New To You Theatre - #N2UT

New Works for New Audiences

We began performing in 2022.

The purpose was initially to showcase my work in theatres, ostensibly within the north of England or further afield if opportunities permitted. That has grown into providing opportunities for locally based performers, to bring them and new repertoire to a range of local theatres. Put simply, we bring together new works and new faces to new venues with a view to attracting new audiences for them. Growing those venues and providing opportunities for them; building confidence in new writing. The great thing in those few years is that we have done just that. We've enabled venues to increase their offer and benefit both financially and artistically.

I firmly believe that new works and new writers have the potential to attract the audiences theatres would like to have - and there is evidence to prove that it is a credible approach. This is essential in maintaining footfall in small local theatres and ensuring that the turnover in (to be very honest) an ageing core of patrons is being replenished AND that such theatres have traction and an identity in the communities they are embedded in - especially those communities who have never been in their local theatre before.

In time, once a portfolio of venues who have engaged have come on board, I want to use the experience and contacts to facilitate other new writers and their works in getting the stage and the audience they deserve.

The venture is not for profit, but simply to make theatre and grow new theatre.

So far ...

During summer of 2022, several venues staged 'Gymnopedies' to very positive reviews and audience feedback. Building on this, 2023 saw a small and successful tour of two one-act plays, 'Ancient and Modern' and 'Last Bus to Whitby.' Summer 2024 saw 'Opposites in Common' taken to a small number of local venues. In doing so, we've found new writers to encourage and venues who just needed a little nudge to open their doors. More importantly, brought in new audiences and at least one venue, introduced other professional companies to them, growing their network and presence and increasing the footfall, income and the offer to their patrons and community. Just on that count, it's been worth the cost, the effort and the sleepless nights ... ish! Summer 2025 saw 'Darkness Visible' and 'Hallowtide' touring and engaging a further two new venues. In 2026 we return to performing 'Ancient and Modern' and 'Last Bus to Whitby' and again, at new venues!