Hull Trains Teams Up with Hull Truck Theatre to Inspire Young Students
Hull Trains has joined forces with Hull Truck Theatre to give students from Selby a memorable introduction to live theatre. Twenty-five pupils from Barwic Parade Community Primary School travelled on a specially designated “creative carriage” to Hull to see this year’s production of Oliver Twist. The journey highlighted the scenic route linking Hull and East Yorkshire with destinations including Doncaster, Grantham, and London King’s Cross.
During the trip, Hull Truck Theatre’s creative learning team led an interactive workshop, introducing pupils to vocal warm-ups, acting exercises, and drama-based activities. The sessions encouraged creativity and confidence, giving children a hands-on taste of the theatre world, and for some, it was their first experience of both train travel and live theatre.
Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said:
“Partnering with Hull Truck Theatre for a sixth year allows us to celebrate local talent and create unforgettable experiences for young people too. Rail travel is one of the most sustainable ways to get around, and initiatives like this show how we can combine greener journeys with cultural enrichment for our region.”
Janthi Mills-Ward, Executive Director and Joint CEO at Hull Truck Theatre, said:
“It was a joy to work with Hull Trains on bringing Barwic Parade Community Primary School to the theatre to enjoy a festive performance. For some children, this was their first experience of live theatre, and we hope the visit will be the inspiration for a lifelong love of the arts. We’re also delighted to be running our green travel incentive for the third year running, where audiences who travel to and from the theatre to see Oliver Twist, via rail, will be able to show their ticket on-site to purchase an ice-cream for just £1.”
Keir Mather, Constituency Member of Parliament for Selby, said:
“Once again, Hull Trains have shown their formidable commitment to the communities they serve, helping to give 25 young people from my town a unique experience at the Hull Truck Theatre. Whether it's supporting the winners of my annual Christmas card competition to head down to London and meet the Speaker, or working with brilliant Selby charities like the Big Communi-Tea, I'm always impressed not just by Hull Trains' brilliant work in our community, but also by the willingness of their hardworking staff to go the extra mile, making these wonderful experiences even more special. I'd like to thank everyone at Hull Trains, Hull Truck Theatre and Barwic Parade School who helped to make this possible, and I look forward to supporting them to keep up their work as we enter 2026.”
Nathan Vickers, Year 4 Teacher at Barwic Parade Community Primary School, said:
“The whole day provided our children with experiences they may not otherwise have had - for some, it was their first ever train journey and their first visit to the theatre. A huge thank you to both Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Trains for providing our children and staff with such a memorable, enriching and worthwhile experience. It is a day our pupils will never forget.”
The production of Oliver Twist, adapted by Deborah McAndrew and directed by Mark Babych, features a mix of beloved carols, folk tunes, and original music. The cast includes eight professional actors alongside 19 young performers from Hull Truck’s Youth Theatre and local arts groups, bringing Dickens’ classic story to life for families.
This initiative highlights Hull Trains’ ongoing commitment to community engagement and support for local arts. With Selby designated as an Arts Council England Priority Place, the collaboration provides essential opportunities for young people to experience culture and creativity firsthand.
Image: Hull Trains