Over the past decade, our theatre has been a vibrant hub of creativity and community engagement, showcasing a diverse range of projects that reflect our commitment to the arts and local culture. One of the standout initiatives was the ELS Project, which provided an innovative platform for emerging artists to showcase their work, fostering new talent within the community. This initiative was complemented by the Travelling Tea Room, an engaging project that combined the joy of performance with the warmth of a shared dining experience, bringing audiences together in a unique, interactive environment.
Another highlight was the Spin Shop Bike, an imaginative program that encouraged sustainable travel and fitness, inviting participants to pedal their way to creativity. In recent years, we launched the Make & Bake sessions, our bi-weekly baking events designed to bring families together. These sessions not only taught essential life skills but also fostered community bonds through the shared joy of cooking and creativity.
Our commitment to local talent was further exemplified by the Discover Dance Festival, particularly during the Big Dance Weekend. This event brought together various local organizations, celebrating the richness of dance in our community and highlighting the incredible skills of local performers. Additionally, we took great pride in the Living Memorial to RJ Mitchell, a tribute to our venue’s rich heritage, and the You Are Here project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which celebrated our local places and spaces, weaving together stories of the past with the vibrancy of the present. Each of these projects has reinforced our theatre's role as a cornerstone of cultural life, nurturing creativity and fostering community connections.
You Are Here
"You are Here’’ was a culture club style project which brought the community together to find a common ground. You are Here celebrated community, alongside celebrating the landmark buildings in the city such as our theatres, our pot banks, and our museums. It also explored the more obscure spaces, listed buildings, unknown historic buildings, and places and spaces that have untold stories in Stoke on Trent. The aim was to unravel the city's heritage whilst exploring photography and poetry within a community setting.
The "You Are Here" project began as a small community initiative, aiming to celebrate local talent and foster creative expression. Initially envisioned as a small-scale endeavour, the project soon gained momentum through the enthusiastic participation of residents who poured their time, stories, and art into the project. What started as a collective vision evolved into a vibrant open evening event that proudly displays the community’s creations to the public. This event, held in our auditorium, showcases the culmination of shared experiences and artistic efforts, now immortalized on the gallery walls. The exhibit stands as a testament to the spirit of collaboration and the powerful impact of art in connecting people.
Our partnership with the Hubb Foundation began with a series of small-scale, community-focused projects that aimed to engage and inspire local children through creative activities. What started as a modest collaboration quickly blossomed into more ambitious endeavors, culminating in a full-scale children's show. The first major production, Home Alone at the Mac, marked a significant milestone, drawing an enthusiastic audience of 300 and showcasing the potential of our joint efforts. This show not only brought joy and entertainment to the community but also highlighted the strength of our partnership. The success of *Home Alone at the Mac* was recognized with a prestigious Provider Award from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Hubb Foundation, underscoring the impact of our collaboration and commitment to enriching the lives of young audiences.
Our second children's show at the Mac took audiences on an exhilarating journey through the story of Back to the Future, complete with our own versions of Doc and Marty McFly. This production was not just an entertaining spectacle but a testament to our evolving partnership and its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. By working with the Hubb Foundation, we ensured that the show reached children who might otherwise face barriers to accessing the arts, including those on free school meals. This initiative provided an opportunity for these young audiences to experience the magic of live performance, fostering inspiration and joy in a space where creativity knows no bounds.
Our Heritage Project has brought environmentalist and BBC award winner Chris Parr into a unique collaboration with the public, focusing on creating large, artistic bug houses that serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose. Chris, with his passion for sustainability and nature, has guided participants through the process of designing and constructing these intricate bug houses, using natural materials that blend seamlessly into the environment. This initiative is not only about promoting biodiversity but also aims to enhance the entrance area of our community space. By incorporating vibrant, welcoming flower planters alongside the bug houses, the project is transforming the area into a more inviting and visually appealing environment for everyone. These thoughtful additions contribute to a more vibrant and eco-friendly atmosphere, offering a space that nurtures both the local wildlife and the people who pass through it. Through this hands-on collaboration, the community has come together to create something truly meaningful—an outdoor space that encourages connection, fosters environmental awareness, and enhances the beauty of the area for all to enjoy.
The Art Of Action
Art of Action is a new BFI season celebrating the artistry of real action choreography, that has kept film audiences on the edge of their seats since the early days of cinema. Presented by the BFI Film Audience Network (BFI FAN) using funds from the National Lottery, Art of Action will take place at cinemas across the UK from October-December 2024, with the chance to get behind-the-scenes insights from those working in the action and stunt communities, via special events, demonstrations, talks and screenings throughout the season.
