Northumbria plays a part in Live Theatre

A Northumbria University health expert has contributed to the development of Live Theatre’s 40th anniversary production, Wet House.

Further cementing the partnership between the two organisations, Tony Machin, Northumbria University’s Director of Programmes (Health and Life Sciences) has worked with Live Theatre’s cast and creative team to explore the issues of addiction raised in the play.

Wet House, a new play from writer and Northumbria graduate, Paddy Campbell, is based within a homeless hostel where residents are allowed to drink alcohol. Tony joined the rehearsal room to share his expertise with the cast and crew.

Max Roberts, Live Theatre’s Artistic Director said: “It’s been invaluable sharing the rehearsal room with Tony. His knowledge in the fields of mental health and addiction has given the cast access to expert advice relating to their character’s actions and responses.

“During any rehearsal process it is important to provide the creative team with opportunities to further explore themes raised within the script, and our partnership with Northumbria University allows us to access an extremely diverse range of expertise.”

Wet House has further links with Northumbria University through cast member Riley Jones, a Performing Arts graduate who has recently enjoyed success touring nationally with Lee Hall’s The Pitmen Painters, as well as a regular role in television drama, Vera.
Lucy Winskell, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Business and Engagement), said: “We are proud of our cultural partnerships and the impact that these can have upon both the lives of our students and the organisations that we work with.

“The fact that we see many of our graduates returning to Newcastle to work with internationally-acclaimed arts organisations such as Live Theatre just goes to show how culturally important the North East is.”

Northumbria University was recently awarded The Times Higher Education award 2012 for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts, as well as The Journal’s Culture Award for Best Arts and Business Partnership, celebrating its links with Live Theatre, Great North Run Culture, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and New Writing North