STOKE-ON-TRENT AND NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE THEATRE TRUST LIMITED Sir Brian Fender (Chair) Colin BarcroftBryan Carnes MBERosy CrehanCllr Terence FollowsMichael HoltSusan HoneyandsDr Iona JonesCllr Ian ParryJonathan Shepherd Cllr Michael StubbsSara Williams

(Trustees as at 1 September 2014)

NEW VIC THEATRE PROJECTS LTDPaul Powner (Chair)Jacqueline CirilloAlbert Cooper (Secretary) Howard Wraight

VICTORIA THEATRE (NEW THEATRE) LTDGillian Laver (Chair)Bryan Carnes MBEPatricia CallaghanAlbert Cooper (Secretary) Alan CuellSir Brian FenderJohn SambrookTerry Walsh

ANNUAL REVIEW

2013-2014REACHING OUT

Registered Charity Number: 253242 Company Registration Number: 911924Registered Office: New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0JGTel: 01782 717954 www.newvictheatre.org.uk

The New Vic Theatre operates thanks to a unique partnership between Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council

The New Vic gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous support:

£11.8150,00011%

Growth in audience numbers

Million impact on the local economy

Visits to the building

150,000Visits to the building Reaching out

nationally and internationally

The New Vic is the producing theatre for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Our mission is tomake excellent theatre-in-the-round and to be a force for positive change in our region.

This review presents highlights of our work in 2013/14. From professional shows to life-changing projects with the widest range of communities, the focus of our work was local; but there was national and, increasingly, international interest in our productions and in learning from our practice.

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

MADE IN STAFFORDSHIRE

OUR PRODUCTIONS

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITy

NATIONAL THEATRE STUDIO

RSC LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE NETWORK

ACTION RESEARCH

APPETITE

PARTNERS IN FUNDRAISING

OUR NUMBERS

yEAR AT A GLANCE

£11.8 million

11%Growth in audience numbers

Value to local economy

2 newvictheatre.org.uk

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

Around The World in Eighty Days in April,

helped us to reach out to new producing partners.

150,000Visits to the building Reaching out

nationally and internationally

The New Vic is the producing theatre for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Our mission is tomake excellent theatre-in-the-round and to be a force for positive change in our region.

This review presents highlights of our work in 2013/14. From professional shows to life-changing projects with the widest range of communities, the focus of our work was local; but there was national and, increasingly, international interest in our productions and in learning from our practice.

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

MADE IN STAFFORDSHIRE

OUR PRODUCTIONS

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITy

NATIONAL THEATRE STUDIO

RSC LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE NETWORK

ACTION RESEARCH

APPETITE

PARTNERS IN FUNDRAISING

OUR NUMBERS

yEAR AT A GLANCE

£11.8 million

11%Growth in audience numbers

Value to local economy

2 newvictheatre.org.uk

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

Around The World in Eighty Days in April,

helped us to reach out to new producing partners.

chaiRMan’S intRoDuction

It is a pleasure to write this introduction to our Annual Review. The following pages are astory of success cementing the three major activities of the Theatre: excellent productionsin the main auditorium; through New Vic Borderlines, helping young people address difficultissues in their lives by acting out their stories; innovative education initiatives and researchcontributions.

there is also an extra dimension: the contribution of the new Vic to the reputation of newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-trent and Staffordshire. Localities need highlights to fosterlocal pride and help draw people to the area. We are proud that the national recognition and international engagement of the theatre contributes to this role.

the ingredients for success? it is the interplay of individual talent and team effort. the new Vicis brilliantly led by theresa heskins in matters artistic; our executive Director, Fiona Wallace, ensures that our business meets similarly demanding standards.

they are a formidable duo, but i and my fellow trustees see leadership in many aspects of thetheatre's life. Permanent and freelance staff work together to make a theatre whose definingcharacteristic is the warm welcome it gives to everyone. the new Vic and its supporters are afamily.

the new Vic today needs multiple sources of income in addition to ticket sales. the supportof local authorities (newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-trent), business sponsors, Patrons and generous individual donors is absolutely vital.

our most important funder is arts council england (ace). its contribution is now less thanone third of our annual income but its support is critical. it provides core funding and also setstargets and reviews our overall performance. We have also benefited from imaginative initiatives to support audiences, help fundraising and provide capital support for sustainability.not least, our creative People and Places initiative ‘appetite’ which is raising awareness of thearts in Stoke-on-trent. our principal contact with ace is Michael addison and we are particularly grateful for his facilitating role.

My final thanks go to our volunteers who, as well as providing valuable help, link us to the community. of the trustees i thank in particular Bob Bell for his wise counsel during his nowcompleted term of office and welcome to the Board Susan honeyands.

Sir Brian FenderChair of TrusteesSeptember 2014

25611,47298%

Of our audience rate the New Vic ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ for quality

People worked at the New Vic during the year

Volunteer hours were contributed

4 newvictheatre.org.uk

Behind the scenes at our Open Day.

Over 2,000 people learnedmore about the specialist skills

of theatre staff

chaiRMan’S intRoDuction

It is a pleasure to write this introduction to our Annual Review. The following pages are astory of success cementing the three major activities of the Theatre: excellent productionsin the main auditorium; through New Vic Borderlines, helping young people address difficultissues in their lives by acting out their stories; innovative education initiatives and researchcontributions.

there is also an extra dimension: the contribution of the new Vic to the reputation of newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-trent and Staffordshire. Localities need highlights to fosterlocal pride and help draw people to the area. We are proud that the national recognition and international engagement of the theatre contributes to this role.

the ingredients for success? it is the interplay of individual talent and team effort. the new Vicis brilliantly led by theresa heskins in matters artistic; our executive Director, Fiona Wallace, ensures that our business meets similarly demanding standards.

they are a formidable duo, but i and my fellow trustees see leadership in many aspects of thetheatre's life. Permanent and freelance staff work together to make a theatre whose definingcharacteristic is the warm welcome it gives to everyone. the new Vic and its supporters are afamily.

the new Vic today needs multiple sources of income in addition to ticket sales. the supportof local authorities (newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-trent), business sponsors, Patrons and generous individual donors is absolutely vital.

our most important funder is arts council england (ace). its contribution is now less thanone third of our annual income but its support is critical. it provides core funding and also setstargets and reviews our overall performance. We have also benefited from imaginative initiatives to support audiences, help fundraising and provide capital support for sustainability.not least, our creative People and Places initiative ‘appetite’ which is raising awareness of thearts in Stoke-on-trent. our principal contact with ace is Michael addison and we are particularly grateful for his facilitating role.

