Steve steps out 116 miles for Birmingham REP
A theatre’s associate director has raised more than £3,000 by walking 116 miles.
Completed over the course of seven days, Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s associate director, Steve Ball has finished his 116-mile walk from The REP to London’s Leicester Square in the heart of the West End’s “Theatre Land” on August 28.
Step For The REP has raised more than a total of over £3,700 to date, with donations still coming in. The walk was taken in order to raise funds for The REP’s work with young people and continue to highlight the ongoing vulnerable situation for theatres across the country thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a registered charity, The REP has always relied on the support of its donors, sponsors and funders, never more so since being unable to trade from March 19 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The REP’s internationally renowned creative learning programme is one of the largest in the UK, each year engaging over 70,000 children, young people and adults in the community.
Starting outside The REP on August 22, Mr Ball walked to London’s Leicester Square arriving on August 28 where he was joined for the final leg by The REP’s artistic director Sean Foley.
Mr Ball said: Associate director, Steve Ball said; “I am delighted to have completed my 116-mile Step For The REP challenge, raising funds for the theatre’s renowned work with children and young people whilst also continuing the highlight of the plight and importance of our region’s theatres. A huge thanks goes to all of those who have donated so far and shown their support. It has also been fantastic to be joined by friends, past and present staff and volunteers from The REP along my journey, including our artistic director, Sean Foley who joined me for the final leg from Watford to Leicester Square.”
Artistic director, Sean Foley said: “All of us at The REP are extremely grateful for Steve’s achievement and fundraising for our theatre - the UK’s oldest building-based company and the only producing theatre in the UK’s second city. It has been an honour to join Steve for his final day of the Step For The REP challenge. A huge thank you goes out to all of those who have donated and shown their support to theatres everywhere and to the friends and supporters of The REP.”
Rachel Cranny, head of fundraising added: “Fundraising has never been more vital for The REP and we’re very grateful that one of our own team has taken on a personal challenge to support where he works, it’s fantastic! Thank you to everyone who donated and put a spring in Steve’s step.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, The REP has sought to continue as many of its projects with young people as possible, finding ways to take activities online and provide support for participants. As a producing theatre, The REP generates 80 per cent of its income through tickets, events and associated revenue such as refreshment sales.
To donate go to For more information on Step For The REP and to make a donation click here or visit justgiving.com/fundraising/steveballuk. To find out about more ways you can support The REP visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/support-us.
