Wanted: groups, writers, actors and all interested in grassroots theatre for “Workers Playtime”, an exciting new grassroots theatre opportunity culminating in 3 nights of performance at Hope Street Theatre.

Much has been made recently of the lack of Working Class “voice” in today’s theatre. In the 1920s and 30s, however, all over Britain, working-class theatre groups sprang up, under the umbrella of the Workers Theatre Movement. They were dedicated to taking theatre to the people. Great names such as Ewan McColl and Joan Littlewood cut their theatrical teeth in them and the movement eventually spawned the Unity Theatre movement and later inspired more modern groups such as 7:84.

Now, a new project celebrating the work of the Workers Theatre Movement and its influence and techniques will be starting in Liverpool in the Spring/Summer of 2025 culminating in 3 nights of performance at Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool, in June.

Valley Community Theatre, who are running the project, are looking for groups and individuals who would like to be involved.

What will the project consist of?

• A series of practical drama workshops looking at the techniques and styles of theatre created and used by the Workers Theatre Movement.
• Arising from the workshops, a modern “Living Newspaper” will be devised, scripted and performed at the 3 night show at Hope Street Theatre in June 2025. Outside groups as well as individual writers will be encouraged to submit items for the finished “Newspaper”.
• Longer pieces of drama, inspired by the styles and techniques and history of the Workers Theatre Movement, will be invited and considered for performance at the final show at Hope Street Theatre.

If you would be interested in acting in, or writing for, or just participating in the above project or would just like more details of how you or your group could contribute, send an email to info@valleytheatre.co.uk, headed Workers Theatre Movement Play Project and we’ll be in touch.

The Valley Theatre Team

Supported by Unity Theatre Trust and the Barry Amiel and Norman Melbourne Trust