Autumn 2025 Sightline Journal of Theatre Technology and Design Touring Then and Now – Prospect Theatre Company Bill Dudley Remembered Overview of CAD programs OISTAT and ABTT outing Sadler’s Wells East Living and working on MullISG member 2025 SILVER ISG member 2025 BRONZE ISG member 2025 GOLD PLATINUM ISG member 2025 Orbital Sound 020 7501 6868 | orbitalsound.com | information@orbitalsound.com Ornate Plaster (London) Ltd 01252 718 669 | ornateplasterlondon.com | info@ornateplasterlondon.com Preevue 020 7078 8892 | preevue.com | info@preevue.com Production Resource Group UK Ltd 0345 470 6400 | prg.com/uk | ukinfo@prg.com ROBE 01604 741000 | www.robe.cz | infouk@robeuk.com Society of London Theatre 020 7557 6700 | solt.co.uk | enquiries@soltukt.co.uk Steeldeck Industries Ltd 020 8692 9721 | steeldeckUK.com | sales@steeldeck.co.uk The Vaults 0207 401 9603 | thevaults.london/about | enquiries@thevaults.london Theatreplan 020 7841 0440 | theatreplan.com | info@theatreplan.com Theatres Trust 020 7836 8591 | theatrestrust.org.uk | info@theatrestrust.org.uk Torpedo Factory Group 01706 849 469 | tfg.com | sales@tfg.com Triple E Ltd 01959 570 333 | triplee.ltd | info@triplee.ltd UK Theatre 020 7557 6700 | uktheatre.org | ukt@soltukt.co.uk Unusual Rigging Ltd 01604 830 083 | unusual.co.uk | info@unusual.co.uk West End Rigging Ltd 01223 901169 | howard.dandy@westendrigging.com Aluminium Access Products Ltd 01942 514 318 | tallescope.co.uk | info@tallescope.co.uk Ayrton Digital Lighting 01842 764 631 | ayrton.eu | aryton.eu/about-us/#contact Cameron Mackintosh Ltd 020 7637 8866 | cameronmackintosh.com | info@camack.co.uk Charcoalblue LLP 020 7298 0000 | charcoalblue.com | studio@charcoalblue.com Creative Spark 01342 457220 | creative-spark.co.uk | venuesupport@creative-spark.co.uk Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Ltd 0844 482 5138 | delfontmackintosh.co.uk Disney Cruise Line - TAEEL 0208 458 4212 | excellententertainment.biz | theagency@excellententertainment.biz Encore 01664 821 111 | encore-emea.com | info-uk@encoreglobal.com Ferco Seating Systems Ltd 01743 761244 | www.fercoseating.com | jane.shepherd@fercoseating.co.uk Flint Hire & Supply Ltd 020 7703 9786 | flints.co.uk | sales@flints.co.uk Harlequin Floors 01892 514 888 | harlequinfloors.com | enquiries@harlequinfloors.com J&C Joel Ltd 01422 833 835 | jcjoel.com | sales@jcjoel.com LW Theatres 020 7557 7300 | lwtheatres.co.uk | customer.relations@lwtheatres.co.uk National Theatre 020 7452 3333 | nationaltheatre.org.uk | Nimax Theatres Ltd 020 7395 0780 | nimaxtheatres.com | general@nimaxtheatres.com ORIGINAL PLATINUM ISG MEMBERS TAIT International 020 8208 6000 | taittowers.com | London@taittowers.com ATG Entertainment 0207 534 6100 | atgentertainment.com ETC Ltd 020 8896 1000 | etcconnect.com | uk@etcconnect.com GOLD ISG MEMBERS West End Rigging Ltd White Light Ltd 020 8254 4800 | info@whitelight.ltd.uk | whitelight.ltd.ukORIGINAL Arup 020 7636 1531 | arup.com/venues | artsandculture@arup.com Blue I Event Technology Ltd +44 (0)1908 032668 | blueievent.co.uk | hello@bluei.group Centre Stage Engineering Ltd 0844 499 6250 | centre-stage.co.uk | info@centre-stage.co.uk Chauvet Europe Ltd 01773 511 115 | chauvetprofessional.eu | uksales@chauvetlighting.com City Theatrical Ltd 020 8949 5051 | citytheatrical.com | London@citytheatrical.com Clear-Com 001 510 337 6600 | clearcom.com | salessupportemea@clearcom.com Doughty Engineering Ltd 07811 392 270 | doughty-engineering.co.uk | sarah@sprandcomms.com Drapemakers 01332 371 710 | drapemakers.com | drapes@designservices.co.uk EM Acoustics 01483 266 520 | emacoustics.co.uk | info@emacoustics.co.uk igus (UK) Ltd 01604 677204 | www.igus.co.uk | hdurrant@igus.co.uk Le Mark Group 01480 494 540 | lemark.co.uk | info@lemark.co.uk LSI Projects 01483 764 646 I lsiprojects.com | info@lsiprojects.com MGC Entertainment 