Creative Achievements

This time of year amongst the festive cheer and get togethers, it's a time for reflection on the year that has just passed. We ponder our achievements, celebrate our successes, express our gratitude and look to see what we could do more of in the coming year.?

One of the moments I think I will remember for some time was actually a few weeks ago, when Norwich Theatre's co-production Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana headed into the London Southbank Centre. Since its premiere here in Norwich, has been touring around the country to sell out shows and fantastic reviews. The show has been a true beacon of creativity from our region, and the week's run at the London Southbank Centre is Norwich Theatre's flag, claiming that we are here and can produce some stunning and breathtaking art for the world to enjoy and that our region and venues are bursting with creativity.?

Closer to home, there are so many moments this year at Norwich Theatre that I am deeply proud of. Over 420,000 people have experienced the magic of live performance on our stages, with seat J29 in the stalls of Norwich Theatre Royal emerging as the most popular. Audiences have been captivated by dazzling spectacles like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Matthew Bourne's poignant interpretation of Edward Scissorhands.?

As well as West End transfers, we've presented inspiring and thought-provoking work, such as Marc Brew's Accident/a Life, a dance performance that pushed the boundaries of physical expression and left an indelible mark. We championed new musicals, including The Highwayman, Nel's Place, and the zombie musical Chosen. We brought the vibrant energy of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to Norwich Theatre Playhouse with three new musicals before they even went to the Fringe. We hosted performances in the Great Hospital and even created immersive séance like experiences in shipping containers outside The Forum with our Beyond stages.?

And knowing our audiences crave opera, we remained steadfast with our commitment to them and the genre through the co-production of La Tragédie de Carmen with Buxton International Festival.??

This year's Creative Matters season – Creative Matters: Kindness through Creativity – looked at how art and creativity could inspire change, build compassion, and create a fairer and kinder society. There was a programme of shows, talks, workshops and activities for all ages. The season culminated with the heartwarming musical Come From Away, inspiring our audiences to emulate the show's spirit of kindness. They donated a remarkable 1.3 tonnes of food – enough to provide approximately 150 food parcels for three days, or the equivalent of ￡3200 in donations, according to The Trussell Trust.?

Away from the stage, over 2200 individuals booked on to our Take Part programmes, from everything from babies in our Sing Dance Play sessions through to adults with dementia in our Theatre Cares sessions and everyone in between. In a recent survey of participants, almost all said that taking part in an activity with us boosted their wellbeing and confidence.??

Our practitioners have worked with 60 schools across the region and 130 teachers. We also hosted nearly 40 workshops with renowned companies like New Adventures, S?o Paulo Dance Company, Northern Ballet, and Thick and Tight, offering aspiring artists a unique glimpse into the world of professional theatre.??

This commitment to community engagement was recognised with the prestigious EDP Norfolk Business Award for Positive Impact in the Community, which recognised the vision of creating accessible and enriching creative experiences for all.?

As I look back on 2024, I am filled with immense pride. It has been a busy but exciting year, filled with creativity, joy and stunning performances. I wonder what 2025 will bring. I cannot wait.?

Happy New Year everyone!?