Stagecoach West Celebrates Community with Cheltenham Theatre Trip
Stagecoach West’s Grand Day Out in Partnership with Age UK Gloucestershire
Supporters of Age UK Gloucestershire were treated to a behind the scenes tour of Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre prior to enjoying a performance last week (Thursday 10th July) thanks to Stagecoach West’s new Grand Day Out initiative.
In partnership with Age UK Gloucestershire, the Grand Day Out – an initiative entirely funded and organised by Stagecoach West – highlights places to visit and things to do when using an Older Persons’ concessionary travel card (available to those age 66 years+) which gives the holder free unlimited bus travel on Stagecoach’s network spanning the UK, helping to highlight the important issues of social isolation and loneliness for older people.
The group from across the county enjoyed free bus travel to the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham where they got a close-up look of the fully restored Frank Matcham designed auditorium, a peek inside the star dressing rooms and explored the fly floor high above the stage. The tour guide then took the group right into the heart of the theatre, under the stage, where the secrets of the trap doors were revealed, ending with inviting everyone onto the stage to take a bow.
After lunch, the group enjoyed an afternoon performance of Alan Ayckbourn’s Just Between Ourselves before taking the bus back home. Age UK Gloucestershire’s supporter and Grand Day Out participant stated: “We've had a great day, the tour was interesting and well-organised by the theatre, and the costume talk was fantastic! It's been lovely talking to everyone at lunch. Thank you to Stagecoach for putting this on!”
Chris Hanson, Managing Director, Stagecoach West said: “We are pleased to work in partnership with Age UK Gloucestershire to highlight the importance of tackling social isolation and loneliness for older people in our county.”
“Our Grand Day Out initiative has been launched to remind those eligible to register for an Older Persons’ Bus Pass, to jump onboard and start exploring – everything from cultural days out, city breaks, stunning countryside, visits to friends and family or holidays…the possibilities are endless!”
Applying for a bus pass is straightforward and can be done online or by post. You’ll need proof of age (like a passport or driving licence), proof of address (such as a utility bill) and a recent digital photo. Details can be found here.
Jane Shute, Head of Fundraising and Communications, Age UK Gloucestershire said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Stagecoach West on The Grand Day Out as it incentivises our supporters to get out and about using their concessionary bus pass. Using public transport not only helps older people stay active but it reduces the worry and stress associated with driving and parking. The Grand Day Out socially connected 14 Age UK Gloucestershire supporters with arts and culture who may otherwise not have been able to access such an activity as well as each other. Reducing social isolation and loneliness is vital as it is proven to increase wellbeing in later life.”
Stagecoach West has other planned partnership activities with Age UK Gloucestershire this year.
Explore Gloucestershire
14 July 2025
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