Announcing my latest writing/directing commission. Sundae Opening is a short pop-up piece of theatre examining the phenomenon of Tuppenny Libraries and their effect on the Sheffield’s reading experience.

There’s a new kid on the block! It’s 1933 and Tuppenny libraries are popping up all over Britain, much to the alarm of civic and subscription-based lenders, such as Boots Libraries. For tuppence you can borrow a book from a newsagent, a tobacconist or even your local ice cream parlour. Does this herald a worrying dumbing-down of our reading habits or a brave new era of literary democratisation?

Sundae opening will be performed in Libraries around Sheffield in June. The piece is part of the Reading Sheffield project and is funded by Sheffield Hallam University’s Arts and Humanities Research Council.

 

Announcing my latest exciting writing/directing project for Peel Interactive. Nobody wins is a virtual reality film and live drama project aimed at encouraging vulnerable young people in South Yorkshire to avoid criminal and sexual exploitation. The project is a joint venture between NESTA,  Doncaster Youth Services Trust and South Yorkshire Police. It’s basically a Yorkshire Top Boy in 3D!

I’m very excited to announce that in April 2019 I will be directing an adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya for Tales Retold, at The Hope Theatre in Islington. More news to follow.

I’m very privileged to have been chosen as Making Room Observer Director for Sheffield Theatres’ production of Kiss Me, Kate, directed by Paul Foster. Just entering week 3, and what a fascinating insight into how it all comes together.

What a weekend!! The premiere of Paradise Road at Sheffield Library Theatre was a roaring success. Brilliant performances, great audiences and a truly exciting beginning. Watch this space!

The Cast of Paradise Road – Edd Bower, Suzanne Celensu, Cassie Hodges and DK Ugonna with Writer/Director James Stone and Stage Manager Jessica Binfield – during rehearsals at Yellow Arch Studios, Sheffield.

Support the premier professional production of this exciting new play. Watch the campaign video and follow the link to our Indiegogo Page.

Tales Retold’s Cassie Hodges and James Stone visit High Storrs School, Sheffield (James’ alma mater) to chat to Y11 and Y12 Performing Arts students about the casting and auditioning processes. Three of the students later observed the Sheffield auditions and even got the chance to read – impressive stuff too!

The hope is that High Storrs students will attend rehearsals and follow the process from casting to performance.

Buy your tickets here.