What does local theatre mean to Sunderland, and what is needed to help it thrive?

In this introductory episode, Dr Adelle Hulsmeier, Associate Professor for Partnerships and Participatory Practice at the University of Sunderland, and Dr Kay Hepplewhite, Research Associate, introduce Mapping Local Theatres and the wider AHRC-funded research project, Local Theatres: Participation, Inclusion, Imagination.

The project explores Sunderland's changing theatre landscape, examining the role theatre plays in community life, participation and inclusion, and the opportunities available to local artists, practitioners and audiences.

Drawing on research undertaken across the city during 2024 and 2025, Adelle and Kay explain why understanding and supporting local theatre matters, particularly in a city experiencing cultural and economic transition. They introduce the people and organisations featured throughout the series, from independent theatre companies and community arts organisations to established venues and cultural leaders.

Across the conversations, the series explores the strengths of Sunderland's theatre scene, the challenges facing its artists, participants, organisations and venues, and what needs to happen to create a thriving and sustainable local theatre ecology.

About the project

Local Theatres: Participation, Inclusion, Imagination is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Read the transcript: Full transcript of this episode

Find out more: localtheatres.wordpress.com