ThickSkin New Participation Programme

Wigan’s award-winning theatre company ThickSkin launches a new participation programme to be held at their development venue, The Engine Room. Beginning from summer, these new initiatives maintain the company’s mission to opening their venue as a creative hub to all members of the community. ThickSkin are not only renowned for their acclaimed touring productions, but for their commitment to fostering emerging and established talent in the North West. 

Located in Wigan’s historic Trencherfield Mill, The Engine Room kicks off the participation programme with a series of free Creative Movement Workshops designed specifically for people aged over 60. In these workshops, local residents can explore movement, creativity and self expression in a welcoming environment, with no experience of dance or drama required. Using imaginative physical theatre exercises, participants are encouraged to move and express themselves creatively.

ThickSkin will also launch a new monthly Play Reading Group, open to all ages. This group will bring people together to discuss plays connected to the company’s productions, as well as discover new work from local playwrights and collaborators including Rae Bell, Joseph Walsh, Tim Foley and Billie Collins.

Alongside these new offerings, ThickSkin’s Access to Local Theatre programme continues opportunities for local young people to engage with theatre. Over the last three years, the company has engaged with over 1750 young people, delivering free theatre tickets, travel bursaries, post-show discussions and workshops.

Co-Founder and Artistic Director of ThickSkin, Neil Bettles, comments, The participation programme isn't separate from our theatre-making — it's an extension of it. The same creativity, collaboration and playful experimentation that goes into every ThickSkin production is now shaping opportunities for local people to get involved, make connections and experience the joy of creating together.

Where: The Engine Room, Trencherfield Mill, Heritage Way, Wigan, WN3 4BL

Creative Movement Workshops: Tuesday 14th, 21st July and Tuesday 4th August

Play Reading Group: Every first Tuesday of the month, starting from Tuesday 6th October

Further Information: ThickSkin