Middle Child Theatre is in the process of developing an exciting new production – a production about supporting Hull City and what it means to the fans (including the impact of the name-change episode). HCST is pleased to be able to assist them in this, and is also pleased to welcome Middle Child as a Partner. Here, in the words of MC producer Mungo Arney, is more about the company and the project.
Who is Middle Child?
Middle Child Theatre was established in 2011 in Hull, and is run by Artistic Director Paul Smith, Producer Mungo Arney and General Manager Emma Bright. There are six external members of the company who are also involved on a regular basis. The company is a not for profit organisation and is currently in the process of registering as a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status to follow.
Since its founding, Middle Child has produced ten full-scale productions, four educational tours to local primary and secondary schools, two productions for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and one national tour. In association with Hull City Council, Middle Child has also produced events for the 2012 Olympic Torch Ceremony, the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and the 2014 FA Cup Final. Alongside these projects, Middle Child continues to provide a number of free workshops for local young people and members of the community from disadvantaged backgrounds.
What is the proposed project?
In conjunction with the board and members of Hull City Supporter’s Trust, Middle Child wishes to develop and produce a new piece of theatre that delves into Hull City’s prospective name change, the reasons for it, and the resolve against. Through a thorough research and development phase, Middle Child will piece together the story that lies at the forefront of the fans’ lives, producing a piece of work that is both by and for the supporters of this great club. As such, the script will largely be made up of direct quotes and references gathered in the research phase, and the production will be planned in conjunction with the Supporters’ Trust to set the performance’s location, cost and additional elements.
Research & Development
When: November 2015 – January 2016
Who: Middle Child facilitators x 3 // HCST Members, Board and others
What: Between November 2015 and January 2016, we will be hosting drop-in sessions whereby fans of Hull City can pop by and have a chat with Middle Child’s production team.
We want to hear from you about the highs and lows of supporting the Tigers: what you love, hate or miss; whether it’s for five minutes or five hours, on your own or with friends and family.
Following these sessions, we will be creating a new piece of work that is based on what you have had to say, which will be performed in May 2016 in various spaces across the city. Right now the story is wide open, so we need you to tell us what needs telling.
The sessions, where we will talk through your experiences of supporting the club, will be held every two weeks at different pubs, clubs and spaces around the city.
We want you to feel a part of this event, from beginning to end. It is your stories that we want to tell, for your friends and families in your communities, though your thoughts and ideas can also be kept anonymous.
Note – the drop-in sessions have all been held, the final one being on 30/1/16.
Production
When: Rehearsals and production in May 2016 (exact dates TBC)
Who: Actors x 4, Production Team x 5, Writer x 1
What: The exact definition of the script will not be determined until after the R&D period, however the key components of the piece will be that it is:
The story of the Hull City Fans
Largely verbatim
Basic set & costume (and therefore easily transferable)
Will feel like ‘a good night out’ in keeping with Middle Child productions
Performed in a location near to the KC Stadium, in consultation with HCST
How: Currently, the funding for the production in May 2016 has not been confirmed, although the funding is in place for the research phase in November. We expect to confirm the final production by December 2015.
Thank You!
We are thrilled to be working so closely with the Hull City Supporters’ Trust and can’t wait to get started on developing this piece. Furthermore, it is great pride that we can say that Middle Child and the HCST have formally become partners. We hope that this marks the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between these two local organisations.
Mungo Arney, Middle Child