Wicked joins beyondblue as charity partner

Wicked_Jeff Busby 1Internationally acclaimed Australian theatre producer John Frost OAM and The Honourable Jeff Kennett AC are delighted to announce that beyondblue will become Wicked’s official charity for the Melbourne season of Wicked.

“The partnership of Wicked and beyondblue forms a natural marriage. Wicked’s messages of good, the importance of acceptance and anti –bullying ideals really aligned us with beyondblue,” says John Frost OAM.

The Honourable Jeff Kennett AC said: “We are thrilled that Wicked is partnering with beyondblue to raise awareness of depression and anxiety amongst theatre enthusiasts, and to support people with these conditions and their families.”

“At any one time, a million people in Australia have depression and two million have anxiety, so it is highly likely everyone will know someone who has been affected. To spread awareness, we have worked with sporting bodies, businesses, schools and now an internationally-acclaimed theatre production because people from all backgrounds and interests experience depression and anxiety. It’s important to reach people in environments where they are comfortable.”

Wicked is proud to be beyondblue’s first theatre partner and will support beyondblue in a number of ways, including donating the proceeds of the sale of all tickets to its Final Dress Rehearsal Performance to beyondblue.

This donation is made possible thanks to the Marriner Theatre Group, Ticketmaster and the Wicked Company. The Final Dress Rehearsal will take place at 6.30pm on Sunday 4 May at the Regent Theatre.

beyondblue information will also be distributed in the Wicked Education Program. Over the last 10 years, hundreds of thousands of students from around the world have experienced and learnt from the important messages in the story that is Wicked and the Education Program will continue on this path.

Wicked inspires discussion about friendship, accepting differences, personal values and the consequence of choices.  It looks at the effects of all types of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination and explores the importance of truth and how society defines good and evil, making it an excellent tool for spiritual, social and moral understanding.

Within the show there are themes about bullying and Wicked recognises that bullying can be a factor in people developing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

For more information on Wicked, visit: www.wickedthemusical.com.au , for more information on beyondblue, visit:  www.beyondblue.org.au for details.

Image: by Jeff Busby