(Hallowtide) “Absorbing. Hallowtide stands out for its emotional depth, powerful storytelling. Filled with unpredictable twists and remains deeply engaging throughout. There’s an undercurrent of dark, ancient magic at play ... truly impressed.” CB July 2025. (Darkness Visible) “Very impressed with the suspense and intrigue it commands”, “Powerful writing”, “What a piece of writing ... simply superb”, “Tightly woven, compelling, gripping, chilling, unexpected.”
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 enable us make theatre. Help us to make more by supporting our productions.
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!
And Summer 2025? We bring 'Darkness Visible' and 'Hallowtide' to the stage. Three venues booked and hopefully, a few more to come.
Latest News
'Opposites in Common' feedback from the premiere (2024)
Some of the audience feedback from the opening night ...
“Go and see this play, I've just been to the first night. It's a super script, two fabulous actors; it’s Martin's best work by far and the best play I've seen on a stage for a long time.” ... “Just home from seeing this ... OMG! 11/10! Not a dry eye in the house.” ... “Brilliant! Well done to all involved, very well written and amazing performances. I laughed a lot and cried! I was hooked all the way through! You should be very proud!” ... “ … credit where credits due. I had no idea the interval was coming. I didn’t want it to stop and the ending was so emotional” ... “The best play I have seen in a long time. Excellent."
'Ancient and Modern' & 'Last bus to Whitby - Feedback from the audience (2023)
“I saw these two monologue plays by Martin Paul Roche. Laugh out loud funny and also very thought provoking. Two excellent performances. Go and see it if you can. New plays on tour. Brilliant.” AND “Absolutely brilliant. Both performances did justice to your writing! Great plays, very poignant in parts but ‘laugh out loud’ comedic in others.”
'Where is the life?' Feedback from the audience (2023)
"We were there last night. It was absolutely brilliant. Sensitive, funny and absolutely heartbreaking. Moved us all to tears. Brilliant acting, brave choice of play. Loved it. Definitely not to be missed" ... "Congratulations guys. This play was brilliant. Such a rollercoaster of emotions. The cast and director did a great job" ... "Watched it last night and really enjoyed it" ... "Book now to avoid disappointment" ... "Utterly brilliant. Well done. Loved it"
Living with Lois - review of premiere (2023)
“With ‘Living With Lois’ we saw a palpably creative and very positive dramatic impact and were fulfilled in both delivery and execution. There was complete understanding and control of theatrical communication from the lead actors and director alike, supported by capable technicians. This production was exhilarating theatre of almost the highest possible standard. The appreciative audience rightly paid full attention and enjoyed every minute. Theatre is a two-way street – what is sent from the stage gets a direct response from the audience. This is an exchange that doesn’t happen in the cinema or reading a book. ‘Living With Lois’ was a rare gem, shining and bright, for which I can only give thanks.” Andrew P Wild (GMDF Adjudicator)