London-based Fuel aims to bring “adventurous theatre” to the North East.
Having recently presented Fiction, conceived by Glen Neath and David Rosenberg, in Stage 3 at Newcastle’s Northern Stage, it will be returning there on 14 and 15 March with Rachael Ofori’s Portrait, described as a “frank, fun and provocative look at the trials and tribulations of modern life seen through the eyes of a young black woman.”
Before then it will present Inua Ellam’s An Evening with an Immigrant, a “ridiculous, fantastic, poignant immigrant story of escaping fundamentalist Islam” at Alphabetti Theatre on 7 and 8 March.
Founded in 2004 and led by Louise Blackwell and Kate McGrath, Fuel is a producing organisation, responding to ideas, to artists and to projects, making them happen as best it possibly can, providing whatever is needed for artists—from fundraising to moral support, tour-booking to being a sounding board for ideas, and from dramaturgy to photocopying.
Part of what makes it unique is its Social Theatre Networks, an ambitious plan for improving the way contemporary theatre tours the UK, making it a better experience for artists, audiences and venues. It involves building networks of local people on the ground (Local Engagement Specialists) who are passionate about the kind of work Fuel produces, who understand their local area and who are really good about talking to people about new theatre, especially to people who might not ordinarily take the risk and come to a performance. They want everyone to feel they can give a Fuel show a try, no matter the perceived barriers.
Fuel is currently building Social Theatre Networks in Newcastle / Gateshead, Preston, Wolverhampton, Reading and Margate but would like all of the work they tour to be supported by volunteers and Local Engagement Specialists in this way.
“We want to ensure exciting new theatre reaches as wide an audience as possible,” said Charlotte Hodkinson, Social Theatre Networks Project Manager, “and that one day it might become a social habit like going down the pub or going to the football.
“Part of this process,” she added, “is running theatre clubs after shows. Theatre clubs are like book clubs but for theatre. Each month, a different show is selected, watched and then the audience are invited to a discussion in the bar afterwards. The aim is to create a relaxed, friendly environment to talk about theatre, share opinions and meet new people. Anyone is welcome whether they loved or hated it; whether they want to talk or just want to listen.”
Small teams of volunteers run and promote the theatre clubs and form part of the Social Theatre Networks alongside the Local Engagement Specialists.
Newcastle / Gateshead LES Amy Mitchell has worked with Fuel before, developing an audience in local schools for The 14th Tale by Innua Ellams.
“I felt that the relationship I had with the schools and the personal touch and knowledge I had of the area were vital in getting this work in front of an audience of young people who wouldn’t normally see any theatre,” she said, “and the feedback from pupils and teachers was so positive that I wanted to continue this type of work with Fuel. We aim to support the excellent work that venues like Northern Stage and Alphabetti already do in reaching out to audiences.
“I feel confident recommending the work to groups and individuals because the quality of the work is always so high, and I just love talking about theatre!”
As well as offering Theatre Clubs at each of the venues, the work that Fuel is doing in Newcastle will include contacting groups that might not normally access new writing—for example, talking to a group of young writers about spoken word and the themes of Portrait, followed by bringing them to the venue to see the piece and write a review afterwards.
Groups and individuals who are interested in finding out more should contact Charlotte Hodkinson at [email protected]. Fuel is also looking for volunteers for Theatre Clubs in the Newcastle / Gateshead area.