01473 466300 | mgc-lighting.com | uksales@mgc-lighting.com NODA 01733 374 790 | noda.org.uk | info@noda.org.uk Panasonic Connect 01344 853154 | eu.connect.panasonic.com | eu.connect.panasonic.com/support/contact-us Push The Button Ltd 0117 370 2626 | PTB.co.uk | hello@PTB.co.uk Robolights Ltd 01392 823 040 | robolights.com | sales@robolights.com Serapid Ltd 01359 233 335 | serapid.com | info-uk@serapid.com SES (Entertainment Services) Ltd 01753 585 050 | site-electrics.co.uk | sales@site-electrics.co.uk Shure UK 01992 703058 | shure.com/en-GB/support | info@shure.com Skelly & Couch Ltd 020 7424 7770 | skellyandcouch.com | admin@skellyandcouch.com Smartrad Creative Limited 07711 469787 | www.smartrad.org | smartradcreativeprojects@gmail.com Solutions on Stage 0117 244 8625 | solutionsonstage.co.uk | enquiries@solutionsonstage.co.uk Stage Right Theatre Consultants Ltd 01386 313 169 | srtcltd.co.uk | julia.redfern@srtcltd.co.uk Stage Sound Services Ltd 029 2061 3577 | stagesoundservices.co.uk | hires@stagesoundservices.co.uk Theatre Projects Consultants Ltd 020 7482 4224 | theatreprojects.com | uk@theatreprojects.com The Fire Surgery Ltd 020 7921 0220 | thefiresurgery.com | andrew.nicholson@thefiresurgery.com The Powerdrive Drum Co. Ltd 01525 370 292 | mypowerdrive.com | info@mypowerdrive.com The Stage 020 7403 1818 | thestage.co.uk | reception@thestage.co.uk Total Solutions Group 0121 772 5234 | trussing.com | info@trussing.com Trafalgar Entertainment Group 020 7321 5400 | trafalgarentertainment.com | trafalgarmanagement@trafalgarentertainment.com Voluntary Arts 02920 395 395 | voluntaryarts.org | info@voluntaryarts.org Wonder Works Limited 020 8819 9040 | wonder.co.uk | info@wonder.co.uk SILVER ISG MEMBERS1stintheatre Limited 0333 404 0621 | 1stintheatre.co.uk | sales@1stintheatre.co.uk 3LR Lighting Ltd 0117 325 9098 | 3lrlighting.com | sales@3lrlighting.com 10K Used Gear Limited 020 8308 9566 | 10Kused.com | info@10Kused.com AAC Technical Services Ltd 01842 764 631 | aactech.co.uk | aactheatresystems.co.uk/contact A.C. Entertainment Technologies 01494 446 000 | ac-et.com | sales@ac-et.com Ambersphere Solutions Ltd 0208 992 6369 | ambersphere.co.uk | sales@ambersphere.co.uk Anderson Bradshaw Ltd 07544 095620 | michael@abltd.org Artisan PlasterCraft 01959 571 135 | artisanplastercraft.com | info@artisanplastercraft.com Audio Light Systems Ltd 0800 043 4600 | audiolightsystems.com | enquiry@audiolightsystems.com AUDIOTEK 0203 006 2745 | audiotek.com | info@audiotek.com AVW Controls Ltd 01379 898 340 | www.avw.co.uk | sales@avw.co.uk Bennetts Associates 020 7520 3300 | bennettsassociates.com | mail@bennettsassociates.com Camstage 01727 830 151| camstage.com | sales-team@camstage.com Central Theatre Supplies 0121 778 6400 | centraltheatresupplies.co.uk | enquiries@centraltheatresupplies.co.uk Clark Door Ltd 01228 522 321 | clarkdoor.com | sales@clarkdoor.com Conisbee 020 7700 6666 | conisbee.co.uk | design@conisbee.co.uk CWS Lifting and Safety Ltd 0117 941 5306 | cwslifting.co.uk | sales@cwslifting.co.uk d&b audiotechnik GB Ltd 01453 835 884 | dbaudio.com | info.gb@dbaudio.com Enlightened 01179 727 123 | enlx.co.uk | info@enlx.co.uk Equals 020 7580 3360 | equalsconsulting.com | mail@equalsconsulting.com Figueras Seating Europe SL +34 93 844 50 50 | figueras.com | erovira@figueras.com Flashlight Ltd 01706 625 866 | flash-light.co.uk | sales@flash-light.co.uk Foster Wilson Size 020 7354 1315 | fosterwilsonsize.com | mail@fosterwilsonsize.com Gillieron Scott Acoustic Design 020 8671 2223 | gsacoustics.org | info@gsacoustics.org Glantre Engineering Ltd 0118 964 0000 | glantre.com | info@glantre.com GL Events UK 01332 408 253 | www.glevents.co.uk | www.glevents.co.uk/contact-us Globestock Ltd 01691 654 966 | globestock.co.uk | info@globestock.co.uk GoboPlus 020 3603 1335 | goboplus.com | enquiries@goboplus.com Harper