Lawrence Batley Theatre Storytellers ThickSkin have achieved competitive grant from New Play Commission Scheme
Lawrence Batley Theatre’s Storytellers ThickSkin have been awarded grant from Writers Guild of Great Britain’s New Play Commission Scheme following competitive application process.
Lawrence Batley Theatre and ThickSkin, have today announced that their latest new play is the recipient of illustrious New Play Commission Scheme. The new play will be written by Billie Collins and produced by bold and ambitious physical theatre company ThickSkin.
Since 2019, Lawrence Batley Theatre have worked in partnership with Manchester’s ThickSkin to explore why we tell stories, how we can reimagine this artform, and what impact those stories can have today. As one of the theatre’s partner Storytelling companies, they create completely new plays for audiences, support new talent and stage world class performances right in the centre of Huddersfield.
Becky Atkinson, Chief Executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre, said, “We are so pleased to be able to continue to work with ThickSkin as one of the theatre’s Storyteller companies. They are an innovative and exciting company with incredible creatives and a real passion for nurturing emerging talent. ThickSkin are so well deserving of this prestigious award. We look forward to welcoming them back to the theatre with this new show.”
Neil Bettles,Artistic Director of ThickSkin, said, “For me it is crucial that we make space for new talent and provide a nurturing environment that allows people to thrive. We will always push for the highest quality, and I firmly believe that developing new talent means setting a high bar whilst also maintaining a supportive and collaborative working environment where people can learn and grow. We can’t wait to explore this new project with Billie.”
Billie Collins said, “I’m buzzing to be working with ThickSkin on this new commission. As an emerging writer, it’s no small thing to be given the space to experiment and take creative risks – and I can’t wait to co-create something totally new with a company whose work is consistently ambitious, bold and innovative.”