Credit: Smart Banda
Well my loves, Sheffield’s got a proper autumn parcel to unwrap this year – and it’s not just conkers falling from the trees. The good folk at Sheffield Theatres have signed and sealed an exciting deal with four Associate Companies, all local, all brilliant, and all set to put their stamp on the city’s stages.
This is all part of new Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman’s grand plan – nurturing Sheffield’s own while still welcoming national and international talent. Think of it as a creative pen-pal scheme, only with rehearsal rooms, tech support, and enough theatrical magic to make even the Cowardly Lion find his courage.
So, who’s tucked inside the satchel?
- Forced Entertainment – Sheffield’s legendary ensemble who’ve been shaking up theatre and poking at its funny bones for decades.
- Roots Mbili Theatre – digging deep into cross-cultural stories, proving Sheffield’s roots stretch worldwide.
- Stand & Be Counted Theatre (SBC) – the UK’s first Theatre Company of Sanctuary, waving the flag for stories made with and for people seeking sanctuary.
- The Bare Project – a mischievous, community-driven collective plotting everything from weaving projects to a blooming outdoor theatre built from actual living trees. (Postman Pat never had to deliver to that address!)
Each company now gets a golden key to Sheffield Theatres’ four-venue kingdom – rehearsal space, kit, staff, and the wisdom of the artistic team. It’s like getting express delivery on your creative dreams.
And there’s more news in the postbag: Deborah Dickinson has been appointed as the brand-new Creative Development Director. She’ll be steering the ship on new work, talent development, and making sure the theatre’s reach spreads across South Yorkshire like a well-stamped letter.
Elizabeth Newman herself popped a note in the satchel:
“When I arrived last year, I wanted to build proper partnerships with the city’s brilliant artists. I’m thrilled to welcome Forced Entertainment, The Bare Project, Stand & Be Counted, and Roots Mbili. Each brings bold voices and deep roots in our communities. This is a huge step in making Sheffield Theatres a true creative home.”
And the companies? They’re buzzing like a sorting office before Christmas:
Tim Etchells, Forced Entertainment: “There’s real value in Sheffield companies joining forces. Different styles, same belief – art and performance are vital to our city’s richness.”
John Rwothomack, Roots Mbili: “We’re proudly planted in Sheffield’s soil. Theatres here have been our close friend since 2021 – now we can’t wait to see what new horizons this partnership brings.”
Rosie MacPherson, Stand & Be Counted: “This will help us take sanctuary-led projects to the next level – reaching more audiences and making a bigger difference.”
Malaika Cunningham, The Bare Project: “We’re thrilled to be closer to Sheffield Theatres – it means weaving Common Threads across the city and building our living-tree theatre. Talk about growing your own venue!”
So there we have it. Four Sheffield treasures officially stamped “Associate” and ready to post their creativity far and wide. Keep your eyes peeled – the satchel’s going to be overflowing with exciting theatre in the months ahead.
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