Tackley Consultants 07976 279 701 | harpertackley.com | harper920@me.com Haworth Tompkins 020 7250 3225 | haworthtompkins.com | info@haworthtompkins.com Hayles and Howe Ltd 0117 972 7200 | haylesandhowe.co.uk | info@haylesandhowe.co.uk Henley Theatre Services 01491 412347 | henleytheatreservices.com | office@henleytheatre.com Hoist UK 0151 334 7682 | hoistuk.com | info@hoistuk.com Howard Eaton Lighting Ltd 01273 400 670 | helluk.com | info@helluk.com Illuminate Design 01206 709 694 | illuminatedesign.co.uk | info@illuminatedesign.co.uk Infinity Technical & Production Services Ltd 0330 128 1525 | infinity-technical.co.uk | info@infinity-technical.co.uk IPS 01908 657950 | www.ips.co.uk | enquiries@ips.co.uk John Young Creative Industries 01252 711816 | jyci.co.uk | johnyoung@jyci.co.uk Lamp & Pencil Ltd 01279 902819 | lampandpencil.com | lampandpencil.com/contact/ Locker and Riley Fibrous Plastering Ltd 01245 322 022 | lockerandriley.com | enquiries@lockerandriley.com Mayr Transmissions Ltd 01535 663 900 | mayr.com | sales@mayr.co.uk MDG FOG UK 01604 741 000 | mdgfoguk.com | contact@mdgfoguk.com MI Workshops Ltd 01789330244 | miworkshops.co.uk | info@miworkshops.co.uk MJ Consulting Engineers 0161 790 4404 | mjconsulting.co.uk | info@mjconsulting.co.uk Mushroom Lighting 01604 790 900 | mushroomlighting.com | info@mushroomlighting.com Niche Productions nicheproductions.co.uk | nicheproductions.co.uk/contact Northern Light 0131 622 9100 | northernlight.co.uk | info@northernlight.co.uk OCTheatrical +44 (0) 20 3650 0320 | octheatrical.com | Info@OCTheatrical.com Plann Ltd 020 3846 9230 | plann.co | Julia@plann.co Production Safety Ltd 973 159 402 | productionsafety.co.uk | mail@productionsafety.co.uk Prop Hire Scotland 0141 266 0301 | prophirescotland.co.uk | info@prophirescotland.co.uk Punchdrunk Global Ltd +44 208 191 01900 | punchdrunk.com | info@punchdrunk.com RB Health & Safety Solutions Ltd 0845 257 1489 | rbhealthandsafety.co.uk | admin@rbhealthandsafety.co.uk Rigging Services Direct Ltd 0845 555 6575 | riggingservices.co.uk | info@riggingservices.co.uk Rigging Team Ltd 020 3126 4040 | riggingteam.com | office@riggingteam.com Ritchie Studio Ltd 020 7338 1100 | www.ritchie.studio | mail@ritchie.studio RNSS Ltd 020 7593 0011 | rnss.net | office@rnss.net Rope Assemblies Ltd 01777 700714 | ropeassemblies.co.uk | sales@ropeassemblies.co.uk Spirolux Limited 01225873804 | spirolux.co.uk/about-us | info@spirolux.co.uk Stage Electrics 03330 142 102 | stage-electrics.co.uk | sales@stage-electrics.co.uk TAG Live +44 (01582) 738 400 | tag.live | hello@tag.live TheatreMix +61 417 106 578 | theatremix.com | info@theatremix.com Theatretech 01935 882 828 | theatretech.net | info@theatretech.net Vaughan Sound Installations Ltd +44 (0) 1554 740500 | vaughansound.co.uk | info@vaughansound.co.uk Woo Architects 020 39038101 | wooarchitects.com | info@wooarchitects.com Yesplan UK Ltd +44 (0) 7800 854404 | yesplan.be/en | info@yesplan.co.uk BRONZE ISG MEMBERSAssociation of British Theatre Technicians 22 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0QL Tel: 020 7242 9200 Email: office@abtt.org.uk Website: www.abtt.org.uk Registered Charity 282069 COUNCIL Oliver Brown Vice Chair Ruth Butler Joshua Burnside Co-opted Alexander Cann Mark Dakin Jack Davies Co-opted Kat Ellis David Evans Chair Gareth Evans Co-opted Paul Moore Co-opted Anette Ollerearnshaw Nikki Scott Co-opted Suzy Somerville Matthew Smethurst-Evans Ben Stephen Anton Woodward EX OFFICIO MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Michael AndersonChair, Safety Committee Sebastian Barnes Chair, Training & Education Committee Jack Davies Chair, ABTT Apprenticeship Network Roger Fox Chair, Historical Research Committee Simon Harper Chair, Theatre Design Committee Martin Hunt Chair, ABTT Cymru Committee Matthew Jones Honorary Secretary Danny Lennon Chair, Sustainability