Get ready for a cultural revolution in Hull! A brand-new theatre is set to transform the city’s artistic landscape, and it’s not just another venue—it’s a creative haven for artists and a hub for the community. But here’s where it gets exciting: Middle Child Theatre Company, known for their bold and unconventional performances, is finally getting a permanent home on Humber Street, right in the heart of Hull’s cultural quarter. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the shows; it’s about building something lasting, something that belongs to everyone in the city.
After discovering a vacant space on Humber Street, Middle Child teamed up with Wykeland to create an intimate 80-seat theatre. Slated to open in Spring next year, the venue will kick off with Isabelle, a new production by Marc Graham, one of Middle Child’s founding members. But don’t expect the usual theatre experience—this space is designed to be different, fostering a unique, up-close connection between performers and audiences.
Paul Smith, the company’s Artistic Director and CEO, emphasizes the need for community support: ‘We want local people to get behind this, bring their work here, and see where it takes us all.’ Middle Child has always been about adaptability, performing everywhere from Welly nightclub to the top of a car park. ‘Come rain or shine, the show has gone on,’ Smith says. Now, with their own space, they’re ready to ‘build something special and lasting.’
But here’s the controversial part: While the theatre promises ‘something new and original’ with every performance, it’s also inviting the community to shape its identity. ‘We’re keen to see what people want to put in here,’ Smith explains. This open-ended approach raises questions: Can a theatre truly belong to everyone? And how will this balance between artistic vision and community input play out?
Adding to its uniqueness, the venue will feature a community library stocked with plays and textbooks, giving everyone access to the best new writing from around the world. Smith’s ambition is bold: to make Middle Child ‘the most influential new writing theatre outside of London.’ But achieving this won’t be easy. ‘We know how hard it is to make new work,’ he admits. ‘You’re often building the plane while flying it.’
This brings us to a thought-provoking question: Is there room for ‘messier, riskier’ work in today’s theatre scene? Middle Child believes so, aiming to create a space where artists feel at home and audiences embrace the raw, unpolished magic of live performance. But will this approach resonate with everyone? That’s for you to decide.
As Hull prepares to welcome this exciting addition to its cultural scene, one thing is clear: Middle Child Theatre isn’t just opening a venue—they’re starting a conversation. What do you think? Is this the kind of theatre Hull needs? Let us know in the comments!
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