LITTLE LION ENTERTAINMENT BACKS THE ARTS WITH LANDMARK SUPPORT FOR MOUNTVIEW AND NYT

Little Lion Entertainment (LLE), the award-winning creators of immersive global hits including The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, Tomb Raider: The LIVE Experience, Chaos Karts and PAC-MAN LIVE, today announced a major long-term sponsorship supporting two of the UK’s most respected performing arts institutions; Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and the National Youth Theatre (NYT).

The new initiative underscores Little Lion Entertainment’s commitment to backing the arts and investing in the next generation of creative talent, particularly young people who might not otherwise have access to industry-leading training or industry pathways. Over the next three years, the company will provide vital funding, resources and immersive learning opportunities designed to open doors across the creative industries.

Opening Pathways Through Partnership

At Mountview, where we are currently celebrating our 80th birthday, LLE’s sponsorship will help create new scholarships for students from underrepresented and financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The collaboration will also see the launch of specialist immersive theatre workshops, guest lectures, Q&A sessions, and internship pathways within Little Lion’s pioneering live productions.

Mountview’s Principal & CEO Sally Ann Gritton said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Little Lion Entertainment — a company founded by Mountview alumni who are deeply committed to giving back. This partnership is a game changer, helping to break down the financial barriers that often prevent talented young people from realising their dreams. We share the same values and belief in the transformative power of creativity.”

Mountview alumni include renowned names such as newly appointed Vice Presidents and graduates Eddie Marsan OBE and Giles Terera MBE, alongside Sharon Small, Grace Hodgett-Young, Nicôle Lecky, and Jack Wolfe – as well as LLE’s own Founder & CEO, Tom Lionetti-Maguire, and Head of Creative, Matt Stubbs, making the partnership a homecoming of sorts. The Vice President team is completed by Dame Elaine Paige, a longstanding champion of Mountview’s work and the wider performing arts.

Stubbs reflected:

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support I received at Mountview. It’s an honour to now be in a position to give back — offering the same opportunities to the next generation of talented young performers, especially those who might not otherwise be able to afford it.”

Championing Access Nationwide

Meanwhile, the National Youth Theatre, a world-leading youth arts charity whose alumni include Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Zawe Ashton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, will benefit from funding that supports its inclusive training and nationwide outreach programmes.

Little Lion Entertainment’s support will help NYT continue to provide free and affordable workshops, masterclasses, and immersive performance training for young creatives across the UK.

Paul Roseby OBE, CEO and Artistic Director of NYT, said:

“We’re enormously grateful to our friends at Little Lion Entertainment for their generous support. From funding and upskilling the next generation in immersive performance, to making our events stand out from the crowd, this partnership provides a vital boost at a challenging time for arts charities.”

In addition, Little Lion Entertainment is proud to be a sponsor of NYT’s annual Greatest Gift Auction – featuring over 150 prizes raising funds for accessible creative opportunities for young people from all backgrounds and needs. The auction will culminate with the Greatest Gift Soirée, hosted at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience on 24 November 2025, bringing together leading figures from across the arts in celebration of creativity and inclusion.

Hosted by NYT alum Jack Guinness, the event will feature performances from NYT member Jeevan Braich (Stage Debut Award Winner 2024), NYT alum Michael Ahomka-Lindsay (Cabaret), and spoken word performances by current NYT members. Guests will also have the unique opportunity to play in The Crystal Maze’s Aztec Zone during the drinks reception – guided by Maze Masters who are themselves NYT members now employed by Little Lion Entertainment, after being cast through NYT productions and immersive workshops run by LLE.

Backing the Arts, Building the Future

Tom Lionetti-Maguire, Founder and CEO of Little Lion Entertainment, said:

“Little Lion Entertainment was built on a belief that creativity changes lives. The arts gave us everything – so we’re determined to give something back. By supporting institutions like Mountview and the National Youth Theatre, we’re helping ensure that talent and passion, not privilege, determine who gets to build a career in the arts.”