Committee Peter Maccoy Chair, OISTAT Committee Robert Millington Chair, Stephen Joseph Committee Paul MooreChair, Northnet Committee Anette Ollerearnshaw Chair, Wigs, Hair and Make-up Committee Nick Page Chair, Automation Committee Dan Shelley Chair, Reset Better Committee Ben Stephen Chair, Communications and Publications Committee Loretta Tomasi Honorary Treasurer Caroline TownsendChair, CITEA Committee CONSULTANT Louise Birchall ABTT Training Co-ordinator Sightline CONTENTS vol. 48 no. 3 EditorialPage 7 Theatre Green Book PagePage 8 The PiPA PagePage 9 Young AssociatePage 10 Touring Then and Now?Page 11 Sadler’s Well EastPage 15 Bill Dudley – RememberedPage 19 ABTT Theatre Show picturePage 24 From Manchester to PrescotPage 26 Island LifePage 31 An over view of CAD programsPage 34 Book review – That’s My CuePage 37 First Response Grab Bag Page 38 Technical StandardsPage 39 Members NewsPage 42 Safety Matters and Well Being Page 43 Editor David Evans PublisherET Press Ltd The Studio, High Green, Great Shelford Cambridge, Cambs CB22 5EG Tel: 01223 550805 Fax: 01223 550806 Advertising enquiries should be sent to editor@etnow.com Sightline is published in March, June, September and December. Copies are sent to ABTT members as a benefit of membership. Current and past copies are also available via the ABTT website www.abtt.org.uk/shop at a cost of £5.00 (ABTT members) or £10.00 (non-Members). Opinions expressed in Sightline are not necessarily those of the Publisher or the Association of British Theatre Technicians. All rights are reserved and reproduction of any part in whatever form is prohibited without the prior permission of the ABTT and/ or the Publisher. Information is published in good faith but no responsibility can be attached to the Publisher or to the Association or to any of their members or employees for the accuracy or for any liability arising therefrom. ISSN: 0265-9808 Cover: Newcastle Theatre Royal – Photo: Graeme Peacock Photographic ImageryAt Solutions On Stage, we make compliance simple — ensuring your venue is safe, legal, and performance-ready. From Fixed Wire Testing to PIT Lift Inspections, we’ve got it covered. Contact our friendly team for expert advice. We know your venue solutionsonstage.co.uk0117 244 8625enquiries@solutionsonstage.co.uk WEATHERPROOF LONG-LASTING POWERFUL QUIET LIGHT ELECTRIC CHAIN HOIST LP 3 YEAR WARRANTY CH-6247 Schötz I Phone +41 41 984 11 33 I tel@gis-ag.ch I www.gis-ag.ch RIG IT EASY WITH GISSightline Autumn 2025 7 Editorial Welcome to the Autumn edition of Sightline. We have a few more pages of articles this month as there is so much content. We open with a history of Prospect Theatre Company co-written by the founding producer Iain Mackintosh and founding production manager John Faulkner. This fascinating description of touring in the 1960s and 70s by this important theatre company is an insight into a time when it was a lot harder to organise and deliver shows, a time when there were no mobile phones, hand drawn plans in a range of imperial scales and no specialist trucking companies. The article also looks at many other changes over the years, from the closure of theatres to the reduction in touring shows. A lovely collaborative article by two people who first worked together over 60 years ago. We remember Bill Dudley, a production designer of remarkable fecundity. Seven people who worked with him in different roles over the years share their memories and experiences. They paint a vivid picture of a much missed, highly creative individual who incorporated technology and its possibilities in his design process. It is no surprise that he was an ABTT Fellow. What also comes through is the person, both stylish and eccentric and how much fun they had working with him. It was a real pleasure drawing this article together especially delving in the NT