theatre
CELEBRATING NORTH EAST STORIES
We developed Yarns From Hyem in 2021 to remove barriers to theatre and careers in the arts. The project was designed to support local talent and share relatable stories that reflect the richness of our local communities, making theatre accessible to audiences on their doorsteps. Each production takes you through the highs and lows of love, loss and hope, as a top team of regional talent brings to life 4 powerful short plays in one performance.
YARNS FROM HYEM 2024
In May-June 2024, we toured our second production of Yarns From Hyem in partnership with Gala Durham, supported by Arts Council England and The Cultural Spring. The 4 playwrights from the region received script mentoring and the plays were performed, produced and directed by North East creatives.
The production toured to communities in the region with venues including Gala Durham, The Exchange 1856, Hebburn Iona Social Club, Jarrow Hall, Saltburn Theatre, Seaton Delaval Arts Centre, Woodhorn Museum and The Meadows community centre.
THE EDGE
BY BARBARA WILLIAMS
Azza and Sam find themselves literally on a cliff edge, discussing their differences and similarities at a time of hopelessness for each of them…
Directed by
Zoë Murtagh
Performed by
Umar Butt & Kieron Michael
BOXING
BY CHARLIE PROTHERO
Michael and Father Garvey ponder the big questions… like how to keep your faith when things feel hopeless? And what’s the best ride at Alton Towers?
Directed by
Michael Blair
Performed by
Micky McGregor & Ainsley Fannen
RYAN
BY SARAH TARBIT
An unbreakable sibling bond between Ryan and Stella is torn apart when they’re separated in care. How has Stella fared on her own without her loyal protector?
Directed by
Zoë Murtagh
Performed by
Harriet Ghost
HOPE THAT A FLAT DOOR SHUTS
BY CLAIRE-MARIE PERRY
Danny hides away in his flat and obsesses over the comings and goings of his neighbours and the people around him. Is he right to be so concerned for his safety or is it just paranoia?
Directed by
Michael Blair
Performed by
William Wyn Davies
2024 CREATIVE TEAM
Harriet Ghost
Micky McGregor
Lizzie Glazier
Producer/Joint AD, Hooley Theatre
Producer/Joint AD, Hooley Theatre
Producer, Gala Durham
Lindsay Rodden
Jack Davidson
Darren Lowe
Dramaturg/Writing Mentor
Film & Photography
Technical Manager
YARNS FROM HYEM 2021
Our pilot production of Yarns From Hyem toured North East community and theatre venues in November 2021, supported by Arts Council England. The four hilarious and moving short plays were written by emerging and critically acclaimed writers and explored the themes of love and loss.
Barbara Williams' play, Pupil Premium, was selected from an open call-out for a new writer to have their work professionally produced for the first time. Barbara's play was a huge success alongside outstanding work from established North East writers Alex Oates, Elijah Young and Julia Darling.
ATTACHMENTS
BY JULIA DARLING
Davina is in no mood for visitors when Bobby invites himself in, bringing with him a hoover and more questions than Davina has answers. But they have more in common than they first thought.
Directed by
Andy Berriman
Performed by
Harriet Ghost & Micky McGregor
A MEMORY FOR FORGETTING
BY ALEX OATES
Fliss from the Meadow Well Estate takes on the UK Memory Championship... but it canbe tough when you’re practicing to remember and there’s things you’d rather forget.
Directed by
Tracy Gillman
Performed by
Michaela Forbes & Sarah Balfour
BISCUIT TINS
BY ELIJAH YOUNG
A story of two siblings who appear to be very close but eventually cracks start to show.Instead of brushing them under the carpet, they choose to face the problems of their past.
Directed by
Tracy Gillman
Performed by
Hannah Marie Davis & Sam Stafford
PUPIL PREMIUM
BY BARBARA WILLIAMS
A-star Alex has huge potential but what happens to his younger sisters if he goes to university? What happens to him if he stays? And does careers advisor Alan have ulterior motives?
Directed by
Andy Berriman
Performed by
Sam Stafford & Paul Joseph
CONTACT
Whether you'd like to discuss a project, artist opportunities or give us feedback from a show, we'd love to hear from you!
SUBSCRIBE
Join our mailing list to stay up to date with our latest, projects, performances and opportunities...
Email:
DONATE
As a non-profit company, we raise funds to provide local talent with paid opportunities while removing financial barriers for our audiences. Any donations will greatly support our projects and running costs, enabling us to continue our work with disadvantaged and disengaged communities.
Follow
Company Number: 11685787
© 2024 by Blowin' A Hooley Theatre Ltd