The Sherman Theatre's scheme to help groups from Communities First areas to travel to and from the theatre for free.
The Sherman 5 nights at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff were offered to members of groups from Communities First areas across Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend and Newport. Community groups supporting people facing barriers and/or disadvantage, including refugee and disability groups, were also involved. The scheme received funding of £500k from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and focused expenditure on covering admission ticket and transport costs.
Members received free transport to the Sherman Theatre: via taxi for groups up to 6 people, while larger groups used coaches. The coach picked people up at a series of agreed points and made the same return journey after the performance. Sherman 5 also developed a cycling bus with the participation of Sustrans who provided a guide and chose a safe route to cycle to the theatre. A similar scheme is being organised in the form of a walking bus with the Ramblers, front of house staff, and school staff.
The project explored several further ideas, for example, working with Cardiff Bus which offers IFF discount cards giving discounts to a range of family restaurants and attractions. Sherman 5 also looked at ways of developing a scheme with Arriva Trains Wales to enable people from areas such as the Gurnos Estate in Merthyr Tydfil to access the theatre.