SCARBOROUGH STORIES

Photos: Charlotte Graham

Scarborough Stories
THURSDAY 7, FRIDAY 8 AND SATURDAY 9 JULY 2022

Co-Produced by ARCADE and The Stephen Joseph Theatre

The streets of Scarborough are filled with stories, Memories of those who have gone before us and promises of things yet to come. Working with the local community we captured these stories, hopes and dreams, turning them into a unique performance in unusual indoor and outdoor locations in Scarborough town centre.

Each of the stories, written and told by our community cast members were audio recorded, allowing you the chance to experience them after the show.

LISTEN NOW

Overview

200 participants

15 artists employed

51 free workshops

15 local venues

Participants aged 14-88

12 story-tellers

6 artforms covered in workshops: poetry, textiles, photography, film, song writing & theatre

90% of project budget spent in Scarborough borough

100% match-funding raised

3 sold out shows

Workshops

Scarborough Stories was written and performed by the people of our town, directed by professional artist Rebecca Denniff. The project was born out of over 50 free and accessible workshops for people who live in Scarborough, covering Poetry, Textiles, Photography, film, Song Writing and Theatre. Over 200 participants were involved in creating the show on a local level.

'Scarborough people are so full of passion for the place...I wanted to find the true Spirit of Scarborough, and help to reveal it for our audiences.'

Lead artist, Rebecca Denniff

Two people sit chatting during a creative workshop

Three post it notes are stuck to a purple wall. The middle reads 'How did the workshop make you feel'

6 people sit around in a semi circle during a creative workshop

5 people are in a creative workshop, the focus is on one lady wearing a striped jumpsuit

Colourful pens are laid on top of a paper with words written on

4 people stand in a line, 3 are listening to one woman speak

Four people sit writing during a creative workshop

5 people sit writing during a creative workshop

Four people are in a room, two are sat down, two are standing

Five people are in a room, two are sat three are standing. Found objects are used as props around them

A number of people are in a room, some sitting, some standing. Found objects are used as props around them

Four people perform facing each other, reaching out towards each other

Three people sit in a circle, one woman is talking with her arm outstretched

Two pairs of hands are touching technical equipment during a creative workshop

Four people are performing, three are facing the other and pointing in her direction

The Finale

The streets of Scarborough are filled with stories. Memories of those who have gone before us and promises of things yet to come. When the shutters go down at the end of the working day, the Spirit of Scarborough awakes and brings these stories to life.

Tales of friendship and solidarity, bravery and identity, loss, love, recovery and resilience were told at various locations in the town centre by the people who lived them.

Audiences travelled the streets, guided by the people who know them best, and experienced a side of Scarborough that only showed itself for three special performances in July.

This unique performance took place in unusual indoor and outdoor locations in Scarborough town centre and was written and performed by the people of our town, directed by professional artist Rebecca Denniff.

Find out more about Scarborough Stories from Arcadian and Scarborough Stories Guide, Shan here.

You can see the Scarborough Stories programme below:

Partners

Scarborough Stories is co-produced by ARCADE & Stephen Joseph Theatre with support from CaVCA, North Yorkshire Library Service, Scarborough Museums & Galleries and funded by Yorkshire Coast Bid and Arts Council England. Scarborough Stories is a Yorkshire Coast BID project.

Behind the Scenes

Bek Homer of Radio York covered behind the scenes of Scarborough Stories on her Monday evening radio show. Click below to listen.

The storytelling was dark, rich and enticing, echoing what is it like to live and work in Scarborough through the eyes of new and old residents...it is through projects like Scarborough Stories that you get to see the area in all its glory and what makes it such a special place.

KERRY CARRUTHERS, CEO YORKSHIRE COAST BID

As a newer and older member of the Scarborough community, I stepped out of my comfort zone and into a warm, inspiring and supportive group creating Scarborough Stories. I loved becoming part of Scarborough's vibrant artistic community and meeting brave and talented people. You are never too old to learn.

RITA LEAMAN, PARTICIPANT, AGE 73

All our stories are about the everyday struggles we go through in life. They are stories of resilience and survival...These stories are a reflection of the human condition and show everyone they can cope with what life throws at them and emerge a more confident person...our journey with ARCADE has added to our strength and resilience

EMMA FOSTER, PARTICIPANT

Access

All rehearsal and performance venues were wheelchair accessible. BSL interpretation and audio description during performances was also available.

Partners

Scarborough Stories was co-produced by ARCADE & Stephen Joseph Theatre with support from CaVCA and funded by Yorkshire Coast Bid and Arts Council England. Scarborough Stories was a Yorkshire Coast BID project.

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