Sunderland experts take centre stage for first major study of local theatres

Published on 5, November, 2025

Two performing arts experts from the University of Sunderland are exploring how the city is enriching its communities and retaining creative talent as part of a major new study into local theatre.

Funded by the UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) Arts and Humanities Research Council, Local Theatre: Participation, Inclusion, Imagination is a national project aiming to strengthen theatres as community assets, extend inclusive creative practice and support local people in building artistic careers close to home.

As the first major study of local theatres, it explores how theatre can reimagine what local means as a way of belonging through storytelling, and how local theatre can become an inclusive, imaginative and sustainable part of community life.

The 27-month project is investigating professional, youth and amateur theatre across England. The project includes case studies in Sunderland, London, Slough and Hastings – each exploring the themes of creativity, place and belonging. Together, the research paints a national picture of how theatres can adapt to local realities while championing inclusion and participation.

Leading the study for Sunderland, is Dr Adelle Hulsmeier and Research Associate Dr Kay Hepplewhite.

Dr Hulsmeier, Associate Professor of Partnerships and Participatory Practice at the University of Sunderland, said: “Sunderland as our case study represents a city in transition. Once defined by ships and pits, it’s now reshaping itself through culture and creativity but like many post-industrial cities, it faces a challenge: how to keep talented people local and how to make sure creative opportunities feel open to everyone.

“Ultimately, local theatre is about people, artists, audiences and communities, using theatre to make sense of who they are and where they live and by beginning in Sunderland, we are showing how local creativity can shape not just performances, but the cultural and civic future of our city.”

Over the last year, Dr Hulsmeier and Dr Hepplewhite have been focussing on activities in Sunderland, mapping out the provision of projects, youth theatre, amateur groups, venues and funding organisations to document opportunities across the city. This involved working with BA (Hons) Illustration and Design students from the University of Sunderland to design a map of the city and identify where local theatre is happening.

The pair interviewed several key producers and funders to create a series of podcasts, which will be made available to the public, drawing together knowledge and expertise from key practitioners and organisations relating to local theatre in Sunderland.

They also worked with Theatre Space North East and National Theatre Public Acts to research two examples of participatory theatre performances in the city and produced reports for both.

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Dr Hulsmeier and Dr Hepplewhite hosted a workshop at Port Independent, Sunderland (Thursday 30 October), where they shared their findings and discussed inclusive practices with north-east theatre facilitators.

Dr Hepplewhite said: “Our research has revealed significant collaboration between organisations, theatre artists and those taking part across the city. Community members are keen for opportunities to be involved with all aspects of theatre and have spoken passionately about the value to their wellbeing.

“Investment in the infrastructures of local theatre is needed alongside the established venues for these rich experiences to take place, including support for freelancers. Further support is needed to professionalise the careers of theatre makers and nurture their good work that benefits the region.”

Holly James, Artistic Director at Atlas Theatre Company CIC in Sunderland, attended the workshop.

She said: “It not only showcased and mapped the rich cultural landscape of Sunderland but also connected people in the room in meaningful ways. As a direct result, we were able to secure additional creative partnerships in the city. Events like this are vital for strengthening the city’s cultural cohesion, and I left feeling genuinely inspired to have been part of it.”

Dr Ben Middleton, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Education, Society and Creative Industries at the University of Sunderland, said: “This project highlights the transformative power of local theatre in shaping identity, fostering inclusion and nurturing creative talent.

“It exemplifies our mission as a society-shaping university, using creativity and collaboration to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It’s a privilege to support research that not only celebrates creativity but also strengthens the social fabric of our city.”

The mapping, podcasts and industry-facing investigations from the Sunderland study will be available on the Researching Local Theatres website from December 2025: https://localtheatres.wordpress.com/

The research is led by Royal Holloway (University of London) in collaboration with the University of Sunderland, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London), and the University of York. Other researchers involved in the national study are: Professor Helen Nicholson (Royal Holloway, University of London), Professor Selina Busby (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London), Professor David Gilbert (Royal Holloway, University of London), Dr Cara Gray (Royal Holloway, University of London), Dr Sidonie Carey-Green (Royal Holloway, University of London) and Dr Yvonne Robinson (Royal Holloway, University of London), Professor Anne-marie Greene (University of York).