Creativity, Community and Creating Change
Some conversations leave you with a notebook full of ideas and our recent visit to Theatre In Flow was one of them.
Theatre In Flow is an organisation based in Rochdale that exists to champion marginalised voices. Through theatre, training and community-led programmes, the organisation amplifies unheard stories, challenges discrimination and supports people facing some of life’s toughest challenges. Through bold creative work, Theatre In Flow creates space for people to share experiences, challenge assumptions and imagine fairer futures.
Ben and Maddy met with Liz, Maggy, Etta and Jas at Theatre In Flow’s base in Rochdale. The conversation moved effortlessly between creativity, community, recovery, housing, local pride, empty buildings, shared meals, solidarity brunches and even the exciting idea of connecting with other Rochdales around the world.
Creating Space for People to Be Heard
Since launching in 2020, Theatre In Flow has been working with people whose voices are not always part of the conversation. This includes women, people in recovery, minority communities and others facing difficult circumstances.
Their work takes different forms. There are theatre projects, films, workshops and ongoing groups, alongside more informal spaces where people can come together.
One example is the Women’s Supper Club. Originally funded as an eight-week project, it is still running five years later and has become a regular space where women meet, talk and support one another.
Alongside building supportive spaces, Theatre In Flow uses creative projects to explore issues including recovery, homelessness, poverty, racism, gender inequality and other important topics, helping people tell their own stories and challenge the assumptions that often surround them.
What stood out most was the way creativity is used as a tool for connection, confidence-building and change.
“Sometimes creativity isn’t about a performance at the end”
“It’s about creating spaces where people can connect, express themselves and feel part of something bigger.”
– Liz Mytton, Creative Director.
That philosophy runs through everything Theatre In Flow does: using creativity not just to bring people together, but to create space for people to share experiences, question what exists and imagine what could be different. Whether supporting women to build confidence, helping people share experiences of recovery, or simply bringing people together around a table, the focus is on connection, belonging and creating opportunities for change.
A Theatre Company Rooted in Community
Theatre In Flow collaborates with groups across Greater Manchester, including recovery networks, women’s organisations and grassroots activists. Creative projects often grow directly out of those relationships, such as the film the team is currently developing about recovery.
Their work is not theatre for theatre’s sake. It’s theatre with purpose, it’s a way of exploring difficult experiences, challenging discrimination and questioning the systems that shape people’s lives.
Big Conversations and Brilliant Ideas
One of the joys of meeting people across the borough is seeing where conversations lead. As often happens when people care deeply about a place, the conversation quickly expanded into bigger questions about the borough’s future.
We talked about the importance of community spaces and what happens when people don’t have places where they can gather, create and spend time together. We discussed empty buildings and the possibilities they hold. The conversation also led to community cafes, creative hubs and places where people can simply sit down with a brew and have a chat.
These ideas emerged naturally from Liz, Maggy, Etta and Jas whose work is grounded in imagining what more inclusive and connected communities could look like.
Plenty to Be Positive About
There was plenty to discuss as the sense of pride the team at Theatre In Flow have in the borough and the belief that Rochdale has a huge amount to offer.
“Rochdale has got a lot going for it. I think the community is brilliant.”
— Liz, Theatre In Flow
It’s hard to argue with that. Theatre In Flow’s work is itself a reminder of how much creativity, care and community spirit already exists across the borough.
Building on What Already Exists
Our visit was a reminder that there is already so much great work happening across Rochdale.
Theatre In Flow is creating bold work that amplifies marginalised voices, challenges discrimination and encourages people to imagine fairer futures.
Through theatre, training and community-led programmes, they’re building confidence, strengthening connections and helping to create positive change across the borough.
Keep up with Theatre In Flow
Theatre In Flow has lots of upcoming events and activities you can get involved in. You can follow their Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date.
