Theatre puts plays, readings and education packs on line - here's what's happening

On the week commencing Monday 6 April they will begin releasing a stream of engaging and accessible content, all of which can be found on their new page: here Hull Truck Theatre are passionate about the positive and transformative power of theatre and believe that having the opportunity to take part in creative activities is good for everyone’s well-being, outlook and self-esteem.

The team have prepared activities to help with home schooling, opportunities for all ages to learn and develop writing skills and they’ll be streaming some of their past shows to be enjoyed from the comfort of your sofa. Hull Truck Theatre hope that taking part in them will help participants to feel creative, connected and part of our online community hub.

A Play A Day – Play-reading activity for all ages

Every weekday between Monday April 6– Friday April 24 at 10am, a short play will be released, written by some of Hull’s amazing local playwrights. The plays were commissioned by Hull Truck Theatre for various projects over recent years and they’re delighted to be able share these with a wider audience.

Participants can read these plays on their own, out loud with the people in their household or with friends by phone or a video conferencing platform. Each play will come with some notes to help the reader, so even if they’ve never read a play before, they should be able to enjoy it as much as a theatre professional.

First up will be a play by local writer Lydia Marchant, 2009, originally written as part of our youth theatre project, TEN, and performed in March 2019 by 55 members of Hull Truck Theatre’s Young Company. TEN celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Hull Truck Theatre moving to Ferensway and featured 10 ten-minute plays, each based on a year in the decade 2009-2019. The next four plays lined up were also part of TEN; Kidnapping Nick by Ellen Brammar, 2011 by Lydia Marchant, 2012 by Josh Overton and 2013 by Lydia Marchant.

Writing Workout with Tom Saunders – Daily tasks for writers of all ages and abilities

New writing is a core part of Hull Truck Theatre’s artistic programme, they work with writers at any stage of their career and regularly stage or present world premieres, new adaptations and cutting-edge new writing from around the country.  

Beginning on Monday April 6, Hull Truck Theatre’s associate director, Tom Saunders, will post a daily blog with a writing activity for people to complete at home. Writers of any age will be encouraged to complete the task, and, if they wish, can share footage of themselves reading their work on social media.

Three-Minute Theatre

For everyone who still needs their fix of great theatre, Hull Truck Theatre are asking some of their talented associate artists to record a short monologue from a play of their choice, which they’ll then share across their online channels. Nicola Stephenson, from the cast of TWO and local writer and performer Hester Ullyart have already shared their monologues and can be found on the Hull Truck Theatre at Home page or the Hull Truck Theatre YouTube channel here

Education Resource Packs

Hull Truck Theatre have made all their Education Resource Packs from previous productions available to be downloaded online for use by teachers and home-schooling families. Packs from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Treasure Island, Oliver Twist, Peter Pan and TWO are available hereThese packs include plot synopsis, character breakdown, information about authors, and classroom activities to inspire teachers or home-schooling families.

Screening past productions

Hull Truck Theatre are digging through their archives and are excited to share recordings of some of their favourite shows over the years.

First up will be a screening of Paragon Dreams from last year, written and performed by Hull artist Hester Ullyart, directed by Mark Babych. This tense thriller about a woman returning to Hull to face the ghosts of her past was a hit with audiences and the media.

Mark Babych. artistic director of Hull Truck Theatre, said: “In this time of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel alone. As a theatre family we are stronger together, with Hull Truck Theatre at Home we are hoping to reach out to our local communities – while still complying with social distancing.

"Even though our doors may be closed, we hope to continue inspiring people to enjoy the arts from their own home whilst also connecting with each other. Whether people are hosting their own online viewing parties or using video calls to go through the exercises together, we hope to start a conversation and help us all feel a lot better in these times. Stay well, stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.”