A Bunch of Plays
‘A Bunch of Plays’ is a collection of newly written and created theatre productions from our MA in Directing and Theatre Making students. This selection of plays addresses fables, rom-com, Greek myths and themes such as loss, trauma growing up and how the impact of humanity is destroying nature. There will be multimedia theatre, puppetry, movement and pieces grounded in reality. The series of plays will open on Tuesday 24th June until Friday 29th June at ARC, Stockton Art Centre.
Lecturer and Reader David Edwards said: “The directing students have worked so hard on these projects, the culmination of nine months work on the MA. Alongside this, they have been directing students from the BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen, from all three year groups.
“The Northern School of Art thrives on collaboration and to that end there has been support and work from students studying design, puppetry, costume, film and illustration. The students have been a pleasure to work with and we are all excited to see the work they create next. They are truly the next generation.”
Senior Acting Lecturer Jonny Bussell said: “This group of MA students have been a pleasure to work with. The majority of the students graduated from our BA Acting and have continued to make exceptional work as postgraduate students. It has been wonderful to also have three students join us having completed their degrees at other institutions, bringing their own skills and experiences to the department.
“All these students started their degrees under the spectre of Covid. It is a sign of their passion for the subject and bravery that they chose to study performance at a time when the industry was on its knees. I hope they have loved their experiences studying performance and I am delighted that these fantastic theatre makers will be stepping into the industry. They have important stories to tell alongside the creativity and talent that ensure those stories are engaging. I wish you all the best of the luck and I look forward to seeing your next steps.”
Read on to find out more about the dynamic performance theatregoers can expect from ‘A Bunch of Plays’:
Tuesday 24th June 2025
The Voice of The Sea
“The voice of the sea is seductive, never ceasing, whispering, murmuring, clamouring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell in the abysses of solitude” – Kate Chopin, 1899
She stands on the precipice of a great sea. It beckons her. She feels as though if she let herself swim she would never return again. What compels a mother to abandon her husband, children and life behind to escape into the dark void of the ocean? The piece utilises physical theatre to present the complex battle between conformity and self-fulfilment. Directed and written by Gavinder Singh Srai, adapted from Kate Chopin’s 1899 novel ‘The Awakening’
Cast & Crew
Edna – KT Jordan
Adele (+ additional roles) – Katie Turnbull
Lewis/Edgar (+ additional roles) – James Archer
Stephen/William (+ additional roles) – Tyler Gracie
Director/Writer – Gavinder Srai
Technical Manager: Tom Edwin Baker
Holiday Mixtape
Ordinary students. Tangled lives.
It’s the final year at university for a particular gang of friends. And as we voyage through Halloween, Christmas and New Year – all from their living room – five ordinary students undergo a string of events that alter their future.
Written and directed by Lucus McNally, Holiday Mixtape examines a series of complex relationships. Delving into violence, identity, love, adulthood, hope and so much more!
Cast & Crew
Isabelle Sander – Hope
Pierre Brown – Kyle
Paige Dyson – Kathy
Arun Graves-Kochhar – Tom
Shaun Wilson – Teddy
James Archer – James
Director/Writer – Lucus McNally
Stage Manager – Kate Hann
Technical Manager – Tom Edwin Baker
Wednesday 25th June 2025
Just Another Chapter
What happens when a sisterly bond is broken — and it’s completely out of your control? You try to move on, but there are constant reminders of the life you once had. Living the worst parts again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and…
Is there a life worth living after trauma and loss? That’s what Lily is questioning after an unexpected tragedy completely shatters her and her family. Written and directed by Alex Jade Wallace, Just Another Chapter delves into the reality of losing a loved one unexpectedly, exploring themes of trauma, loss, family, and mental health.
Cast & Crew
Chloe Rattigan – Lily
Lucy Hart-Simm – Violet
Shaun Patrick Wilson – William
Shauna Coleman – Rose
Director/Writer – Alex-Jade Wallace
Technical Manager – Tom Edwin Baker
This play is dedicated to my Grandad, Gordon Everett 09/03/34 – 28/12/24 who encouraged me to work hard and follow my dreams.
Additionally, I’d like to thank my Mum, Louise Wallace, for her constant support.
Thursday 26th June 2025
To Hell And Back
The Goddess of Death rules her realm alone. It’s a pleasant enough place, but living your life surrounded by the dead can take its toll, even on a god. When she meets someone who makes her see life differently, Hel leaves her home and finds much more than she expected. After all, who would think the Goddess of Death could fall in love with a mortal?
Written and directed by Luke Lawson, ‘To Hel and Back’ is a modern myth for an ancient world.
Cast & Crew
Astrid – Sophie Pedlar
Hel – Georgia Purvis
Loki – Luke Lawson
Odin – Leon Cummings
Director/Writer – Luke Lawson
Technical Manager – Niamh Henry
Thursday 27th June 2025
A Single Pain of Glass
“It’s okay, you’re okay, we’re okay. We will be.” When Jacqui and David meet, they find themselves changed, their souls are intertwined. Navigating life’s obstacles together, they are unaware that they stand at very different stages of life. One chapter starting, while the other is ending. Will their love change the other for better or worse?
A Single Pain of Glass is based on a true story. One that explores the power that love has over people and how it changes when faced with loss.
Cast & Crew
Arun Graves-Kochhar – David
Tia Lily – Jacqui
Theresa Maggs – Karri
Director/Writer: Gemma Webster-B
Technical Manager – Tom Edwin Baker
Thank you to the real-life Jacqui, I wouldn’t be doing this without your love and support.
Friday 28th June 2025
Sweet Escape
“I feel it on my cheeks when I walk down the corridors. Burning, bright red, like Heather was in English. And it makes me think people can tell. How do we both burn red when I’ve not had sex and she’s had loads of it?” 15-year-old Holly is getting ready to sneak out of her house and go to her first house party. But is that really her goal? It’s not just the fact that GCSEs are looming and the teenage drama brewing is putting her on edge, there’s something else on her mind…
Directed by Shauna Coleman, Sweet Escape explores themes of sex and relationships, maturity, pressure, and abuse. With bold storytelling and unforgettable characters, this piece invites audiences into the private world of a girl on the brink.
Cast & Crew
Holly – Macy Johnson
Director/Writer – Shauna Coleman
Technical Manager – Tom Edwin Baker
Friday 29th June 2025
A Tail For Our Future
“This is a tale for our future and this tale begins at a window and under this window is sat a fox, looking up at a girl.”
Directed and written by Elen Bodey, this piece explores themes of animal cruelty, and the effects humans have had on animals, specifically looking into fox hunting. This piece will be brought to life using puppets and shadow puppets.
Cast & Crew
Cast:
Zoe Hudson/Kit Mulroy/Emily Osbourne/Millie Roberts/Leigha Shadwell/Mitch Watson
Director/Writer – Elen Bodey
Technical Manager – Tom Edwin Baker
Live music – Luke Swainson
Shadow Puppet Design – Laura Reynolds Jenkins
Puppetry Design -Joni Moore/Elen Bodey
Costume Design – Lucy McLellan
Train as a multi-faceted performer for stage and screen with drama school-level intensity — outside of London. Our BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen programme is designed by working industry professionals to reflect the realities of today’s performance landscape. As a member of the Federation of Drama Schools, we offer students high-quality drama school training without the need to relocate to London. This intensive, professionally accredited course offers 30 hours of contact time each week, with a core focus on developing your voice, characterisation and physicality. You’ll apply these skills through performances for both stage and screen, and explore contemporary, collaborative and innovative approaches to performance-making. Find out more here.