The Magic of theatre in Stoke-on-Trent

The magic of Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent

Mel Osborne – our senior Reviewer at BabaBaboon – looks back over the last few months of Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent

Can we talk about how amazing theatre has been in Stoke this autumn? – Mel Osborne (pictured at Bright Lights Over Bentilee)

Stoke-on-Trent boasts many theatres – beautiful theatres such as The Regent, Victoria Hall, New Vic Theatre, The Rep and The Mitchell.

However, we also have other organisations creating great work such as B Arts, Bolton Gate arts, Claybody Theatre and Greenhouse productions working from ‘found’ spaces.

To add we have local groups such as Stage Productions who persistently produce musical theatre productions at professional level but also give local talent and young people the opportunity to shine on stage.

We have amateur groups such as Stone Revellers, Scarlett Theatre, producing loved classics such as Agatha Christie and Anne of Green Gables. In fact, many an actor you see in popular Tv programmes started off in local theatre and drama groups in Stoke-on-Trent.

Dick Whittington The Regent launch. Images Clara Lou Photography

September – for me – kicked off with the launch of Dick Whittington at The Regent theatre with Johnny Wilks sharing his love and passion for performing back in his hometown.

Next up was ‘The Company of Wolves’ at the New Vic theatre – a joint production between themselves and Upswing theatre. This was a spell bounding ariel based performance that left audiences open mouthed.

Bright Lights Over Bentilee

…less than a week later it was over to Spode where Claybody Theatre were performing their latest offering written by Debroah McAndrew. Bright Lights Over Bentilee was heartwarming and hilarious, encouraging conversation and laughter – two truly great medicines.

Finishing off the home-produced theatre ride was Anya and the Potter, by Greenhouse Theatre who took us on a bus around Stoke.

If all that talent has left you thinking, what can I do? B’ arts has one answer for you as they are currently advertising for micro commissions for a scratch night on November 22

However, if you don’t feel ready to apply for this they are still taking unpaid entries which could give creatives an opportunity to test out new work and ideas.

But this completely scratches on the surface of what can be achieved here. I truly believe with the right support and funding we can raise the level of theatre higher.

There is a lot going on behind the scenes and it needs the support of the public. I would like to see companies getting funding to put on productions for longer.

Longer running shows create jobs…

Theatre adds quality of life to all age groups. It can be produced in many different ways, accessed in different ways and educate on topics without even realising it.

It improves mental health wellbeing. It creates a community and most importantly it delights. Economically, more entertainment means more work. It will improve our quality of life. Creativity is imbedded in Stoke on Trent and long may it continue – by Mel Osborne