We have been a producer of original theatre and wide-ranging youth and community work for over 35 years. Founded in 1986 as Action Transport Theatre, the company has a strong track-record, transforming the lives of local children, young people, and wider communities.

The focus on making imaginative, and authentic professional theatre has established the company as one of the leading performing arts companies in England, ‘for, by and with’ children and young people, reaching thousands of participants and audience members each year.

We couldn’t have done that without the generous support of our main funders – Arts Council England, Cheshire West and Chester Council as well as many other foundations and companies. With their support we have raised over 70% of the costs of operating the building and delivering our programmes.

In September 2022 we’ve launched our Free Ticket Scheme – designed to give access to amazing theatre experiences to children and young people facing disadvantage or vulnerable adults. We are grateful to The Westminster Foundation whose financial support has made this possible.

For further information about our sponsorship opportunities, please contact our Executive Director, Caz Brader – caz@TheatrePorto.org

Cheshire West and Chester Council

Cheshire West and Chester Council is the local authority of Cheshire West and Chester. It is a unitary authority, having the powers of a non-metropolitan county and district council combined.

UK Government Levelling Up Fund

Levelling Up means creating opportunities for everyone across the UK. The UK government’s flagship £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund backs projects across the UK to help communities Level Up.

Arts Council England

We believe that great art and culture makes life better. We champion, develop and invest in experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support activities across the arts, museums and libraries and between 2018 and 2022, we will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country.

The Chester Bluecoat Charity

We work to change the lives of people in need throughout the city and the surrounding area. We award grants to organisations that use education and community development to improve peoples’ lives, and provide almshouse accommodation for people in need. Based at the historic Bluecoat building, in the centre of Chester, we also offer office space to other local charities and voluntary organisations, as well as meetings rooms for hire.

Majory Boddy Trust

The Chester-based Trust was set up in 2002 to manage the assets and investments of the late Marjory Boddy, who lived in Lache Lane, Chester, and was during her lifetime a keen supporter and benefactor of many local good cases.

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities throughout the UK both now and in the future. We do this by funding the charitable work of organisations that are building an inclusive, creative and sustainable society.

Westminster Foundation

Westminster Foundation is an independent organisation representing the charitable activity of The Duke of Westminster, Grosvenor Family and Grosvenor businesses, that provides long term sustainable help and direction to vulnerable young lives.

Their funding is focused on creating opportunities for young people (0-25) and their families to have the resilience, skills and capacity to lead happy and healthy lives. Through creating these opportunities, they aim to tackle the causes and impact of inter-generational inequality.

Thanks also to the following supporters: Sanctuary Housing, Edsential, Asda, The Co-op

Curious Minds
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Our vision is for a future where being creative and experiencing brilliant culture is a regular aspect of EVERY child’s life and learning.

Fuelled by curiosity, we work to make high-quality creative and cultural learning opportunities available to all children and young people, both in and out of school.