Archives. Rebecca Moreland visits Sadler’s Wells East. Following many years of planning this striking new building opened in February this year. Conceived as a development and rehearsal space, with six studios as well as a performance space this is a beautiful addition the Olympic Park and to Sadlers’ Wells portfolio of venues. At the beginning of July an international group from OISTAT and the ABTT made a trip around six venues in Manchester, Liverpool and Prescot ranging from the Aviva building to the beautiful Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. I accompanied the group but Mhiora Samuel kindly agreed to write up the trip and guides us through the busy two days and then concludes with some astute ‘lessons learned’, including a commitment from the ABTT. Louise Gregory, Technical and Production Manager at An Tobar and Mull Theatre on the Isle of Mull describes the challenges and joys of living and working on an island. She also points out how island life has made her more aware of sustainability as climate change is so much more immediate and impactful on an island where you can be cut off for days. Stephanie Thomas writing our regular Theatre Green Book page gives an update on engagement with the Theatre Green Book and looks at some of the perceived barriers to using it. She also has some helpful advice. Our regular page from PiPA shares an example of ‘inclusive planning’ showing the value of good advance planning on the whole team and production. Our Young Associate also has advice about learning styles that can benefit learners and teachers. David Ripley – ‘Mr CAD’ gives a timely overview of the various CAD packages available for theatre use and their suitability for the tasks we need them for, the computers that we need to run them on and most importantly how much they cost. He has even, very helpfully, identified two free ones and one that you can buy rather than rent. He closes the article with a stunning 3D rendering. After a review of a book by ABTT stalwart and Chair of the Education Committee Sebastian Barnes, we hear about the “First Response Grab Bag”. This caused a lot of interest at the Theatre Show and is becoming increasingly popular on the larger touring tours. It has already saved someone’s life. Don’t forget to read the yellow pages to keep up to date on Tech Standards and on Safety Matters and Wellbeing. If you turn to the centre page you will see a rather spectacular picture taken at the Awards Ceremony during the Theatre show this year. Free entry to next year’s show for whoever can name the most people in the picture! The very hard to miss figures on the back wall were painted by Ricardo Cinalli in 1987 and through the magic of tromp l’oeil are supposed to make the room appear larger.8 Sightline Autumn 2025 Theatre Green Book: Accelerating change through bold and transparent sharing Over a year on from the launch of its second edition, Theatre Green Book is becoming embedded in UK theatre practice. A survey report published May 2025, showed that 69% of SOLT/UK Theatres are using the guidance, but it seems there is some disparity between what people are doing and audience perceptions. Indigo’s 2024 ‘Act Green’ survey, reported that 72% of audiences think cultural organisations have a responsibility to influence society about the climate emergency, but only 16% thought those organisations currently place great importance on it. So, what are the concerns and barriers to sharing and what are the most effective ways to communicate with audiences about environmental initiatives? When organisations start using the Theatre Green Book, there can be a desire to practice ‘behind closed doors’ before shouting about it. We may want to be sure that we are getting it right and exposing ourselves to criticism or accusations of ‘greenwashing’ can feel daunting. But perfectionism can be the