Public Record, developed in collaboration with Sunderland Culture and Sunderland Empire, will be performed at The Fire Station in April.
The production is part of the National Theatre’s Public Acts programme, a nationwide initiative creating ‘extraordinary acts of theatre and community’.
The programme produced five episodes of The Odyssey last year, culminating in an epic finale at the National Theatre’s Olivier stage in August.The Odyssey Alumni community members (Image: Mark Savage Photograpy)
Sunderland-based Cheryl Francis, who had her stage debut in The Odyssey, said: “I got so much out of the experience, and being relatively new to the area, it was a great way to meet new people and form friendships.”
Like Cheryl, Colin Greasley, who moved to Sunderland in 2021, said: “The Odyssey was an incredible experience, one that I’ll never forget.
“It quite literally transformed me – I came to Sunderland by myself, but through the show made plenty of new friends.”
Four community groups, including The Odyssey Alumni Group, have been participating in weekly creative workshops with theatre-makers from Sunderland Culture and the Empire since the summer.
Other participating groups are Back on the Map, Connect Company, and Sunderland Nigerian Families Group.
The show, a celebration of Sunderland, will transform The Fire Station into a recording studio to create a new album about the city.
Anthony Hope, senior creative learning manager at Sunderland Empire, said: “It’s been wonderful to reunite with so many individuals who were part of our last Public Acts programme.
“Our alumni have become passionate advocates, welcoming new participants, sharing their personal stories of growth and resilience, and inspiring others to take the leap to get involved.”
Tickets for Public Record are now on sale at www.thefirestation.org.uk.