News · Partnerships · 2026
Christmas Musical Believe Partners With A Start in Life to Help Families Doing It Tough This Christmas
This December, every dollar of profit from Believe – A Christmas Musical will go to A Start in Life. Mark Edmonds Productions has named the charity as partner for its new production at Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill, and has set aside $2,000 worth of tickets so that families the charity supports can be in the audience.
A Christmas Musical Partnership Built on Giving Back
Under the partnership, Mark Edmonds Productions will donate all profits from the December season of Believe to A Start in Life. Alongside that, the production has reserved $2,000 worth of tickets for families supported by the charity, giving children who might otherwise miss out a night at the theatre this Christmas.
“Believe was built to bring wonder back into Christmas, and giving back is part of that story from day one. Partnering with A Start in Life means the families who need it most get to be part of the magic too.”
Stephanie Rogers, Director, Mark Edmonds Productions
The Story of Santa Claus at Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill
Believe – A Christmas Musical: The Story of Santa Claus follows a Toymaker, a princess and an enchanted reindeer as they set out to restore the River of Colours after two mischievous elves make magic disappear. Along the way, the story reveals how Santa Claus came to be.
The 120-minute production opens with an immersive pre-show, where audiences meet characters from the North Pole and write their letters to Santa before the curtain goes up.
Theatre Tickets for Families Doing It Tough This Christmas
For the families A Start in Life works with, the reserved tickets turn a show they would usually pass by into a night out together. Kathleen Donohoe, the charity's Chief Executive Officer, said the partnership offers something many parents would not otherwise be able to give their children.
“This partnership means real seats at a real show for kids doing it tough this Christmas, and every dollar raised goes back into keeping students in the classroom and moving toward their goals.”
Kathleen Donohoe, CEO, A Start in Life
Where the Profits From Believe Will Go
The money raised through the season will support the work A Start in Life has done for more than a century. The charity helps students aged 4 to 24 in NSW and the ACT whose families cannot cover the full cost of their education, providing scholarships, mentoring and practical support that help them stay in school and go on to further study.
A Start in Life receives no government funding, so partnerships like this one, alongside the generosity of its donors, are what keep that support reaching students each year.
About Mark Edmonds Productions
Mark Edmonds Productions is a Sydney production house with more than 40 years' experience across theatre, television and live entertainment. Believe is its newest production. Find out more at believeinchristmas.com.au or meprod.com.au.
Book Tickets to Believe This Christmas
Believe – A Christmas Musical: The Story of Santa Claus runs 11 to 13 and 18 to 21 December 2026 at Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill. Tickets are on sale now through Humanitix, and every ticket sold helps students stay in the classroom.
To learn more about A Start in Life or to support a student, visit astartinlife.org.au. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
