This year marks the sixth year that some of the theatre industry's biggest movers and shakers zoom together for a weekend aimed at raising awareness and much-needed funds to help TTG support Backstage and FOH staff in need. Established in 1891, TTG is dedicated to looking after theatre personnel who, due to a variety of circumstances need welfare advice, counselling, educational sponsorship and many other forms of help.
The charity has many supporters in the industry, including Dara O'Briain who is also a Trustee of The Theatres Trust.
Taking place between 3rd and 6th July, this year's route starts in Scarborough and visits the Spa Theatre & Grand Hall and The Stephen Joseph Theatre. Over the weekend, the ride visits Harrogate's Royal Hall, Theatre Royal York at their temporary home in the National Railway Museum. Theatre by the Lake Keswick, Morecambe and Blackpool's Winter Gardens and ends at the Liverpool's Everyman Theatre.
"The event is going from strength to strength, we have a great bunch of regulars taking part with many from overseas and I always look forward to meeting new riders," says David Edelstein, MD of track systems specialist Triple E, who is organising the event with partner Brenda Edelstein. "The international group has a great time visiting many kinds of theatres informing theatre staff about this wonderful and very appropriate charity. Brenda and I are very proud to be organising this event, and for us, it is another example of Triple E's commitment to supporting the industry that supports us."
This year the First Night Ride hope to surpass well over the £60,000 mark for TTG, enabling the charity to help theatre's unsung heroes.
