Thousands of Cardiff pupils are set to benefit from another exciting cultural learning opportunity this autumn, with Cardiff Council’s Curriculum Team offering schools free tickets to attend Balloon Girl at the Sherman Theatre.
Thanks to funding from Cardiff Commitment, schools will be able to access the production at no cost, helping to remove barriers and ensure more young people can experience high-quality live theatre that inspires learning, creativity and ambition.
Created by Sherman Theatre and Tilt, Balloon Girl is a thrilling new production written and directed by Hannah McPake. Inspired by the remarkable true story of aviation pioneer Louisa Maud Evans, a daring, time-travelling, 14-year-old Victorian circus performer who moved to Cardiff looking for opportunity. The show takes audiences on an imaginative journey through 2,000 years of Welsh history, from Roman Britain to the Victorian era. Designed for pupils aged eight and above, the production combines local history with spectacular storytelling, making it a valuable cross-curricular learning experience.
As well as attending the performance, schools will have access to dedicated educational resources designed to extend learning beyond the theatre, helping teachers explore the themes, history and ideas raised in the production through classroom activities and discussion.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Sarah Merry, who has championed efforts to bring large-scale theatre experiences to Cardiff learners, said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts. Theatre can open minds, spark curiosity, build confidence and help bring learning to life in ways that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom.
“Balloon Girl offers a unique opportunity for pupils to connect with Cardiff’s rich history through an inspiring story of courage, adventure and determination. By providing free access and accompanying educational resources, we are ensuring that as many children as possible can benefit from this experience and continue exploring the themes long after the performance has ended.”
The initiative builds on the success of The Fight, a major theatre partnership delivered in 2025 between Cardiff Council’s Curriculum Team, Theatr na nÓg and the Arts Council of Wales. More than 2,000 Cardiff pupils attended the production, which explored themes of racism, social justice, identity and resilience.
The project demonstrated the power of theatre as an educational tool, particularly for learners who are often underrepresented in cultural and enrichment opportunities. Of those attending The Fight, 61% were from communities in Cardiff’s Southern Arc, 38% were eligible for Free School Meals, 37% were of shared or global-majority heritage and 10% had Additional Learning Needs.
Councillor Merry added: “The success of The Fight showed just how powerful shared cultural experiences can be. Not only did pupils engage with important social themes, but schools also used the accompanying resources to embed learning back in the classroom.
“We know that access to arts and culture plays an important role in supporting the Curriculum for Wales, helping young people become ambitious, capable learners who are curious about the world around them. We are delighted to build on that success by offering schools the opportunity to experience Balloon Girl and all it has to offer.”
Looking ahead, the ambition is to continue working with Cardiff’s cultural organisations to develop innovative opportunities and embed high-quality arts experiences within the curriculum. The next planned collaboration will be The Mab, a new production by Taking Flight Theatre, scheduled for Spring 2027.