My final thanks go to our volunteers who, as well as providing valuable help, link us to the community. of the trustees i thank in particular Bob Bell for his wise counsel during his nowcompleted term of office and welcome to the Board Susan honeyands.

Sir Brian FenderChair of TrusteesSeptember 2014

25611,47298%

Of our audience rate the New Vic ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ for quality

People worked at the New Vic during the year

Volunteer hours were contributed

4 newvictheatre.org.uk

Behind the scenes at our Open Day.

Over 2,000 people learnedmore about the specialist skills

of theatre staff

£2million

1617,075People saw our shows on tour

Inward investment during the year

Towns and cities saw ourwork in their theatres

aRtiStic DiRectoR: Partnership and collaboration

The New Vic is a key cultural centre for Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Whether it’s an ambitious main stage retelling of a classic story; or a participativeevent designed to make a community a safer place; or an education workshop aimed at instilling a love of reading; or an outdoor spectacle making our public spaces more vibrant:all of our work is about arts experiences for local people.

We want those experiences to be the very best the arts industry can offer. So i’m proud thatcollaboration and partnership working has become more and more important to us, and has agreater and greater effect on the quality and impact of our work.

national organisations such as the RSc and Manchester’s Royal exchange wanting to collaborate with us is an endorsement of the quality of the theatre we make.

our affiliation with the national theatre Studio has boosted our profile and given us time todevelop remarkable projects for new Vic audiences.

universities at home and abroad conducting high level research in partnership with us, andpresenting the findings of that research through our artistic practice, is a testament to the levelof expertise within our organisation.

Local children’s centres, schools and libraries know that, by working together, we can improvethe life chances of local children, helping them to aspire and to achieve.

our success in attracting national investment to our area is an indicator of the arts council'sbelief in the quality and reach of our work.

Making work in partnership with other arts organisations including Bolton's octagon theatre,oldham’s coliseum theatre and touring company northern Broadsides allows us to sharepractice and provide a better service to local people. and, by sharing the costs of makingwork, we can deliver more impressive, better resourced productions with a longer life span.

Sending the work we make for local residents out to people across the country sends out an important message, one that’s heard at home as well as nationally and, increasingly, internationally. the message is this: Staffordshire is a place where quality and excellence thrive.come and join us.

Theresa HeskinsArtistic Director

6 newvictheatre.org.uk

An August Bank Holiday Lark, our co-production with

Northern Broadsides, toured to 13 venues around the country.

£2million

1617,075People saw our shows on tour

Inward investment during the year

Towns and cities saw ourwork in their theatres

aRtiStic DiRectoR: Partnership and collaboration

The New Vic is a key cultural centre for Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Whether it’s an ambitious main stage retelling of a classic story; or a participativeevent designed to make a community a safer place; or an education workshop aimed at instilling a love of reading; or an outdoor spectacle making our public spaces more vibrant:all of our work is about arts experiences for local people.

We want those experiences to be the very best the arts industry can offer. So i’m proud thatcollaboration and partnership working has become more and more important to us, and has agreater and greater effect on the quality and impact of our work.

national organisations such as the RSc and Manchester’s Royal exchange wanting to collaborate with us is an endorsement of the quality of the theatre we make.

our affiliation with the national theatre Studio has boosted our profile and given us time todevelop remarkable projects for new Vic audiences.

universities at home and abroad conducting high level research in partnership with us, andpresenting the findings of that research through our artistic practice, is a testament to the levelof expertise within our organisation.

Local children’s centres, schools and libraries know that, by working together, we can improvethe life chances of local children, helping them to aspire and to achieve.

our success in attracting national investment to our area is an indicator of the arts council'sbelief in the quality and reach of our work.

Making work in partnership with other arts organisations including Bolton's octagon theatre,oldham’s coliseum theatre and touring company northern Broadsides allows us to sharepractice and provide a better service to local people. and, by sharing the costs of makingwork, we can deliver more impressive, better resourced productions with a longer life span.

Sending the work we make for local residents out to people across the country sends out an important message, one that’s heard at home as well as nationally and, increasingly, internationally. the message is this: Staffordshire is a place where quality and excellence thrive.come and join us.

Theresa HeskinsArtistic Director

6 newvictheatre.org.uk

An August Bank Holiday Lark, our co-production with

Northern Broadsides, toured to 13 venues around the country.

MaDe in StaFFoRDShiRe

It’s not just Staffordshire ceramics thattravel around the world.

Our professional productions andaward-winning projects with thecommunities of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are travelling around thecountry and beyond.

8 newvictheatre.org.uk

In November, New Vic Borderlines travelled to Japan to work with communities affected bythe 2011 tsunami.

In December New Vic Borderlines formed a partnership with WarsawUniversity and the NationalTheatre of Poland to exchange best practice inusing theatre with the community.

New Vic Borderlinesshowcased its work in Belgium at an international festival ofArts in the Community in November.

In April, findings from New Vic Education’s Agesand Stages project were presented at an internationalconference on CulturalGerontology at the National University of Ireland at Galway.

In June, New Vic Education presented research results from theAges and Stages projectwith Keele University atthe University of Alberta.

Hobson’s Choice, a co-production between the New Vic, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Coliseum Theatre,Oldham toured from January to March.

Blonde Bombshells of 1943, co-produced with Oldham Coliseum was a hit in both North Staffordshire and Oldham in April.

Our production of The Memory of Water transferred to the NewVic’s ‘sister theatre’ theStephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough in March.

An August Bank Holiday Lark, our co-productionwith Northern Broadsides,started life in NorthStaffordshire before touring to 13 cities across England betweenFebruary and June.

Through the year our Education team deliveredprojects and workshops in Newcastle-under-Lyme,Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and in 11 othertowns and cities and overseas.

Nationally, New Vic Borderlines worked from Edinburgh in the north toSalisbury in the south.

MaDe in StaFFoRDShiRe

It’s not just Staffordshire ceramics thattravel around the world.

Our professional productions andaward-winning projects with thecommunities of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are travelling around thecountry and beyond.

8 newvictheatre.org.uk

In November, New Vic Borderlines travelled to Japan to work with communities affected bythe 2011 tsunami.

In December New Vic Borderlines formed a partnership with WarsawUniversity and the NationalTheatre of Poland to exchange best practice inusing theatre with the community.

New Vic Borderlinesshowcased its work in Belgium at an international festival ofArts in the Community in November.

In April, findings from New Vic Education’s Agesand Stages project were presented at an internationalconference on CulturalGerontology at the National University of Ireland at Galway.

