The first free theatre tickets for an initiative aimed at getting young people into the theatre have been dished out in Oxford.

Over the next two years, more than 4,000 free tickets will be handed out to 18 to 26-year-olds by Oxford Playhouse under the Arts Council-funded A Night Less Ordinary scheme.

Thirty free tickets will be on offer every week for drama shows on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturday matinees.

Oxford Playhouse director Michelle Dickson said: “The response so far has been fantastic.

“In just four days over 70 tickets have been given away as part of A Night Less Ordinary.”