DragonBird Theatre
In 2012 Lotte and Tilly set out to bring high-quality Early Years theatre and play to communities in and around Bristol. In the last ten years we have been incredibly fortunate to receive some public funding that has allowed us to pay for venues and performers while keeping our ticket prices as affordable as possible for families.
Post-pandemic with delays in funding decisions, venues facing incredibly high running costs and families working with smaller budgets than ever, it's become almost impossible to keep DragonBird Theatre going in the way we set out to run our company ten years ago. Despite raising our ticket prices last year by a pound, in the summer of 2023 we were no longer able to cover our costs for live shows and were forced make to some difficult decisions.
In July 2023, with support from Equity South West, we made these struggles public in the launching of a fundraising campaign and we were overwhelmed with the response. So many of you donated, sent kind messages and made us more determined than ever to do what we can to bring low-cost early years theatre, song and play to families.
Due to the incredible generosity of our supporters we were able to return to one venue per month in Bristol for Autumn 2023 and from this point on we've continued to try and slowly build DragonBird Theatre back to what is was before – here’s to brighter times ahead for everyone.
You can donate on a one-off or monthly basis to help us continue bringing Early Years theatre, song and play to the next generation of DragonBird families.
Donor Wall21
Anonymous
Well I've been meaning to bring my kid to one of your shows for the last 3 years...What a numpty. I have always heard such good things. Darn it - you have to keep going! All the luck in the world to you
Anne Abel | £21.29
Children need the live experience of theatre. Keep going Dragonbirds.
Emma Vaithianathan | £40
Every child and parent needs dragonbird theatre in their life. You are all incredibly talented, creative wonderful people which should be acknowledged and celebrated. In a world where social media is taking over young peoples minds, theatre should be a top priority to spark and enrich imaginations. Myself and my three children have loved your shows over the past 8 years. I know you will find a way to make this work. Positive vibes. ❤️ Emma, Indra, Amala and Brahma
Monique
Good Luck DragonBird! I really hope you manage to raise the funds you need.
Laura | £52.16
Best of luck Lotte, Tilly, Anna & Sarah. ,I hope this fundraising drive means you can keep delighting audiences with your gorgeous shows
Victoria Rye | £25
I really do hope you raise the funds you need! What you do is invaluable for families and young people accross Bristol. Very excited about hand knitted Anna socks - tortie 💗
Sian | £10.62
Good luck you wonderful people! I loved coming to your sessions with both of my children and hope you can continue to bring that joy to future families! Xx
Helen Marshall | £5.43
Dragonbird was always my favourite preschool activity. My boys loved your magical sessions and I want to be back in them soon!
Jemima | £104.08
You’re brilliant - I hope you can keep going! ❤️
Amber
So much love for you guys. Our absolute favourite children’s theatre, thank you for your energy and commitment. Love team Scales x
Abbi
The very best of luck, you guys are unique
Lucy | £25
We love DragonBird, my daughter still sings the Mango song at home. Really hope you can get the funding you need to continue your wonderful work🙏
em
Really hope this campaign works and the council reverse this crap decision. Can’t bear the idea of no more DragonBird. What you do is so important and so enriching and nourishing.
Alice | £26.20
Really hope everyone chips in to help save this gem of a theatre group.
Anonymous | £25
I’ve loved coming to DragonBird with my four year old and was so sad to hear that you’re unable to continue. Really hope DragonBird can be saved - your shows are so wonderful and joyful! Thank you in advance for the songs - I’m very excited to listen and learn! Xx
Sara | £10.63
You are brilliant, we love you and hope more than anything that you’ll be back with new live shows and the funding you need to spread your magic! Sending love x
Jenna | £10.63
Victoria | £10.63
We think you are absolutely fantastic, and would be devastated if you had to end your amazing sessions
Jenny Szewiel | £5.44
We came to one of your shows many years ago at Starry Skies festival and I was blown away. Thank you for the magic you bring to families.
Jenny Szewiel | £5.44
We came to one of your shows many years ago at Starry Skies festival and I was blown away. Thank you for the magic you bring to families.
Sarah | £5
Thanks for continuing to feed their imaginations!