In June, New Vic Education presented research results from theAges and Stages projectwith Keele University atthe University of Alberta.

Hobson’s Choice, a co-production between the New Vic, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Coliseum Theatre,Oldham toured from January to March.

Blonde Bombshells of 1943, co-produced with Oldham Coliseum was a hit in both North Staffordshire and Oldham in April.

Our production of The Memory of Water transferred to the NewVic’s ‘sister theatre’ theStephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough in March.

An August Bank Holiday Lark, our co-productionwith Northern Broadsides,started life in NorthStaffordshire before touring to 13 cities across England betweenFebruary and June.

Through the year our Education team deliveredprojects and workshops in Newcastle-under-Lyme,Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and in 11 othertowns and cities and overseas.

Nationally, New Vic Borderlines worked from Edinburgh in the north toSalisbury in the south.

OUR PRODUCTIONS

As Staffordshire’s producing theatre, we make shows from scratch and present them at ourtheatre-in-the-round. Nine full-scale productions during the year made us one of the busiestproducing theatres in the country.

our productions during the year were:

Around the World in Eighty Days adapted by Laura eason from Jules Verne’s novel, one ofthe year’s hits: “Terrific . . . hilarious ★★★★” the guardian; “Top class entertainment” the Stage

Blonde Bombshells of 1943 by alan Plater co-produced with coliseum theatre, oldham. “The talent of the cast is beyond phenomenal.” the Sentinel

Widowers’ Houses by george Bernard Shaw. “Hats off to Theresa Heskins for such an outstanding job.” Radio Shropshire

Stones in His Pockets by Marie Jones. “Simply superb.” the Stage

Gaslight by Patrick hamilton. “An illuminating production.” British theatre guide

The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, adapted by theresa heskins, was seenby more than 43,000 people, the equivalent of 10% of the north Staffordshire population.“The New Vic always does a great seasonal show” the guardian

An August Bank Holiday Lark by Deborah Mcandrew was a critical and popular success. co-produced with northern Broadsides and toured nationally for five months.“A wonderful new play ★★★★” the times, “Deeply affecting ★★★★★” the observer

The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson transferred to our ‘sister-theatre’, theStephen Joseph theatre, Scarborough.“A unique production… visually excellent, highly enjoyable ★★★★” the Public Reviews

Hobson’s Choice by harold Brighouse.co-produced with the octagon theatre, Boltonand the coliseum theatre, oldham.

“Quality craftsmanship ★★★★” the guardian

319118,2531in 10The equivalent of 1 in 10 of the North Staffordshirepopulation saw The Hundred and One Dalmatians

Professional performances at the New Vic

People saw the shows

The Hundred and One Dalmatians became our most

successful show ever, seen by more than 43,000 people.10 newvictheatre.org.uk

OUR PRODUCTIONS

As Staffordshire’s producing theatre, we make shows from scratch and present them at ourtheatre-in-the-round. Nine full-scale productions during the year made us one of the busiestproducing theatres in the country.

our productions during the year were:

Around the World in Eighty Days adapted by Laura eason from Jules Verne’s novel, one ofthe year’s hits: “Terrific . . . hilarious ★★★★” the guardian; “Top class entertainment” the Stage

Blonde Bombshells of 1943 by alan Plater co-produced with coliseum theatre, oldham. “The talent of the cast is beyond phenomenal.” the Sentinel

Widowers’ Houses by george Bernard Shaw. “Hats off to Theresa Heskins for such an outstanding job.” Radio Shropshire

Stones in His Pockets by Marie Jones. “Simply superb.” the Stage

Gaslight by Patrick hamilton. “An illuminating production.” British theatre guide

The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, adapted by theresa heskins, was seenby more than 43,000 people, the equivalent of 10% of the north Staffordshire population.“The New Vic always does a great seasonal show” the guardian

An August Bank Holiday Lark by Deborah Mcandrew was a critical and popular success. co-produced with northern Broadsides and toured nationally for five months.“A wonderful new play ★★★★” the times, “Deeply affecting ★★★★★” the observer

The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson transferred to our ‘sister-theatre’, theStephen Joseph theatre, Scarborough.“A unique production… visually excellent, highly enjoyable ★★★★” the Public Reviews

Hobson’s Choice by harold Brighouse.co-produced with the octagon theatre, Boltonand the coliseum theatre, oldham.

“Quality craftsmanship ★★★★” the guardian

319118,2531in 10The equivalent of 1 in 10 of the North Staffordshirepopulation saw The Hundred and One Dalmatians

Professional performances at the New Vic

People saw the shows

The Hundred and One Dalmatians became our most

successful show ever, seen by more than 43,000 people.10 newvictheatre.org.uk

eDucation anD coMMunity

The work of our award-winning education and community teams across Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent attracted national and international interest, andfurther enhanced our reputation as a model for the ways theatre can be used to workwithin the community.

We mounted 61 individual projects, involving more than 200 local schools and almost 10,000individuals, many from our most disadvantaged communities. We delivered conferencesbringing together front-line professionals in health, education, social care and the police service. and we were invited to work in 19 towns and cities across the uK, as well as incanada, ireland, Belgium, Poland and Japan.

new Vic Borderlines worked with groups at risk of being marginalised – young people caughtup in the criminal justice system, members of minority communities, adults with learning difficulties, looked after children, young carers – using theatre to help individuals find new andpositive ways to understand themselves, their communities and their responsibilities as citizens.

our education team’s work was, principally, within formal education, from interactive story-telling sessions for pre-schoolers, literacy initiatives with Staffordshire schools, professional development for teachers, to lifelong learning projects with older people. their focus was onimproving attainment, raising levels of aspiration, and increasing understanding of the benefitsthat education brings.

all projects responded to the needs and priorities of our partners. From children’s centres,schools and universities to central and local government, statutory agencies and third-sectororganisations, our collaborations helped us increase the range and reach of our work, deliverprojects that were relevant, and provide the best value for money to all our stakeholders.

12 newvictheatre.org.uk

28,064School-age children saw our productions

9,978People participated in our educationand community projects

‘A’Our Adult and Community Learning programmes were rated ‘A Outstanding’ by Staffordshire County Council assessors

New Vic Education’s ‘Story Tent’

was used to work with families in literacy projects throughout

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

eDucation anD coMMunity

The work of our award-winning education and community teams across Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent attracted national and international interest, andfurther enhanced our reputation as a model for the ways theatre can be used to workwithin the community.

