Theatre marks WWII anniversary with inclusive celebration of freedom
80 years after the end of the Second World War - and at a moment when Britain feels increasingly fractured - Gosforth Civic Theatre is showcasing an exploration of freedom and positive national pride
A North East theatre will mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War with its most ambitious production yet - a large-scale celebration of “freedom, unity and inclusive national pride”.
Gosforth Civic Theatre (GCT) is taking part in Future Arts Centres’ nationwide project, Our Freedom - Then & Now, joining 60 arts venues across the UK in November for what is billed as the largest collaborative performance of its kind.
Two performances will take place at the venue on November 28, serving as its annual platform showcasing new work by performers with learning disabilities and autism.
GCT - the only arts venue in the UK founded and guided by people with learning disabilities - will welcome matinee and evening audiences to a full-length production featuring more than 60 performers.
The show weaves together six original pieces of theatre and dance, all connected by a narrative exploring freedom and positive national pride. The production will also feature live music from musician Kari McLeod and performances from community choir Sing United.
The creative team say the work will delve into what it means to be free in modern Britain, and how an inclusive sense of pride in the UK can help build bridges at a time of political and social division.
Helen Kumar, community engagement manager at GCT, said: “Gosforth Civic Theatre has always been driven by an ambition to create an inclusive theatre that brings people together.
“Freedom Moving - Then & Now is a brilliant way for us to celebrate our heritage and place in the community as part of a national programme, while also championing the incredible creative talent we have here.”
GCT is also the only Newcastle venue taking part in the national programme and its participation carries particular resonance: the building was constructed as a war memorial to honour local service members who died in WWII, replacing the former Gosforth Central Hall.
Organisers say this historic legacy makes it a fitting place to host a show reflecting on the past while asking urgent questions about the present.
Future Arts Centres, which is coordinating the national collaboration, said: “In a time when headlines seem to focus on division, when communities feel pulled in different directions by social, political and economic tensions, the idea of freedom can feel both urgent and contested.
“What does it mean to be free, together? Who gets to define freedom? And how do we ensure it belongs to everyone, not just some?
“Through Our Freedom, we are working with arts centres, libraries and local people across the UK to ask those questions - to open spaces where stories can be heard and reflections shared.
“Because the arts, in all their complexity, offer more than escape: they offer connection, hope and possibility.”
Freedom Moving – Then & Now will be performed at Gosforth Civic Theatre at 2pm and 7pm on November 28. More information and tickets are available at gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk