‘Stokie’ New Year’s Eve show connecting communities
A TEAM of community reporters – who have been busy behind the scenes working with a theatre company for a new show – say they have been left inspired and united from experiences shared.
During the summer Claybody Theatre – whose previous work has had a keen focus on the culture and history of the City of Stoke-on-Trent – introduced six community reporters who all took part in recording news segments for upcoming show Hootenanna.
Rosi Monkman, Tina Kayela, Gwyn Higginson, Lisa Sharrock, Sophie Rushton and Fred Conway shared their thoughts during a review session held at The Dipping House – home to Claybody Theatre, at Spode Works, Stoke.
Gwyn and Lisa assisted with several reports from Ford Green Hall and Green Door – who are based at West Port Lake.
Gwyn said: “Stoke has grown from smoke filled spaces to having lovely green spaces which are like arteries linking around the city. It’s important to remember how they can help with well being and Hootenanna will be showing this.”
Lisa herself experienced health issues over recent years and says the role as a community reporter has been invaluable.
“Being involved with Hootenanna has given me my purpose back,” she says.
“Since I retired I went very introvert because of my health – but this has given me something else and I have loved being involved.”
Rosi, reported from Feasted, YMCA North Staffordshire and also at the Six Towns Carnival with Tina.
She said: “I’m an adopted Stokie and being a part of this has allowed me to get right under the skin of the City enabling me to really experience so many great things which I didn’t know about and shown me how much community there is.”
Tina, who is from community group Cultural Zebra, adds: “The report for the Claybody show has helped to raise the profile of a togetherness in the City and that culture is accessible to all.”
Teenagers Fred Conway and Sophie Rushton interviewed the likes of the Lord Mayor Cllr Lyn Sharpe and the leader of the City Council Jane Ashworth at the launch of the 2025 Centenary celebrations for Stoke-on-Trent.
“I really appreciated the experience filming at the Centenary launch and I also got to learn about British Ceramics Biennial,” said Sophie.
“The experience has given me an idea of what I’d like to do for the future with my career as I’m looking at acting and stage screen at university.
“There’s so much to do and celebrate in Stoke-on-Trent and Hootenanna is definitely something everyone in the City can look forward too – it’s all very exciting and gives a different perspective of the City and what is on offer.”
Fred says: “Being at the Centenary launch was really valuable for me. It was amazing to watch and be in that atmosphere. To meet the Lord Mayor and listen to so many people saying great things and being enthusiastic about Stoke-on-Trent was really great to hear.
“People really do want to make a difference and I do believe the more people who come together and continue to drive projects – like Hootenanna – will be really beneficial to the City.”
The community reporters will be starring in the show which will be streamed online for free on New Year’s Eve.
Deb McAndrew, artistic director at Claybody Theatre, said: “In all corners of the City beautiful things happen and Hootenanna is a celebration of the whole of Stoke-on-Trent. We’ve been fortunate to have such fantastic people involved in helping to make this happen.”
For more details and updates about Hootennana visit www.claybodytheatre.com
Community reporter Tina Kayela and Deborah McAndrew filming at the Six Towns Carnival
All reports were filmed by local production company Reels in Motion.
Claybody Theatre received funding from Arts Council England – which is Lottery Funded – and Stoke-on-Trent City Council for Hootenanna.