We mounted 61 individual projects, involving more than 200 local schools and almost 10,000individuals, many from our most disadvantaged communities. We delivered conferencesbringing together front-line professionals in health, education, social care and the police service. and we were invited to work in 19 towns and cities across the uK, as well as incanada, ireland, Belgium, Poland and Japan.

new Vic Borderlines worked with groups at risk of being marginalised – young people caughtup in the criminal justice system, members of minority communities, adults with learning difficulties, looked after children, young carers – using theatre to help individuals find new andpositive ways to understand themselves, their communities and their responsibilities as citizens.

our education team’s work was, principally, within formal education, from interactive story-telling sessions for pre-schoolers, literacy initiatives with Staffordshire schools, professional development for teachers, to lifelong learning projects with older people. their focus was onimproving attainment, raising levels of aspiration, and increasing understanding of the benefitsthat education brings.

all projects responded to the needs and priorities of our partners. From children’s centres,schools and universities to central and local government, statutory agencies and third-sectororganisations, our collaborations helped us increase the range and reach of our work, deliverprojects that were relevant, and provide the best value for money to all our stakeholders.

12 newvictheatre.org.uk

28,064School-age children saw our productions

9,978People participated in our educationand community projects

‘A’Our Adult and Community Learning programmes were rated ‘A Outstanding’ by Staffordshire County Council assessors

New Vic Education’s ‘Story Tent’

was used to work with families in literacy projects throughout

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

nationaL theatRe StuDio PaRtneRShiP

A key partner during the year was the National Theatre Studio which invited the NewVic to become an Affiliate Company. In recent years, the Studio has supported the development of shows including War Horse which is still playing in London and touringthe UK, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, currently in the West Endand about to open on Broadway.

over the 18 months of our partnership, we’ll be working together to gain an understanding ofeach other’s organisations and to offer staff professional development, including training opportunities for emerging directors. and we’ll be developing ideas for projects that will givenew Vic audiences the chance to enjoy the fruits of the relationship, too.

the Studio is the national theatre’s laboratory, where writers, directors and theatre-makers ofall kinds are given a chance to experiment. During the year, artistic Director, theresa heskins,spent time developing ideas for new Vic projects. one of the first was inspired by the Staffordshire hoard, the anglo-Saxon treasure that has captured the imagination of people nearand far. Work in the Studio, out with the conservators and archeologists of Stoke-on-trent and Birmingham Museums, meeting with historian Michael Wood, and others who were there whenthe hoard was discovered led to the idea of Behold, a six-week festival of plays on themes fromthe Staffordshire hoard.

the project was successful in winning an arts council england exceptional award, enabling us toplace commissions for the festival, including a new drama-documentary, three further main stageplays, a Studio season, digital pieces, community drama and a series of five-minutes Plays at YourTable. the festival will be mounted in summer 2015.

1stThe NT Studio’s first building-based Affiliate Company outside London

20Artists commissioned tocreate work for the Behold Festival

£198,000Exceptional award from ArtsCouncil England for Behold

Behold, a six-week festival of plays

inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard, developed through our

National Theatre Studio Affiliation14 newvictheatre.org.uk

nationaL theatRe StuDio PaRtneRShiP

A key partner during the year was the National Theatre Studio which invited the NewVic to become an Affiliate Company. In recent years, the Studio has supported the development of shows including War Horse which is still playing in London and touringthe UK, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, currently in the West Endand about to open on Broadway.

over the 18 months of our partnership, we’ll be working together to gain an understanding ofeach other’s organisations and to offer staff professional development, including training opportunities for emerging directors. and we’ll be developing ideas for projects that will givenew Vic audiences the chance to enjoy the fruits of the relationship, too.

the Studio is the national theatre’s laboratory, where writers, directors and theatre-makers ofall kinds are given a chance to experiment. During the year, artistic Director, theresa heskins,spent time developing ideas for new Vic projects. one of the first was inspired by the Staffordshire hoard, the anglo-Saxon treasure that has captured the imagination of people nearand far. Work in the Studio, out with the conservators and archeologists of Stoke-on-trent and Birmingham Museums, meeting with historian Michael Wood, and others who were there whenthe hoard was discovered led to the idea of Behold, a six-week festival of plays on themes fromthe Staffordshire hoard.

the project was successful in winning an arts council england exceptional award, enabling us toplace commissions for the festival, including a new drama-documentary, three further main stageplays, a Studio season, digital pieces, community drama and a series of five-minutes Plays at YourTable. the festival will be mounted in summer 2015.

1stThe NT Studio’s first building-based Affiliate Company outside London

20Artists commissioned tocreate work for the Behold Festival

£198,000Exceptional award from ArtsCouncil England for Behold

Behold, a six-week festival of plays

inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard, developed through our

National Theatre Studio Affiliation14 newvictheatre.org.uk

RoyaL ShaKeSPeaRe coMPany

Learning and Perfomance network

16 newvictheatre.org.uk

A new, three-year partnership between the New Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Companybegan in 2013. The New Vic’s Education team worked with schools across the region as partof the RSC’s highly regarded national education programme, the Learning and Performance Network, bringing the power of Shakespeare to life for hundreds of local children.

established in 2006, the LPn is the RSc’s long-term partnership programme with schools, communities and theatres across england which aims to transform children’s first experiences ofShakespeare and develop the teaching of Shakespeare in schools. the programme sees intensive work with teachers, artists and children using approaches inspired by the way actorsand directors work in the rehearsal room.

newcastle-under-Lyme’s Springhead Primary became the project’s ‘hub school’, working withthe new Vic, the RSc and other local schools. three of its teachers have the opportunity totake a special postgraduate course with the RSc and the university of Warwick, helping themdevelop expertise in the teaching of Shakespeare and enabling them to support fellow teachersin other schools.

March saw the RSc visit north Staffordshire with a production of The Taming of the Shrewwhich performed in Springhead Primary, clough hall technology School, Victoria hall and Keele university.

2,0002002,000 children saw our RSC production of The Taming of The Shrew

We worked with more than 200 schools inNewcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent,Staffordshire and beyond

300We delivered more than 300youth theatre sessions for youngsters aged eight to 18

RSC actors worked with the New Vic Education team to enhance children’s

understanding of Shakespeare

New Vic Theatre’s Educationpartnership sponsored by

RoyaL ShaKeSPeaRe coMPany

Learning and Perfomance network

16 newvictheatre.org.uk

A new, three-year partnership between the New Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Companybegan in 2013. The New Vic’s Education team worked with schools across the region as partof the RSC’s highly regarded national education programme, the Learning and Performance Network, bringing the power of Shakespeare to life for hundreds of local children.

established in 2006, the LPn is the RSc’s long-term partnership programme with schools, communities and theatres across england which aims to transform children’s first experiences ofShakespeare and develop the teaching of Shakespeare in schools. the programme sees intensive work with teachers, artists and children using approaches inspired by the way actorsand directors work in the rehearsal room.

newcastle-under-Lyme’s Springhead Primary became the project’s ‘hub school’, working withthe new Vic, the RSc and other local schools. three of its teachers have the opportunity totake a special postgraduate course with the RSc and the university of Warwick, helping themdevelop expertise in the teaching of Shakespeare and enabling them to support fellow teachersin other schools.

March saw the RSc visit north Staffordshire with a production of The Taming of the Shrewwhich performed in Springhead Primary, clough hall technology School, Victoria hall and Keele university.

2,0002002,000 children saw our RSC production of The Taming of The Shrew

We worked with more than 200 schools inNewcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent,Staffordshire and beyond

300We delivered more than 300youth theatre sessions for youngsters aged eight to 18

RSC actors worked with the New Vic Education team to enhance children’s

understanding of Shakespeare

New Vic Theatre’s Educationpartnership sponsored by

New Vic Borderlinesworked with Japanese

communities affected by the 2011 tsunami

We continued our work with schools and colleges throughout Newcastle-under-Lyme,Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and beyond, helping to raise standards and to encourageambition and attainment. A notable highlight of the year was our developing research relationships with universities nationally and internationally, with much work funded bythe Arts & Humanities Research Council. We worked across the UK and in Canada, Belgium, Ireland, Poland and Japan.

our Ages and Stages project with Keele university investigates the value of participating in arts and theatre in later life. We visited the university of alberta for the Festival of edmonton Seniors theatre and worked on a joint paper with canadian colleagues. Findingsfrom the project were also presented at an international conference on cultural gerontology at the national university of ireland at galway.

through our Bridging the Gap project, we worked with post-industrial communities ofStoke-on-trent and tsunami-devastated communities in Japan, exploring ways to build better futures. Partners were Keele, Brunel and the open universities in the uK andSeinan gakuin university in Japan.

Unearthing Hidden Assets gave local people the opportunity to shape health care servicestogether with front-line professionals. they made a piece of theatre which was performedat the ahRc’s national exhibition conference in cardiff. Partners were Keele, Brunel andLeicester universities.

Untold Stories is a nationwide piece of research exploring the volunteering experience. adrama piece was performed by a volunteer cast at the new Vic, the oxford theatre, London, and the Richard attenborough centre, Leicester. Partners were Keele andLeicester universities and the national council for Voluntary organisations.

We formed a new partnership with Warsaw university and the national theatre of Poland to establish a knowledge-exchange on best practice in using theatre to engage with communities.

action-ReSeaRch

Developing partnerships with higher education

83 of 95

Universities were partners inresearch projects

The number of projects chosen by AHRCto showcase legacy, quality and innovationwhich came from the New Vic

18 newvictheatre.org.uk

We worked in five countries overseas —Canada, Ireland, Belgium,Poland and Japan

New Vic Borderlinesworked with Japanese

communities affected by the 2011 tsunami

We continued our work with schools and colleges throughout Newcastle-under-Lyme,Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and beyond, helping to raise standards and to encourageambition and attainment. A notable highlight of the year was our developing research relationships with universities nationally and internationally, with much work funded bythe Arts & Humanities Research Council. We worked across the UK and in Canada, Belgium, Ireland, Poland and Japan.

our Ages and Stages project with Keele university investigates the value of participating in arts and theatre in later life. We visited the university of alberta for the Festival of edmonton Seniors theatre and worked on a joint paper with canadian colleagues. Findingsfrom the project were also presented at an international conference on cultural gerontology at the national university of ireland at galway.

through our Bridging the Gap project, we worked with post-industrial communities ofStoke-on-trent and tsunami-devastated communities in Japan, exploring ways to build better futures. Partners were Keele, Brunel and the open universities in the uK andSeinan gakuin university in Japan.

Unearthing Hidden Assets gave local people the opportunity to shape health care servicestogether with front-line professionals. they made a piece of theatre which was performedat the ahRc’s national exhibition conference in cardiff. Partners were Keele, Brunel andLeicester universities.

Untold Stories is a nationwide piece of research exploring the volunteering experience. adrama piece was performed by a volunteer cast at the new Vic, the oxford theatre, London, and the Richard attenborough centre, Leicester. Partners were Keele andLeicester universities and the national council for Voluntary organisations.

We formed a new partnership with Warsaw university and the national theatre of Poland to establish a knowledge-exchange on best practice in using theatre to engage with communities.

action-ReSeaRch

Developing partnerships with higher education

83 of 95

Universities were partners inresearch projects

The number of projects chosen by AHRCto showcase legacy, quality and innovationwhich came from the New Vic

18 newvictheatre.org.uk

We worked in five countries overseas —Canada, Ireland, Belgium,Poland and Japan

A performance by NoFit State Circus as part of our Appetite programme

Stoke-on-Trent, a city which Arts Council England identified as having one of the lowestlevels of arts engagement in the country, has been waking up to the arts - thanks to Appetite, the New Vic-led arts initiative.

Made possible by a major £3 million investment in the cultural life of the city from artscouncil england’s creative People and Places programme, through appetite we aim to getmore people to experience and be inspired by the arts.

in our first year, appetite helped groups to commission and manage their own future projects. Partnerships were formed with ‘community hubs’ including Bentilee communityPartnership, Stoke West & oakhill community association, Stoke South carnival committee, city centre Partnership, Meir events group, hanford Residents’ association,and Friends of hanley Park among others. the ambition is that, by the end of the three-year programme, people will be organising their own arts events for years to come.

in august, appetite delivered a successful ‘taster Menu’ giving people a taste of new artexperiences, presenting leading international companies in public spaces across the city.More than 16,000 people attended arts events including Bianco by noFit State circus athanley Park, As The World Tipped by Wired aerial at central Forest Park, and PavementCafé, four weekends of events and activity in the city centre.

appetite is led by the new Vic in partnership with B arts, Brighter Futures, Partners increative Learning and Staffordshire university. it is supported by Stoke-on-trent citycouncil.

aPPetite

a feast for local people

16,193Attended Appetite shows

20 newvictheatre.org.uk

2,095People participated in projects

15Appetite partnered 15 ‘CommunityHubs’ across Stoke-on-Trent

A performance by NoFit State Circus as part of our Appetite programme

Stoke-on-Trent, a city which Arts Council England identified as having one of the lowestlevels of arts engagement in the country, has been waking up to the arts - thanks to Appetite, the New Vic-led arts initiative.