enemy of progress. We will learn and change faster as a sector if we openly share our journey – the challenges, as well as the successes. Chichester Festival Theatre, winner of the 2024 UK Theatre Award for Excellence in Sustainability, has adopted this open approach, posting case studies of Theatre Green Book shows online, even when targets were not achieved. Angela Buckley, CFT Green Book Coordinator, describes the motivation behind this transparency as ‘the spirit of collaboration’ and recognises the opportunity to encourage others who are stuck on getting started using the guidance, or potentially help them avoid the same mishaps. With no in-house scenic workshop, these case studies also provide rich opportunities for learning and communication with the external workshops and suppliers that they work with. Perhaps sometimes, environmental initiatives don’t make it to the top of the agenda when deciding what to share with audiences and there is a perception that sustainability could be a bit dry or negative. It’s possibly true that telling audiences about a new energy saving boiler or voltage optimiser, could be a hard sell on their evening out at the theatre. Amber Massie-Blomfield, author of The Stage’s new Sustainable Stages column, encourages people to think about having a ‘hero project’ to celebrate, that will speak to and engage audiences. At Chichester, an example has been the planting of trees, wildflowers and hedgerows, and bird boxes – in place of traditional press night gifts – a very tangible and joyous scheme, that really interests and Stephanie Thomas benefits the local community. Another popular initiative at CFT has been the ‘theatre bus’, shuttling audience members between the venue and local train station, allowing more people from across the region to access theatre, whilst reducing emissions from cars. This has gained coverage in local news and social media and is a visible example of environmental sustainability as a core value at CFT. As well as the larger projects, we can view every interaction that audiences have in our spaces as an opportunity to stimulate conversation and encourage positive change. Theatre Green Book provides free downloadable logos for theatres to use, to demonstrate their commitment and progress through the four levels, and front of house signage about environmental initiatives can be a simple but great way of communicating. In July, to celebrate the anniversary of the second edition, lots of organisations posted on social media about their environmental progress, and there are an increasing number of local and national sustainability focused events, that provide good opportunities to zoom in on the topic. The Royal Shakespeare Company recently experimented with new ways of sharing environmental initiatives with audiences during the ‘Big Green Week’, notably through a well-received environmentally focused tour, allowing audiences a deeper insight into green initiatives across various departments, and by offering a special menu with zero-waste and garden grown items, an idea that stemmed directly from staff on the catering team. Visual tools can be effective in making information on sustainability accessible; both the RSC and CFT have recently produced videos discussing their commitment to, and progress with, Theatre Green Book. These bold statements of intention send a strong message, particularly when spearheaded by senior management, and provide an easily digestible insight into practices. By taking the plunge and publicly sharing our environmental commitments, we are opening ourselves up to criticism. Liz Minshall, Environmental Manager at the RSC recognises that, but believes that scrutiny ‘can only be beneficial, in helping to change the conversation and to embrace challenges transparently’. We will not become perfect overnight, and mistakes will be made, but