The Future Creatives
The Future Creatives is our programme aimed at nurturing emerging artists aged 25 and under across various art forms. The initiative has been made possible through investment from Arts Council England and will provide many opportunities for young creatives in the North East.
Our recent shift in focus; to spotlight community stories rather than individual creators, has fostered meaningful connections with national partners and audiences. Productions such as This is Makina! and Only the Beginning have shown that place-based stories, when authentically co-created, have a far-reaching impact.
Previous production, This is Makina! went onto to be developed further into A Class Feeling which was described as a ‘bold, socially aware production that provides a powerful commentary on the working-class experience with a Makina Twist.’ Our work aims to celebrate and integrate regional culture into the art form of theatre making.
In November 2024, we shared Only The Beginning… a piece of physical theatre written by Susan Mulholland and made in partnership with ThickSkin.
Only The Beginning was a production set in the community of South Tyneside. Passion for the game of football runs deep through our region and the sense of pride that comes with being part of this football mad region is something that we all share.
‘This wonderfully written, vibrant and energetic play offers a heartfelt look at grassroots women’s football in the North East.’ – Rob Lawson
We drew inspiration for the title of the play from Sarina Wiegman’s open letter following the Lionesses 2022 Euro victory who wrote that their win and attention that the team received over that Summer was ‘Only The Beginning’.
Only The Beginning was originated to shine a much-needed light on the incredible talent, resilience and determination of women’s football, right here in the Borough. The girls game in South Tyneside has such an impressive track record with players like Demi Stokes and Jill Scott who honed their skills playing for teams across the Borough
The production was made in close collaboration with young women footballers from South Tyneside and after it’s run in our Studio embarked on a short community tour visiting The Unionist Social Club, South Shields Football Club, Jarrow Hall & Perth Green CA.