Made possible by a major £3 million investment in the cultural life of the city from artscouncil england’s creative People and Places programme, through appetite we aim to getmore people to experience and be inspired by the arts.

in our first year, appetite helped groups to commission and manage their own future projects. Partnerships were formed with ‘community hubs’ including Bentilee communityPartnership, Stoke West & oakhill community association, Stoke South carnival committee, city centre Partnership, Meir events group, hanford Residents’ association,and Friends of hanley Park among others. the ambition is that, by the end of the three-year programme, people will be organising their own arts events for years to come.

in august, appetite delivered a successful ‘taster Menu’ giving people a taste of new artexperiences, presenting leading international companies in public spaces across the city.More than 16,000 people attended arts events including Bianco by noFit State circus athanley Park, As The World Tipped by Wired aerial at central Forest Park, and PavementCafé, four weekends of events and activity in the city centre.

appetite is led by the new Vic in partnership with B arts, Brighter Futures, Partners increative Learning and Staffordshire university. it is supported by Stoke-on-trent citycouncil.

aPPetite

a feast for local people

16,193Attended Appetite shows

20 newvictheatre.org.uk

2,095People participated in projects

15Appetite partnered 15 ‘CommunityHubs’ across Stoke-on-Trent

An R&D day for our 2015 production of

Dracula made possible by our fundraising success.

PaRtneRS in FunDRaiSing

As a registered charity our role in delivering the highest quality theatre experiences andbeing a force for positive change in our region is only made possible by the generoussupport of individuals, businesses, trusts and foundations and other organisations.

thanks to this support, 2013/14 has been a year in which we have grown our fundraisingby 122%.

During the year support through the arts council england catalyst scheme enabled us tolaunch new Vic Patrons. new Vic Patrons support the theatre by giving a regular donationand joining has become one of the best ways in which individuals can support our work.

catalyst meant that in addition to our growth in fundraising we were also able to attract afurther investment matching £1 for £1 the eligible philanthropic donations within the year.

in February 2013, a week of research and development at the new Vic for a future production of Dracula was one of the things made possible by this additional inward investment.

OUR BUSINESS FRIENDS:

122%224Growth in fundraising income

New Vic Patrons supported our work

OUR SPONSORS:

22 newvictheatre.org.uk

WITH THANKS TO:

New Vic Patrons and individual donors

£50kMatched funding secured from ArtsCouncil England Catalyst Fund

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME SCHOOL

Cheshire Community Foundation

bet365 Foundation

An R&D day for our 2015 production of

Dracula made possible by our fundraising success.

PaRtneRS in FunDRaiSing

As a registered charity our role in delivering the highest quality theatre experiences andbeing a force for positive change in our region is only made possible by the generoussupport of individuals, businesses, trusts and foundations and other organisations.

thanks to this support, 2013/14 has been a year in which we have grown our fundraisingby 122%.

During the year support through the arts council england catalyst scheme enabled us tolaunch new Vic Patrons. new Vic Patrons support the theatre by giving a regular donationand joining has become one of the best ways in which individuals can support our work.

catalyst meant that in addition to our growth in fundraising we were also able to attract afurther investment matching £1 for £1 the eligible philanthropic donations within the year.

in February 2013, a week of research and development at the new Vic for a future production of Dracula was one of the things made possible by this additional inward investment.

OUR BUSINESS FRIENDS:

122%224Growth in fundraising income

New Vic Patrons supported our work

OUR SPONSORS:

22 newvictheatre.org.uk

WITH THANKS TO:

New Vic Patrons and individual donors

£50kMatched funding secured from ArtsCouncil England Catalyst Fund

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME SCHOOL

Cheshire Community Foundation

bet365 Foundation

The New Vic employs over 70 people, including

in our busy costume department.

It’s been the New Vic’s most successful year ever. We were able to generate an additional 11% of earned income and our turnover increased by 9% to £3.2 million.None of which would have been possible without the support of our local authority partners, whose investment equates to 6% of our turnover.

We employ more than 70 people, most of whom live locally, including artists, theatre-making specialists, technical staff, education and community practitioners, housekeepers,marketing, box office and front of house staff, caterers, finance and administration staff and fundraisers.

Volunteers also make an enormous contribution to our work, 11,472 hours during theyear. Based on the average hourly wage rate for the West Midlands this equates to a contribution of £159,346.

add this to the impact 150,000 visitors a year make, and the new Vic is worth £11.8 millionto the local economy.

ouR nuMBeRS

increasing returns on investment

9%11% £159,346The value of our volunteers’ contribution

Increase in turnover

Increase in earned income

24 newvictheatre.org.uk

WHERE OUR INCOME CAME FROM

5% Education and Community

45% Ticket Sales

5% Other Sales

3% Fundraising

42% Public funding

WHERE OUR MONEY WAS SPENT

14% Education and Community

56% Productions and Performances

8% Support Costs

7% Theatre Operations

8% Box Office andCustomer Service

7% Marketing &Communications

The New Vic employs over 70 people, including

in our busy costume department.

It’s been the New Vic’s most successful year ever. We were able to generate an additional 11% of earned income and our turnover increased by 9% to £3.2 million.None of which would have been possible without the support of our local authority partners, whose investment equates to 6% of our turnover.

We employ more than 70 people, most of whom live locally, including artists, theatre-making specialists, technical staff, education and community practitioners, housekeepers,marketing, box office and front of house staff, caterers, finance and administration staff and fundraisers.

