Mousetrap Theatre Projects 'give something back' to disadvantaged children But it's not just a matter of cheap tickets: the play (or opera or ballet) is introduced beforehand with chats and participatory workshops and followed by an after-show discussion, usually led by the show's stars. And once you've been on one of these excursions, you can be fed into clubs that encourage and subsidise teenagers who want to become regular independent theatregoers. There are other strands of Mousetrap's work, too. One programme allows A-level students to try their hands at being critics (I was once a mentor at a session for this, and came away impressed and exhilarated by the enthusiasm and insight displayed). Another offers struggling families an introductory theatre visit for a token £5. "It's important that people pay something," Susan rightly insists, "although we find that the barriers are related just as much to fear of the rituals of theatre-going as they are to cost. We don't mollycoddle people, but we do try to explain the form in simple language. This year's hugely successful innovation, which Susan is hoping to repeat, was a "relaxed" performance of the hit musical Shrek at Drury Lane for children with special needs. Extra wheelchair places, bean bags, reduced sound and light levels and an easy attitude to noise and movement all made the show an enjoyable rather than an alarming experience. "But it wasn't a watered-down version," Susan adds. They got the whole Shrek experience and they loved it. Mousetrap will be fund-raising for its inspiring activities with a gala on November 18. At St Martin's Theatre, London WC2, a "surprise" reading of the play that gave the project its name will be directed by Phyllida Lloyd (a Mousetrap trustee) with a stellar cast including Julie Walters and Hugh Bonneville, followed by a live auction and then a slap-up party at the Garrick Club. It sounds like huge fun, and Theatreland hasn't got a better cause. For tickets, call 020 7836 4388