Projects

Talent Development

Through our productions and talent development projects, we create professional roles and development opportunities for actors, writers, directors and creatives in the region.

Our talent development strategy supports the development of new writing and provides career support to new and established local artists through professional & training opportunities.

A group of smiling writers gathered around a table.

Haddaway & Write

Early script development

Haddaway & Write is our flagship talent development programme that provides tailored script-to-stage support for six writers to develop short plays which are then professionally produced.

Photo of a theatre performance against a black background. A young woman stares angrily at a man who sits at her dinner table, gesturing his arm dismissively.

Yarns From Hyem

Celebrating North East Talent

Yarns From Hyem is our touring production of four short plays that removes barriers to theatre for North East audiences and artists.

A large group of writers gathered in conversation around a table.

Full Play Development

Nurturing new talent

Supported by Arts Council England, we have commissioned two North East playwrights to develop their first full plays, with extended script development support.

Productions

A young male soldier wearing army fatigues, lit by a moody blue light, looks pensive in a darkened barracks.

Notice To Move

The camaraderie of six soldiers unravels

Notice To Move shares the experiences of North East Armed Forces veterans and pesonnel in a collaborative theatre project. We partnered with local community, military and veteran organisations to create a play based on the experiences of those in the region who have served.

The Filleting Machine

By Tom Haddaway

Written in the 1970s, Tom Hadaway’s The Filleting Machine reflects family tension, generational poverty and the decimation of industry in a short but impactful drama that is relatable and timeless.

Youth and Community

Family Productions

Theatre for all ages

Our family performances find a fun way to tackle challenges faced by families and young people in the North East, particularly around illegal lending and online bullying… Packed with humour, excitement and audience interaction, our relatable performances engage all the family!

Outreach

Giving back to our community

It’s important to us to deliver inclusive, participatory arts projects, particularly in communities which are culturally underserved.

Audience & artist engagement

Statistics infographic: To date, we have performed to 8470 audience members. Delivered 134 performances. Facilitated 75 workshops with 1564 participants. 82% of our 2024 audiences weren’t regular theatre-goers. 67% of our shows & workshops to date have taken place in communities amongst the 20% most deprived in England. 73% of our 2024 audiences identified as working-class. Created 154 professional roles for North East creatives.