Volunteers also make an enormous contribution to our work, 11,472 hours during theyear. Based on the average hourly wage rate for the West Midlands this equates to a contribution of £159,346.

add this to the impact 150,000 visitors a year make, and the new Vic is worth £11.8 millionto the local economy.

ouR nuMBeRS

increasing returns on investment

9%11% £159,346The value of our volunteers’ contribution

Increase in turnover

Increase in earned income

24 newvictheatre.org.uk

WHERE OUR INCOME CAME FROM

5% Education and Community

45% Ticket Sales

5% Other Sales

3% Fundraising

42% Public funding

WHERE OUR MONEY WAS SPENT

14% Education and Community

56% Productions and Performances

8% Support Costs

7% Theatre Operations

8% Box Office andCustomer Service

7% Marketing &Communications

Staffordshire literacy project Working with Stoke-on-Trent secondary schoolsThe Hundred and One Dalmatians auditions

Summer School for young peopleMusical Works Intensive workshops for children interested in musical theatrePlay in a Week young people take a play from page to stage in one weekFamily Fun Immersive storytelling for pre-schoolers and their familiesINSET Regular professional development for teachersThe Big Draw Part of the world’s largest drawing festivalJelly and Ice Cream Creative family days as part of AppetiteRoyal Shakespeare Company The first year of our work as part of the RSC’s Learning and

Performance Network

APPETITE

The ‘Taster Menu’ A month of art in public spaces across Stoke-on-Trent with Wired Aerial Theatre, NoFit State Circus, Avanti Display, Acrojou, Slunglow, Upswing, Mattress Circus, Tangled Feet, Natural Theatre Company, Mimbre, Larkin' About, The Bureau of Silly Ideas, Talking Birds, C-12 Dance Theatre, Dans la Poche, Mercurial Wrestler, Sol Cinema, Artizani, The Pressure Company, Reckless Invention, Pif Paf.

The ‘Starter Course’ Tin Box Theatre, Dan Thompson and Revolutionary Arts, Hunt & DartonEntrepreneurs

Community Hubs Bentilee Community Partnership, UHNS Charity, Stoke West & Oakhill Community Association, Foster Carers’ Network, Stoke South Carnival Committee, City Centre Partnership, Meir Events Group, Hanford Residents’ Association, and Friends of Hanley Park

OUR 2013/14 NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

Professional productions (at the New Vic)number of productions 21number of performances 319artist days 4,971ticketed attendances 118,253School-age children attendances 28,064

Education & CommunityPeople participating in projects 9,978young people under 26 participating 8,104number of participatory sessions 713

Economicturnover £3.2 millioneconomic impact £11.8 million*earned income 11% increase tickets sold 10% increase

What our audiences thinkWe asked our theatre-goers to rate us; these were our scores for ‘good’ or ‘Very good’:entertainment: 98% Quality 98% Value: 98% customer care: 97%

Our Sponsors and Business Friends Sponsors: gladman, Knights Solicitors LLP, M&M group. Keele university.Business Friends: Barringtons Ltd, Baker tilley, Dains, Dean Statham, the Dudson group, Keele university Science & Business Park, newcastle-under-Lyme college, newcastle-under-Lyme School, Richard Jacobs Pensions & trustee Services Ltd,

* based on an economic model developed by Professor Dominic Shellard of Sheffield university

THE yEAR AT A GLANCE

NEW VIC PRODUCTIONS

19 april – 11 May Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, adapted by Laura Eason16 May – 8 June Blonde Bombshells of 1943 by Alan Plater (co-produced with Coliseum Theatre, Oldham)14 – 29 June Widowers’ Houses by George Bernard Shaw5 – 27 July Stones in His Pockets by Marie Jones20 Sept – 5 oct Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton23 nov – 1 Feb The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, adapted by Theresa Heskins14 – 28 Dec Tale Trail to The Hundred and One Dalmatians, New Vic Education7 Feb – 1 March An August Bank Holiday Lark by Deborah McAndrew (co-produced with Northern Broadsides)7 – 22 March The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson26 March – 12 april Hobson’s Choice by Harold Brighouse (co-produced with Octagon Theatre, Bolton, and

Coliseum Theatre, Oldham)

VISITING PRODUCTIONS

3 – 13 april The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, London Classic Theatre19 – 31 aug Uncle Eric in Downtown Abbey, David Graham Productions3 – 14 Sept Muddy Cows by John Godber, John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield8 – 26 oct Time of My Life by Alan Ayckbourn, Stephen Joseph Theatre10 – 26 oct Arrivals & Departures by Alan Ayckbourn, Stephen Joseph Theatre11 – 19 oct Farcicals by Alan Ayckbourn, Stephen Joseph Theatre29 oct – 9 nov The Grand Gesture by Deborah McAndrew from the novel by Nikolai Erdman,

Northern Broadsides12 – 16 nov Betrayal by Harold Pinter, London Classic Theatre2 – 14 Dec Uncle Eric’s Murder at Christmas, David Graham Productions18 March The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, Royal Shakespeare Company First Encounters

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITy PROJECTS

New Vic Open Day More than 2,000 people took a look behind the scenes in JulyStrathcross Theatre group for adults with learning difficultiesyoung People’s Theatre Company Theatre company for young people who have come through community projectsModel Citizens Exploring the meaning of citizenship with older peopleGingerbread Investigating parenthood with vulnerable young womenUntold Stories Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded research project on volunteeringGet in, Get up, Get Out Working with vulnerable young adultsDifferent Pasts; Shared Futures Making theatre for United Nations’ Refugee Week with refugees and local

school childrenNext Chapter Exploring possible futures with refugeesChapter Two Finding positive futures with past offendersPicture of Health Part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded research projectUnearthing Hidden Assets Working with the community to shape health-care servicesInnovative Learning Group Using theatre techniques as part of Keele University’s MBASisters Against Violent Extremism Exploring extremism with women from the Asian communityWalking in Another’s Shoes With members of the refugee communityBridging the Gap Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded research project exploring ways

in which communities can build better futuresPortland St Carnival Creating a community carnivalKidz of Carerz Making theatre with young carersFoster Care Conference A drama and a conference for front-line professionals and foster-familiesDrama Club year-round drama sessionsyouth Theatre Weekly sessions with five age groupsAges and Stages Arts and Humanities Research Council projectRevolve year-round sessions for adults interested in theatreCurriculum Workshops Using drama to teach across the curriculum in Newcastle-under-Lyme,

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent schoolsPhotos credits: Cover, pages 2, 4, 10, 12, 20, 24 - Andrew Billington; page 6 - Nobby Clark; page 14 - Birmingham Museum andArt Gallery; page 16 - Simon Annand for the RSC; page 18 - Susan Moffat; page 22 - Theresa Heskins.26 newvictheatre.org.uk

Staffordshire literacy project Working with Stoke-on-Trent secondary schoolsThe Hundred and One Dalmatians auditions

Summer School for young peopleMusical Works Intensive workshops for children interested in musical theatrePlay in a Week young people take a play from page to stage in one weekFamily Fun Immersive storytelling for pre-schoolers and their familiesINSET Regular professional development for teachersThe Big Draw Part of the world’s largest drawing festivalJelly and Ice Cream Creative family days as part of AppetiteRoyal Shakespeare Company The first year of our work as part of the RSC’s Learning and

Performance Network

APPETITE

The ‘Taster Menu’ A month of art in public spaces across Stoke-on-Trent with Wired Aerial Theatre, NoFit State Circus, Avanti Display, Acrojou, Slunglow, Upswing, Mattress Circus, Tangled Feet, Natural Theatre Company, Mimbre, Larkin' About, The Bureau of Silly Ideas, Talking Birds, C-12 Dance Theatre, Dans la Poche, Mercurial Wrestler, Sol Cinema, Artizani, The Pressure Company, Reckless Invention, Pif Paf.

