Latest News

Woking Theatres & Cinema Announce Surplus to Supper as Charity Partner of the Year

9th April 2025

Woking Theatres & Cinema are delighted to announce Surplus to Supper as their official Charity Partner of the Year for 2025-2026. Following a staff-wide vote, the partnership will see Surplus to Supper benefit from a year-long collaboration, including fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns, and increased visibility across Woking’s premiere entertainment venues: the New Victoria Theatre, the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, and Nova Cinema.

Surplus to Supper is a vital charity dedicated to reducing food waste and tackling food insecurity. The organisation works tirelessly to redistribute surplus food from suppliers and supermarkets to individuals, charities, and community groups in need. Their impactful mission resonated strongly with the team at Woking Theatres & Cinema, particularly following their participation in the Royal Visit to the venue in November, where HRH Prince Edward witnessed their important work first-hand.

Claire Hopkins, Managing Director at Surplus to Supper, shared her enthusiasm about the new partnership:

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting partnership with Woking Theatres & Cinema, as we believe that together we can create a powerful impact in our community. By uniting our efforts in food redistribution and the arts, we aim to not only combat food waste but also foster a culture of inclusivity and support for those in need. This collaboration represents a shared commitment to nourishing both bodies and minds, and we look forward to an inspiring year ahead”.

As part of the partnership, Surplus to Supper will receive visibility at Woking Theatres & Cinema, bucket collections at key performances (including the annual Christmas pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), inclusion in theatre programmes and venue posters, and features in newsletters and social media campaigns.

Rachel Moore, Head of Operations at Woking Theatres & Cinema, expressed her excitement about the new partnership:

“Our team was incredibly inspired by Surplus to Supper’s dedication to reducing food waste and supporting those in need. Their participation in the Royal Visit with HRH Prince Edward last November left a lasting impression, and when the time came to select our Charity Partner of the Year, the decision was clear. We are excited to support their mission and help amplify their impact within our local community”.

The announcement also marks the conclusion of Woking Theatres & Cinema’s partnership with Woking & Sam Beare Hospice, who served as the 2024-2025 Charity Partner. Over the past year, the collaboration provided significant exposure for the hospice, including a dedicated poster in the venue’s ticketing foyer, advertising in 17 theatre programmes, and a business breakfast connecting the charity to local organisations. Most notably, the partnership raised over £41,000 through bucket collections during the Christmas pantomimes, which equates to over 153 hours of patient palliative care.

Lucy McNally, High Value Partnerships Manager at Woking & Sam Beare Hospice, reflected on the impact of the collaboration:

“The partnership with Woking Theatres & Cinema has been fantastic. It’s been wonderful to team up with another local organisation to raise awareness for hospice care in Surrey and raise vital funds to provide our care from the Christmas panto bucket collections. We’d like to thank the amazing Woking Theatres & Cinema for choosing us, and the audiences who gave so generously over the festive seasons. The donations will support patients with life-limiting conditions and their families, both at our hospice in Woking and across our community”.

With Surplus to Supper now stepping into the role, Woking Theatres & Cinema looks forward to another impactful year of charitable collaboration, ensuring the venue continues to serve as a platform for community support and social change.