Funding brings new musical a step closer
Novo Theatre celebrates “vital” grant
Novo Theatre (November Club until its rebrand this year) has welcomed a £20,000 funding boost from the Garfield Weston Foundation.
The money will enable the Alnwick-based company to proceed with creative projects and help to cover core costs.
Joe Hufton, Novo Theatre’s chief executive and artistic director, was “delighted” to receive the “vital” funding.
“We know that arts and culture can have a huge, meaningful impact on lives, whether through improving mental health, decreasing loneliness or providing disadvantaged people with access to fantastic arts experiences and opportunities,” he said.
“This will help us inspire the next generation of theatre makers and provide valuable career development opportunities right here in the North East.”
In particular the money will help Novo Theatre to bring new musical Josey, telling of the life of Northumberland-born social reformer Josephine Butler, to the stage.
Joe and musician Katie Doherty, writer and composer of the musical, have formed a company called Indignant Arts to co-produce the show for which a premiere at Northern Stage followed by a national tour are envisaged.
Money will also be invested in Home From Home, a project involving five local schools and heritage organisations, and Novo Theatre’s talent development programme, Novo Talent.