If you could write a letter to Sunderland, what would you say? 

Unfolding Theatre was commissioned by The Cultural Spring to deliver Dear Sunderland, a storytelling project created in response to the public disorder that took place across the city in summer 2024. These events left some neighbourhoods feeling unsettled and divided, and this project aimed to create space for reflection, connection and understanding.  

Dear Sunderland invited people from across the city to take part by writing a letter to Sunderland. We asked; If you could say anything to this place; what would you share? Your words, memories, hopes, frustrations and moments of pride inspired a new performance. 

The performance of Dear Sunderland took place in March 2026 at Pop Recs, Sunderland and brought together spoken word and music to tell stories from across the city. From children to elders, from lifelong residents to new arrivals, Dear Sunderland brought people together to celebrate the remarkable stories and people that make up this place. As expected, there were surprising connections, differences of opinion, everything from pure joy to deep frustration (and that’s just the football) and lots of laughter. 

With thanks to the Young Musician Project’s Miley Wardle and Chloe for support.

Listen online now or simply click the image below.

Creative Team

Director
Annie Rigby

Co-Writers
Ray Hopkins, Annie Rigby & Midge Ryall

Musician
Ray Hopkins 

Story Collectors
Ray Hopkins, Joy Omotade & James Williams

Performers 
Maryam Ali & Steven Stobbs

with A Band Like This, Folasade Fasoyiro, Sara Fasoyiro and Kelechi Ejelonu-Victor

Producer 
Midge Ryall 

Letter Writers 
Thank you to everyone who wrote letters at CFO Sunderland, Sunderland MIND, Sunderland Student Union, Creative Sparks Culture Start Group in Sulgrave, Winnibell Family Hub, Space4 and Friends of the Drop-In at Houghton-le-Spring and everyone who sent a letter online.