked and paid for by 30 September 2026.

Gill Gwynne, General Manager of Laguna Travel Ltd, added:

“We’re really proud to support this initiative, especially for those schools who may benefit most from our coach travel.”

Helen Frampton, Headteacher, Somerford Primary School who will be benefiting from the coach travel said;

“It’s wonderful that the cost of travel can be covered – it means we can take a group of children to the panto who otherwise might not have had the opportunity”.

Aladdin at Bournemouth Pavilion is produced by top panto producers UK Productions, and promises a colourful, laugh‑out‑loud adventure packed with sparkle, danger and festive magic. With a genie, a magic carpet and a mystical lamp, it has all the classic ingredients of Bournemouth’s number‑one panto - and an unforgettable experience for children. This pantomime see’s the return of comedy favourite Noel Brodie as Wishee Washee with more magical cast announcements to follow. Aladdin runs at Bournemouth Pavilion from Saturday 5 December to Sunday 3 January 2027.

Steve Turner added:

“A trip to the pantomime offers pupils a valuable cultural experience which supports their learning and development in a practical, enjoyable way. Live theatre helps build confidence, encourages curiosity, and introduces children to storytelling beyond the classroom. It also gives pupils a shared experience that strengthens relationships and contributes to a well‑rounded school life. For many, it may be their only chance to visit a theatre, making it a meaningful addition to the school year rather than just a seasonal outing.”

School performances take place on:

• Tuesday 8 December – 10:30am

• Wednesday 9 December – 10:30am

• Monday 14 December – 10:30am: coach travel available

• Tuesday 15 December – 10:30am

• Wednesday 16 December – 10:30am coach travel available

To find out more please email schools@bhlive.org.uk