through sharing our journey openly, we will accelerate change throughout the sector. As the industry becomes more confident with using the Theatre Green Book framework, let us also become more confident in telling people about it. Sightline Autumn 2025 9 PiPA Charter Partner Organisation Next Door But One demonstrate how inclusive planning empowers working parents – and benefits the entire creative process. Returning to freelance work in the performing arts after maternity leave can be an uncertain time – especially in roles that demand long hours, rigid scheduling, and physical presence. But York-based theatre company Next Door But One turned that challenge into a case study in inclusive practice. By integrating caring responsibilities into their project planning, they enabled a seamless return for Deputy Stage Manager Jane Williamson – proving that when access is embedded into creative culture, everyone benefits. In 2023, Next Door But One hired Jane to support two major projects: Hospital Doors, a research and development process exploring disability, sexuality and caregiving, and Yorkshire Trios, a performance showcase of new work by early-career creatives. Jane brought a wealth of experience and stage management skill – but also new logistical needs following the birth of her first child. Rather than view her situation as an obstacle, Next Door But One leaned into inclusive practice. “We started discussions four months before the project began,” said Artistic Director Matt Harper-Hardcastle. “That gave us space to Creating Space for Return: How ‘Next Door But One’ Supported a Freelance DSM Post-Maternity Leave plan for what Jane needed – whether that was logistics, private spaces or flexible working hours – so she could succeed both professionally and personally.” An Access Requirements Form helped identify key needs, including a private room for expressing breastmilk, refrigerator storage and a predictable daily schedule that would allow Jane to be home for evening routines. These provisions were arranged in coordination with the venue and came at no additional cost to the company. “For me, from the very first conversation, it was clear that my caring responsibilities weren’t something separate from my role – they were simply part of it,” Jane reflected. “That mindset has been rare in my experience and made all the difference.” From the outset, team culture was designed to be supportive. On day one of rehearsals, all participants were asked two simple but powerful questions: “What do you want everyone to know?” and “What might you need to ask of others?” This practice normalised conversations around access and wellbeing – from parenting to disability – and created a space where Jane didn’t need to explain each time she stepped out to express. Jane’s expertise helped ensure smooth delivery across both projects, and her empathy supported the development of emerging artists. “Having the right person in the room improved every layer of the process,” said Harper-Hardcastle. “This wasn’t just the right thing to do – it made the work stronger.” The company has since begun developing a new Company Manager role with Jane, offering leadership opportunities that reflect both her career ambitions and her needs as a parent. Recently Jane won the Stage Management Association’s Imagine Theatre Individual Stage Manager Achievement Award. “Next Door But One gave me the confidence to return to the arts sector on new terms,” said Jane. “They recognised me as a whole person – not just a worker. That changed everything.” This story is a compelling reminder: inclusive planning does not just support individuals – it elevates the entire creative process. For more information, please get in touch with programmes@ pipacampaign.com www.pipacampaign.com www.nextdoorbutone.co.uk Rehearsals of Hospital Doors photos:James Drury.Next >