Wrapping Up 2024: A Year of Creativity, Community, and Growth

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible year filled with creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. Here’s a look back at what we’ve achieved together:

Cambois Hidden Depths

You can watch the film of the project, Cambois Hidden Depths here.

Celebrating Stories and Community Connections

Community Listening Events: We shared Josey with the communities of Longhoughton, Wooler, and Felton in Northumberland. These listening events brought people together to explore and discuss the remarkable story of Josephine Butler.

Josey Comes Alive at The Common Room: This special work in progress event featured live music and performances by actors Zoe Lambert and Chloe Millar. With music and songs written by Katie Doherty, the evening combined a dynamic musical experience with a historical talk from Jane Robinson.

Zoe Lambert and Chloe Millar performing songs written and composed by Katie Doherty at The Common Room, Newcastle.

Walk in Your Shoes 2024

This year, we returned to Holy Island for a stunning walk across the causeway, led by Mary Gunn. We also journeyed to the western reaches of the region, where Amanda Drago from Greencroft on the Wall guided us along Hadrian’s Wall with a captivating soundscape experience.

Nurturing Creativity Through GROW

Our GROW development programme has been inspiring young minds and supporting creative professionals across Northumberland. Highlights include:

Working with 1,950 participants from seven Northumberland schools and the University of Northumberland.

Delivering 16 workshops, 10 assemblies, and attending 3 careers events to challenge perceptions of theatre and showcase the diversity of roles in the creative industries.

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

One student from King Edward VI High School shared:

"Hearing about different career paths gave me confidence and hope for finding my way in a creative industry."

The programme also continues to support freelance roles in the region.

Frances Arnold, a GROW beneficiary, reflected on the impact:

“The company’s investment in talent development is thoughtful and responsive, enabling me to sustain my freelance practice and continue living and working in Northumberland.”

— Frances Arnold

If you’re passionate about creative industries, don’t miss out—join our GROW mailing list today!

Looking Ahead to 2025

The new year promises even more exciting opportunities to connect with our communities and celebrate creativity:

Josey, the next stage. We’ve been working tirelessly with singer, song-writer Katie Doherty to develop the exciting next stage for Josey. You’ll have to stay tuned through 2025 to find out more...

Otterburn Mill Site-Specific Show: A celebration of the mill’s textile heritage and restored tender frames.

Escape Room with Northumberland Archives: Partnering with Hexham pupils for a unique, history-inspired challenge.

New Show with Lisette Auton: Collaborating with Lowick Primary School on an original production.

GROW: Continuing to recruit Ignite and Sustain freelance roles to support our work in the North East.

2024 was a year to remember, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.

Here’s to a 2025 filled with even more stories, creativity and community!
Pictured L to R: Louise, Andrea, Kathryn and Joe.

As a registered charity we are supported by various grants and funders and are grateful to be included in Arts Council England’s National Portfolio. We are committed to bringing theatre and experiences to communities across the North East and any support you can give is always hugely appreciated. You can donate via our website here.

That’s a wrap on 2024!