Scarborough Stories: real people, real stories, told on our streets

1. Can you describe the show and your role on it?

Rebecca: Scarborough Stories was a glorious celebration of what it means to be a human, walking the earth and experiencing the ups and downs that we all go through, but don’t always have the opportunity to explore and share in such a life-affirming way. Small but significant episodes of people’s lives were developed into beautiful performances.

Through this process, the storytellers all went on a journey, from writer, to deviser, to performer. They supported one another and co-created a song which became the beating heart of the show.   

I joined the project as a workshop leader, and I was so delighted when I was offered the chance to take on the role of Director. Supporting and nurturing these performers was a joyful process, and creating the music that threaded through the show was really lovely – seeing a group of strangers transform into a powerful and vibrant chorus was wonderful.

Sophie: I conceived the format of the project and show. My role as a lead producer was to support, enable and guide. I worked side- by-side with Rebecca to shine a light on everyone’s brilliance, bringing our community together with incredible artists to make something special for the people that live and work in Scarborough.     

 

2. The project received support from National Lottery Project Grants – what difference did this funding make to the project?

Sophie: Arts Council England’s support meant the ARCADE producing team was able to increase in capacity in order to reach hundreds of community members. It supported the access requirements of our cast and resourced a year- long digital story-gathering campaign - all complimenting match funding from Yorkshire Coast Business Improvement District.

3. What inspired Scarborough Stories and can you describe the creative process that took place?

Rebecca: Scarborough Stories was conceived as a way for ARCADE to meet and get to know their community. 

The initial idea was quite broad - find Scarborough people and help them to celebrate their identity and cultural heritage by telling their story to the world! In our initial conversations, we had lots of ideas about the ways in which we might achieve this. We hoped that we would find authentic stories of lived experience, and that is exactly what emerged. When the call out for storytellers brought together a room full of people from all walks of life, and all areas of Scarborough, we were delighted - but what was really special was the bravery that they all brought to the space, and the generosity with which they supported each other.       

4. What’s your most memorable moment from working with the community storytellers?  

Sophie: Our post-show debrief which felt part-party, part-wedding - where we cried, laughed and gave speeches about how much taking part meant to us all. For a lot of us, it was life changing. It supercharged my belief that creativity changes lives.

Rebecca: My proudest moment was seeing the faces of the performers when they came to the space outside Poundland to sing. One by one they joined the chorus, and they were all filled with pride in themselves for what they had achieved, and respect for their fellow performers. There was a lot of love on the streets of Scarborough!

5. What’s next?

Rebecca: I would love to see a development of the project - maybe a broader creative exploration into identity and intangible cultural heritage on the North Yorkshire Coast. After all, we’ve all got a story to tell. We just need to take the time to listen to each other!

Sophie: We can’t wait for the next creative adventure with the hundreds of community members and tens of community organisations that we now have deep relationships with. With the trust and confidence we now have in working together, we can do anything! 

Our next project is presenting the world premiere of the new Touretteshero show ‘Burnt Out in Biscuit Land’ in Bridlington, in partnership with the Collaborative Touring Network on 26 and 27 April. We can’t wait! Check out our website for more info www.hello-arcade.com or to join our mailing list.