10 free, outdoor events to get us Out on the Toon

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, local theatre and performing arts stalwart Northern Stage is inviting us all to get back Out on the Toon this summer – with a series of free outdoor events aiming to reconnect artists and audiences in their local neighbourhoods throughout June.

‘At Northern Stage, we’re nothing without independent artists and makers,’ says Northern Stage Artistic Director, Natalie Ibu. ‘So they’re at the heart of our programme as we go Out on the Toon to meet audiences where they are, as many of us step out of our bubbles back into public life.

Following an open call, 10 North East theatre makers have been selected to create work in nine of the region’s 12 local authorities – breathing new life into the places and spaces that have been the backdrop to their lockdown, celebrating the diversity of our region and bringing communities together.

‘We were bowled over by the response to the open call,’ admits Independent Producer Michael Barrass, who led the artist call out and selection process for the Neighbourhood programme. ‘There were so many brilliant ideas, it was difficult to whittle it down to just 10. We were really impressed by the range and the quality of the applications and we’re excited to see what these North East theatre makers create for audiences to experience in their local neighbourhoods this summer, right across the region.’

In North Tyneside, Rachel Stockdale performs an intimate piece of theatre created in response to her favourite pastime of FaceTiming in the bath. Directed by Jake Smith, Tub Time: Unplugged, is an ode to the nation’s favourite lockdown pastimes and a look to the future.

In the residential streets of Heaton in Newcastle, What’s That Dance co-creators Megan Brown and Jenny Chrisp will lead a dance performance for local women of all ages to take part in, to highlight inequality and celebrate the strength and resilience women have shown throughout the pandemic.

Back in Newcastle, Georgina Lance will perform Black Femme Priority – exploring how movement can be used for healing and liberation, inspired by her own experience during lockdown and the Black Lives Matter protests.

In Stockton, award-winning actor Scott Turnbull will perform Chewin’ on a Brick – a series of semi-autobiographical short stories, handmade animations and loving anecdotes about growing up in Stockton on Tees in the style of a guided tour, with moments of magic realism and dark humour.

Children aged 3–5 years (and their grown-ups) will help Orville the anxious owl take his first flight on a family story trail around Bill Quay Farm in Gateshead – written by children’s playwright Danielle Slade, performed by Charlotte Ryder with puppets by Georgia Hill.