New Popular

producing

a 5-year programme that aims to broaden the audience for new theatre in the South East

a black and white photograph of a man on a motorbike covered in headlights

New Popular brings theatre-makers and communities together, to test and develop new work for unconventional spaces. Now in its second year, projects have so far been presented everywhere from shopping centres, to betting shops and football stadiums. Find out more about our current projects below.

New Popular is generously supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

This film showcases some initial investments made through New Popular, including dance in shop windows and a re-naming of the streets of Slough.

current projects

New Popular 2023

farnham maltings announces project funding awards to five south east-based theatre artists.

A black and white photo of two elderly women sitting in arm chairs laughing

working class artists funding

farnham maltings announces project funding to 4 south east working class artists

A painting of a residential street and street sign

Our Towns

farnham maltings awards funds to seven new theatre projects for towns across the south east

A young boy hops over a colourful chalk hopscotch drawn on the pavement

The Wriggle and Scribble playground

By A-line Art, with The Spring and Shoppertainment

A brand new playful, interactive environment for the Shopping Centre in Havant.

A woman called Fiona with an overlay of an image of a gambling slot game

Odds On

By Dante or Die, with Ideas Test, Chatham and South Street Arts Centre, Reading

A digital storytelling piece exploring online gambling from the perspective of a woman in her 60s. Developed with those affected by gambling addiction.


Logo with text: Farnham maltings

Izzy, BOSSS and Fractal

By Fuel, in partnership with Slung Low with Market Place Creative People and Places

An immersive show in a shipping container for children aged 5+, popping up in school playgrounds and public spaces.

A still from the film ' Two pairs of eyes' showing a man above a city-scape holding a lantern

Two Pairs of Eyes

By Sara Clifford for Inroads with Newhaven Town Council and Goldsmiths University

A new ghost story and performance created by and for the people of Newhaven, for believers and sceptics alike.

A group of performers wearing white overalls looking at the camera, with a mannequin.

Mannequin

By Miss High Leg Kick, with Colchester Arts Centre

A variety show of quick-changing window displays, performed by a Mannequin and a group of live artists in a real shop window.

A black and white photo of a group of people holding up a banner reading: WHITEHAWK

Theatre FC

By The Future is Unwritten, with Whitehawk Football Club

A show for football lovers, performed in a football stadium, about a village football team who somehow make it to the top of the money-bags league.

A group of woman all dressed up in various costumes and make up, posing playfully.

Wearing Mum’s Makeup

By New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, with Josh Breach

A community project for mums across Portsmouth, telling their stories through cabaret and popular entertainment.

Sign off

A head shot of Katy Potter smiling

If you’d like to find out more about New Popular or discuss an idea, please get in touch with Katy

Katy Potter

Role
Senior Producer

artist opportunities

explore our current call outs, training and advice sessions for theatre-makers