A freshly-baked opportunity for Newcastle theatre makers
A new theatre night is coming to Gosforth Civic Theatre this June, offering Newcastle’s creative community a chance to share bold ideas at an early stage—and be met with support, not scrutiny.
Homebake, launching on June 5, is the work of local theatre maker and creative facilitator Lindsay Nicholson. Designed to support the development of unfinished or experimental performance work, the event promises “a lively, nurturing night where you can come and share work without expectation and ask questions about anything you are not sure of.”
For Lindsay, the inspiration came from a long-standing desire to create space for development outside the high-pressure demands of full productions or funding applications.
“For years I have been wanting to put on a new writing night that could really help people develop ideas and unfinished work in the professional setting of a working theatre with tech support,” she says. “Making work can be a really lonely experience if you are not backed by creative producers or a house that is giving you resources.”
Homebake builds on the legacy of Northern Stage’s First in Three scratch nights. Lindsay recalls her own student experience there: “That event was great for me as a student to perform to a live audience in a recognised theatre and not having to have a fully developed play.”
The new night at Gosforth Civic Theatre is open to all - from students and recent graduates to established artists looking to trial fresh material. “It’s a space for anyone to develop or work out ideas for stage,” says Lindsay. “I’ve been careful to not give Homebake too much of an identity so that it appeals to all.”
Crucially, it’s submission-based - not application-based. “Artists spend so much time filling in lengthy applications that often result in a quick and cold rejection,” she explains. “We’re often operating in a scarcity mindset which can make things feel competitive. I’m committed to Homebake existing away from all that and untouched by any gatekeeping. You have an idea? Let’s do it.”
The night will also provide tangible support. “We can pair playwrights with performers or even stand in and read for you, we offer the tech support and the vehicle for the written feedback from the audience,” Lindsay says.
“The audience is the magic ingredient of this event as they will be invited to help artists navigate through those sticky and unsure points that often come with making work.”
Long term, Lindsay sees Homebake as “a place for people to scratch, ask questions and develop... the people and ideas that often venues and producers won’t take a risk on. Often the best work happens in the fringes - in that regard Homebake will be the brave space for that.”
Homebake debuts at Gosforth Civic Theatre on June 5 from 7–9pm. Tickets (£10) are available via the GCT website or on the door. Artists can make submissions via homebakelive@gmail.com