Emma De Souza who, with the help of the Society of London Theatre’s Development department has been organising Kids Week for the last 12 years, has been named the Magic 105.4 London Hero at the 2009 Visit London Awards.
The award, which was voted for by the public, marks De Souza’s commitment to opening up London’s world-leading theatre to younger audiences, which this year saw her continue to push Kids Week forward while her young son was seriously ill and being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital. She is donating the £1,000 prize money that she receives with this award to Great Ormond Street’s Theatres For Theatres appeal.
Speaking about winning the Visit London People’s Choice Magic 105.4 London Hero Award, De Souza said: “I am thrilled and shocked to have won and very touched that Hana Thompson took the time to nominate me. The award has come as a huge boost at a tricky time and it is wonderful to have the achievements of Kids Week recognised and to be able to give something back to Great Ormond Street Hospital who have twice saved my little boy’s life. A massive thank you to everyone who voted for me. The money that I have won will go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Theatres For Theatres appeal which aims to raise £4 million over three years to build two new operating theatres for the neurosurgery ward where my son Jack was treated.”
Kids Week in the West End has grown year on year since it launched in 1997. The festival of all things youthful and theatrical now runs for a fortnight at the end of the summer holidays, offering free children’s tickets to many of London’s most popular shows, workshops with the shows’ casts and crews, and a host of ways to get involved with London’s vibrant theatre scene. In 2009 alone, 51,000 children saw a show for free as part of Kids Week.
De Souza was not the only West End winner on the night. West End Live, Europe’s largest free theatre event which this year attracted 250,000 people to Leicester Square for a weekend of performances by London’s hottest shows, won the People’s Choice Hottest Music Event Award and received a Bronze Award in the Consumer Event Of The Year category.
Councillor Robert Davis, cabinet member for special events, commented: “To win this award against the likes Madonna, Take That and the Notting Hill Carnival shows just how popular live West End entertainment is and proves beyond a doubt the festival is now a firm fixture in the London calendar. It is particularly gratifying that the top accolade was voted by the thousands of people who have enjoyed live entertainment provided by the cream of the crop in West End musical and film, and reinforces the West End’s status as the home of entertainment.”
Hit musical Wicked, which has been entertaining audiences with its tale of witchcraft and wizardry in the magical land of Oz since September 2006, was also a People’s Choice winner, collecting the Evening Standard Best Family Fun Award.
For more information about the Theatres For Theatres appeal visit the Great Ormond Street website.
MA