Festival aims to unearth and nurture bold new North East voices
Having launched earlier this week (May 20), Unearthed Festival at Newcastle’s Live Theatre is already setting its stall out as an important platform for fresh voices and bold storytelling.
And with more than a week of activity still to come, audiences still have lots of chances to experience new work that could well be destined for bigger things.
Replacing the long-running Elevator Festival, Unearthed has emerged as the next chapter in Live Theatre’s artist development work – with a sharper focus on regional voices and a renewed commitment to supporting creatives over the long term.
“We weren’t sure whether the old model best served the artists,” explains John Dawson, Live’s artistic development producer. “We’ve moved away from a one-size-fits-all approach to something more bespoke – where we can look at what each piece needs to grow.”
And growth is very much the theme of Unearthed’s 11-day programme, which began on Tuesday with a performance of James Akka’s Sorry I Broke Your Arms and Legs.
Audiences have also enjoyed an online Q&A with Oscar-winning writer Tarell Alvin McCraney and a showcase from the inaugural North East Playwriting Award - namely A Moving Still by Connor Dorian, winner of Young Award and a curtain raiser from runner up Pauline Trotry.
Tonight (Friday, May 23) sees a writing workshop from acclaimed playwright, Alistair McDowall at 5pm as well as Fail Friday which in encouraging creatives to gather and nurture their most ambitious and daring ideas.
The championing of homegrown talent continues and is well illustrated in tonight’s Double Bill.
First up is A Minor Theft by Beth Mullen, a North East writer-performer whose show began life as a 10-minute piece developed through Live’s own Live Writes programme. Just over a year later, it’s now a 50-minute solo play that’s heading to the Edinburgh Fringe after its Unearthed performance.
“Beth’s piece is a perfect example of what we’re trying to do here,” says John. “It’s a show we believed in, developed, and helped to grow into something bigger – and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.”
Also on the bill is Post Traumatic Slay Disorder by Lois Amber Toole. Originally developed in London and nominated for an Offie (Off West End Theatre Award), the show (which may also be seen on TV screens at some point) sees Lois – a writer with North East roots – return home to share her funny, heartfelt solo performance with local audiences.
“These are two brilliant, female-led pieces that are different in tone but equally powerful,” says John. “We’ve paired them together to give audiences a really exciting night of new writing – and for both Beth and Lois, it’s a proper homecoming.”
What sets Unearthed apart isn’t just the work – it’s the clarity of purpose behind it. The majority of the programme features artists who are already connected to Live Theatre through its development schemes. Many have progressed from writing courses, scratch nights and playwriting awards.
“We want people to see a pathway,” John explains. “You might start with a ten-minute piece - and if the spark’s there, we’ll help you develop it further. That journey matters to us. And it matters to the region.”
In addition to full-length shows, Unearthed features scratch nights, script readings, and creative socials designed to bring artists together in a spirit of collaboration rather than competition. These informal gatherings – from industry panels to parent-friendly events – have been praised as a breath of fresh air in a field that can often feel isolating.
“Theatre is collaborative by nature,” says John. “But too often, writers and artists work in silos. Unearthed is about breaking those silos down. These socials aren’t just ‘networking’ – they’re spaces where actors, writers, producers and directors can meet on an equal footing. It’s about community as much as career.”
Looking ahead, the festival continues with a packed line-up including Something to Take Off the Edge tomorrow night (Saturday); sketch troupe Metroland Comedy and A Play for Breakfast (both May 27 - but at different times) and Parents Who Create (May 28).
The final days of the festival will see a run of Tees Valley Artist of the Year Scott Turnbull’s Unexpected Item in the Bagging Area (May 29-31) and the second Scratch Night (May 31) bringing the curtain down.
And while this is only Unearthed’s first year, there’s a clear sense that something lasting has begun.
“This festival is about more than performances,” says John. “It’s about growth, risk, and connection. It’s about creating space for artists to take chances, find their people, and feel seen.
“Stories have the power to shake things loose, to build empathy, challenge assumptions, and demand change. We’re not here for safe theatre. We’re here for theatre that rattles cages, whether with a quiet defiance or the fury of generations.
“Real change begins when those who have lived overlooked or forgotten gain permission to lead the narrative. Unearthed and the voices within are where we hope these brave narratives begin.”
Unearthed Festival runs until Saturday, May 31 at Live Theatre, Newcastle. Tickets and full programme details available at live.org.uk.