Tron Theatre is celebrating a decade of its award-winning Pay It Forward fundraising initiative, an scheme dedicated to opening doors to live performance for thousands across Glasgow. First launched in 2016 during Tron Theatre Company's festive run of The Snaw Queen, the campaign was established to guarantee that financial constraints never stand in the way of experiencing the magic, creativity, and sense of community that theatre brings. To honor this 10-year milestone, the iconic Glasgow venue is launching a special £10 donation drive, calling on arts lovers, regular patrons, and supporters to contribute £10 to help sustain free ticket access for years to come.
Over the past decade, Pay It Forward has gifted free performance access to more than 4,790 individuals while collaborating with over 90 charities and grassroots organizations across the region. The project initially focused on offering complimentary seats for the Tron's acclaimed annual Christmas pantomime. However, the venue expanded the initiative in 2025 to provide ticket access to main-stage Tron Theatre Company productions throughout the entire year, including its recent staging of Antigone.
The initiative works closely with diverse groups supporting individuals facing disadvantage, including youth projects, carers' networks, refugee support services, housing organizations, and women's charities. Beneficiaries include Glasgow Women's Aid, Govanhill Roma Youth Project, and Lodging House Mission. Alongside complimentary admission, attendees are offered pre-show visits, creative workshops, and tailored discussion guides through the venue’s Tronversations program to ensure a warm, inclusive, and accessible experience.
Artistic Director Jemima Levick highlighted how the public's generosity has allowed the venue to welcome thousands who might otherwise never have stepped through their doors, helping build lasting memories and a true sense of belonging. Community partners have also praised the scheme as transformative, noting that being invited into the heart of the theatre fosters confidence, dignity, and connection for people on the margins. Every donation directly supports the Tron’s mission to reflect Glasgow’s vibrant diversity. Supporters can contribute £10 or whatever they can afford by visiting the venue's official website.
