Imagine you’re 18... What does your world look like? What kind of city do you want to live in?
Children taking centre stage. Stories that demand change.
In 2024 we were invited by Newcastle City Council to perform at Newcastle Marmot City Conference - a day focused on tackling health inequalities and building a fairer future for everyone in the city. The conference was held in the Banqueting Suite at Newcastle Civic Centre on Wednesday 26th February 2025.
Our performance, Serving Up, brought together children and young people from across our three city-based programmes:
In workshops, we asked our young participants to fast-forward to age 18 and imagine what their lives and their city might look like. Their responses were fearlessly honest, touching on everything from sustainability and equality to safer neighbourhoods and an end to poverty.
From imagining futures filled with fairness and opportunity, to standing up for the right to be heard, Serving Up became a space where young people could share their dreams and expectations with conference attendees – leaders and change-makers from across the North East of England.
Together, the young people from our groups then set out to deliver an outstanding version of Free School Meals — our 2021 production inspired by Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child food poverty.
Over 300 adults watched as these remarkable children took to the stage — sharing their stories, their hopes for the future, and their vision for a city where every child can grow up supported, heard, and able to thrive.
Creative Team
Director
Annie Rigby
Performers
Kay Greyson, Alex Elliott and Abigail Lawson and children from our youth theatres
Producer
Midge Ryall
Videography
Von Fox Promotions
Partnerships & Marketing
Victoria Sanderson