In 2025, we launched Stage the City; a two-year community project funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, working across Bulwell, Sneinton and The Meadows in Nottingham.
The project brings people together through free drama workshops led by Nonsuch Studios and professional theatre directors, supporting communities to create performances inspired by local stories.
In Sneinton, weekly sessions at the Greenway Centre brought together a group of young people (aged 8–13), working with Associate Artist Laura Ryder to explore storytelling, teamwork and creative play. After five weeks, that work became Sneinton Light Adventure; the first co-created performance from the project, presented as part of Nottingham Light Night.
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The process started with a single question: “What do we like about where we live?”
Ideas came quickly, swings near people’s homes, school dinners (with chicken nuggets strongly defended), the “spooky” graveyard, and the familiar paths of Colwick Woods. Drawings and conversations built a shared picture of place, which became the foundation of the piece.
That early work evolved into the map at the centre of the performance, shaped by the group’s own experiences of Sneinton.
Over the following weeks, the group worked together to bring it to life, combining movement, sound and storytelling.
Working in smaller groups, they explored physical ways of telling the story, supported by gymnastics coach Raynor Shaw-Melville. Recorded voice and music became part of the structure too, with each participant contributing to the soundtrack.
Everything came together quickly, choreography, sound, costumes and light. The original map was reimagined through torches and glowing props, guiding the audience through the journey.
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By the time Nottingham Light Night arrived, the piece was ready!
After a final rehearsal, the group headed to Broadway Cinema. There was a bit of nerves, lots of excitement, and most importantly, a strict rule about keeping orange Wotsits away from white costumes.
Two performances followed, each building in confidence. Audiences gathered, the story unfolded, and the response grew as the group danced, smiled and performed brilliantly with a bow to a crowd of 107 cheering supporters for the first performance.
Show Two? Even bigger. 134 people watched and with the confidence of their first performance under their belt they finished on a high with even bigger cheers from the crowd.
Rosemary Fearon, Greenway Centre Manager of the event reflected:
‘’On behalf of everyone at Greenway, I'd like to thank everyone at Nonsuch for giving our Greenway family the opportunity to take part in this celebration. I'm immensely proud of all the performers and staff, it's times like these that remind me why I continue to fundraise. Love my job!’’
Laura Ryder, Theatre Director and Associate Artist said:
"It was such a great opportunity to share and do something for the community, performing at Night Light was something I used to do growing up, so seeing the kids going up, performing and having the same joy I had growing up was really exciting!
Just seeing the children come out of their shells and gain confidence is just the highlight of this whole experience."
The whole experience encompassed exactly what Stage the City is about; creating space for local stories to lead, and for people to come together to make something that feels true to where they are.
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Workshops in Sneinton are starting up again, with sessions open to anyone aged 8 - 13 who’s curious, creative, and keen to get involved.
The Theatre Making Club runs every Wednesday, 4:30 - 6pm at the Greenway Centre. It’s a fun, welcoming space to explore performance, build confidence, and create work together. This phase will lead towards a new performance for Sneinton Festival on 4th July.
If that sounds like something your young person would enjoy, come along and join the Sneinton Sessions.
But it doesn’t stop there!
As part of Stage the City, we’re also looking to work with local community and resident groups across Sneinton. If you’re part of a group, or know one that might be interested in developing a project like this, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Caroline on caroline@nonsuchstudios.co.uk to find out more about how to take part.
And it’s not just for young people, there will be opportunities for adults to get involved too!
Images of Sneiton Drama Club by Lamar Francois.
