Our Impact
The Unfolding Theatre mission is to bring surprising combinations of people together to make remarkable theatre for public audiences. Inclusive, community-based creative processes engage people from diverse backgrounds to co-create professional theatre that tours to community and arts venues across the UK.
We are proud that our projects have had a positive, sometimes profound, impact on audiences, artists and those who take part.
Since becoming an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations (NPO) in 2018, we have:
Delighted in bringing together audiences of 73,823 people to enjoy our big-hearted theatre performances and creative workshops. With a further 94,995 people engaging as digital audiences.
Delivered 1,166 community based workshops to 10,574 people of all ages and backgrounds across the North East and beyond.
Inspired 6,285 children and young people through our work with 42 schools, colleges and universities.
Supported the creative economy and utilised the skills and expertise of 190 creative freelancers.
Nurtured and developed the talent of 71 young people through internships, volunteering and mentoring opportunities.
Awards and Accolades:
North East Charity Awards Finalist: Uniquely North East 2026
North East Charity Awards Finalist: Small Charity of the Year 2025
North East Culture Awards: Performance of the Year 2023
North East Culture Awards: Arts & Business Partnership 2019
North East Culture Awards: Performance of the Year 2017
NCCPE Engaging Young People Award 2014
North East Culture Awards: Performance of the Year 2010
Want to support our work?
You can make a donation and help us to engage and reach even more people from diverse backgrounds across the UK.
“Since joining Right Now People with Unfolding Theatre, I have been far more interested in theatre.”
A Street Like This is a new production from Unfolding Theatre about the unexpected friendships that arise when something unforeseen happens, changing the way people define themselves forever.
Set – and created - in Sunderland, A Street Like This explores what unifies people in a city, where division exists, and what keeps people apart. What change could happen in a city like Sunderland that reminds us we’ve got more in common than divides us?
Alex wearing an apron throws flour in the air, raining down over Luca with her arms open.
Celebrating Age aims to promote a positive image of ageing; challenging outdated negative preconceptions, and actively engage older people in their local communities. Together we answer and explore the question; “what would an age-friendly world look like to you”?
A series of creative summer workshops for deaf children and young people that explore creative writing, acting, lighting and backstage skills.