The ‘Starter Course’ Tin Box Theatre, Dan Thompson and Revolutionary Arts, Hunt & DartonEntrepreneurs

Community Hubs Bentilee Community Partnership, UHNS Charity, Stoke West & Oakhill Community Association, Foster Carers’ Network, Stoke South Carnival Committee, City Centre Partnership, Meir Events Group, Hanford Residents’ Association, and Friends of Hanley Park

OUR 2013/14 NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

Professional productions (at the New Vic)number of productions 21number of performances 319artist days 4,971ticketed attendances 118,253School-age children attendances 28,064

Education & CommunityPeople participating in projects 9,978young people under 26 participating 8,104number of participatory sessions 713

Economicturnover £3.2 millioneconomic impact £11.8 million*earned income 11% increase tickets sold 10% increase

What our audiences thinkWe asked our theatre-goers to rate us; these were our scores for ‘good’ or ‘Very good’:entertainment: 98% Quality 98% Value: 98% customer care: 97%

Our Sponsors and Business Friends Sponsors: gladman, Knights Solicitors LLP, M&M group. Keele university.Business Friends: Barringtons Ltd, Baker tilley, Dains, Dean Statham, the Dudson group, Keele university Science & Business Park, newcastle-under-Lyme college, newcastle-under-Lyme School, Richard Jacobs Pensions & trustee Services Ltd,

* based on an economic model developed by Professor Dominic Shellard of Sheffield university

THE yEAR AT A GLANCE

NEW VIC PRODUCTIONS

19 april – 11 May Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, adapted by Laura Eason16 May – 8 June Blonde Bombshells of 1943 by Alan Plater (co-produced with Coliseum Theatre, Oldham)14 – 29 June Widowers’ Houses by George Bernard Shaw5 – 27 July Stones in His Pockets by Marie Jones20 Sept – 5 oct Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton23 nov – 1 Feb The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, adapted by Theresa Heskins14 – 28 Dec Tale Trail to The Hundred and One Dalmatians, New Vic Education7 Feb – 1 March An August Bank Holiday Lark by Deborah McAndrew (co-produced with Northern Broadsides)7 – 22 March The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson26 March – 12 april Hobson’s Choice by Harold Brighouse (co-produced with Octagon Theatre, Bolton, and

Coliseum Theatre, Oldham)

VISITING PRODUCTIONS

3 – 13 april The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, London Classic Theatre19 – 31 aug Uncle Eric in Downtown Abbey, David Graham Productions3 – 14 Sept Muddy Cows by John Godber, John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield8 – 26 oct Time of My Life by Alan Ayckbourn, Stephen Joseph Theatre10 – 26 oct Arrivals & Departures by Alan Ayckbourn, Stephen Joseph Theatre11 – 19 oct Farcicals by Alan Ayckbourn, Stephen Joseph Theatre29 oct – 9 nov The Grand Gesture by Deborah McAndrew from the novel by Nikolai Erdman,

Northern Broadsides12 – 16 nov Betrayal by Harold Pinter, London Classic Theatre2 – 14 Dec Uncle Eric’s Murder at Christmas, David Graham Productions18 March The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, Royal Shakespeare Company First Encounters

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITy PROJECTS

New Vic Open Day More than 2,000 people took a look behind the scenes in JulyStrathcross Theatre group for adults with learning difficultiesyoung People’s Theatre Company Theatre company for young people who have come through community projectsModel Citizens Exploring the meaning of citizenship with older peopleGingerbread Investigating parenthood with vulnerable young womenUntold Stories Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded research project on volunteeringGet in, Get up, Get Out Working with vulnerable young adultsDifferent Pasts; Shared Futures Making theatre for United Nations’ Refugee Week with refugees and local

school childrenNext Chapter Exploring possible futures with refugeesChapter Two Finding positive futures with past offendersPicture of Health Part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded research projectUnearthing Hidden Assets Working with the community to shape health-care servicesInnovative Learning Group Using theatre techniques as part of Keele University’s MBASisters Against Violent Extremism Exploring extremism with women from the Asian communityWalking in Another’s Shoes With members of the refugee communityBridging the Gap Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded research project exploring ways

in which communities can build better futuresPortland St Carnival Creating a community carnivalKidz of Carerz Making theatre with young carersFoster Care Conference A drama and a conference for front-line professionals and foster-familiesDrama Club year-round drama sessionsyouth Theatre Weekly sessions with five age groupsAges and Stages Arts and Humanities Research Council projectRevolve year-round sessions for adults interested in theatreCurriculum Workshops Using drama to teach across the curriculum in Newcastle-under-Lyme,

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent schoolsPhotos credits: Cover, pages 2, 4, 10, 12, 20, 24 - Andrew Billington; page 6 - Nobby Clark; page 14 - Birmingham Museum andArt Gallery; page 16 - Simon Annand for the RSC; page 18 - Susan Moffat; page 22 - Theresa Heskins.26 newvictheatre.org.uk

STOKE-ON-TRENT AND NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE THEATRE TRUST LIMITED Sir Brian Fender (Chair) Colin BarcroftBryan Carnes MBERosy CrehanCllr Terence FollowsMichael HoltSusan HoneyandsDr Iona JonesCllr Ian ParryJonathan Shepherd Cllr Michael StubbsSara Williams

(Trustees as at 1 September 2014)

NEW VIC THEATRE PROJECTS LTDPaul Powner (Chair)Jacqueline CirilloAlbert Cooper (Secretary) Howard Wraight

VICTORIA THEATRE (NEW THEATRE) LTDGillian Laver (Chair)Bryan Carnes MBEPatricia CallaghanAlbert Cooper (Secretary) Alan CuellSir Brian FenderJohn SambrookTerry Walsh

ANNUAL REVIEW

2013-2014REACHING OUT

Registered Charity Number: 253242 Company Registration Number: 911924Registered Office: New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0JGTel: 01782 717954 www.newvictheatre.org.uk

The New Vic Theatre operates thanks to a unique partnership between Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council

The New Vic gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous support:

£11.8150,00011%

Growth in audience numbers

Million impact on the local economy

Visits to the building