THEATRE COMPANY AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY AS CELEBRATION PLANS CONTINUE

A Stoke-on-Trent theatre company have been getting right to the heart of communities as they continue with preparations for a brand new production set to take place later this year.

In the last two months ‘Community Reporters’ have been assisting Claybody Theatre in reporting on aspects related to the City’s heritage and culture in preparation for HOOTENANNA! - which is an online New Year’s Eve celebration of Stoke-on-Trent, which will also feature local Nannas.

On 15 July, the Claybody team and a film crew from local company - Reels in Motion - attended the launch of the 2025 Centenary Celebrations of the City of Stoke-on-Trent - an event held at the Gladstone Pottery Museum, in Longton. Community Reporters on this story were local teenagers, Sophie Rushton and Fred Conway.

This followed Tina Kayela, from Cultural Zebra, reporting on the Six Towns Carnival, which took place in Hanley Park on 14 July. Tina provided an insight into the African and Caribbean heritage in Stoke-on-Trent as well as introducing different foods into the mix.

FEASTED - who provide fine dining experiences as well as education and mentorship - also shared more about the City through food when speaking to another community reporter Rosi Monkman at their Spode site.

Gwyn Higginson and Lisa Sharrock paid a visit to Ford Green Hall to begin their report on the fantastic green spaces in the city. Elsewhere, Green Door shared news at their West Port Lake base, and interviews were filmed with members of the Indi Club, plus the team at the British Ceramics Biennial Studio.

The final wrap was at the YMCA on Friday 2 August, which saw Rosi and the Claybody crew attend the charity’s community meal, which was hosted this month by the YMCA Go! Youth Provision Team.

The films are now being edited to form part of the online show which will be streamed for free on New Year’s Eve.

“It has been such a journey with our community reporters who’ve all been brilliant as well as all the different venues and groups who have taken part,” says Deb McAndrew, artistic director at Claybody Theatre.

“We have enjoyed listening to so many different stories and shared experiences which have been incredible and all been filmed by our fantastic partners, Reels in Motion.

“HOOTENANNA! is an online show that will celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 and ring in an exciting centenary year for the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Presented by Dan Townley and local Nannas, the show will be free to view online and will celebrate and showcase the many great things which take place here.

“Stoke-on-Trent is known for its pottery and oatcakes - but there’s also so much more to enjoy and be a part of - and that’s the magic of the City.”

Nicky Twemlow, Director of Communities and Partnerships at YMCA North Staffordshire, said: “YMCA North Staffordshire is delighted to be involved and supporting HOOTENANNA! with Claybody Theatre.

“Deb and Conrad of Claybody, have regularly joined the YMCA monthly Community Meal, so we were more than happy to have them film here to capture the community, eating and enjoying time together.

“We always say that food brings us together and the community meal showcases the diversity and warmth of people across our city. Doing what Stokies do best, welcome and showing kindness.”

Sophie Rushton said: “I’m really pleased to be a part of this amazing project as it’s something I’ve never done before - it’s a great opportunity for me. I’m pleased to be able to celebrate the city I’ve grown up in and show people the great things about it.”

Fred Conway added: “I really enjoyed taking part in the community reporting at Gladstone and getting to be a part of the centenary celebrations. Reporting was new to me and a unique opportunity that not only developed my experience and skills, as a reporter, but also allowed me to speak to some incredibly interesting people, such as the Lord Mayor herself.

"The reporting also made me aware of the genuine passion many have for Stoke and the big plans moving forward, which is promising and exciting.”

Gwyn Higginson said: “I love how a project inspires and grows our curiosity prompting us all to take another look at our city with a green filter. It surprises me every time with what treasures are in plain sight.”

Next up for Claybody Theatre and HOOTENANNA! is the search for inspirational stories about local Nannas which will feature in the show.

“We want to hear all of those incredible stories about today’s Nannas who are surprising and inspiring, and who do so much for our city and our communities,” said Deb.

“We want to hear from local people who really want to celebrate their Nannas, and share their stories, which may just go on to inspire others.”

Claybody Theatre is based at The Dipping House, Spode works. They have created many successful local plays such as Song of the Sytch, The D Road, and The Card - which first featured at Fenton Town Hall in 2022, and a year later at the New Vic Theatre. The company are also preparing for stage play - Bright Lights Over Bentilee - which looks back to the 1960s when a UFO was sighted in the City and will take place at The Dipping House from 27 September.

For HOOTENANNA! - the Claybody team are also collaborating with Community Interest Company - Framescape.

To submit your Nanna story please visit www.claybodytheatre.com