Awkward Tree is a theatre company based in the North West. We produce and collaborate on projects with artists, creatives and performers from across the UK, including creating work for and with local communities.
"We strive to inform, provoke and inspire, through original and innovative creative practice".
Ruth Welch
Producer & Director
Ruth is a northern based multidisciplinary performer and creative with over 15 years of industry experience.
Ruth is passionate about exploring theatre through co-creation and celebrating difference and diversity.
'Inclusivity is at the core of my artistic vision. I am committed to creating work which reflects the intersectionality of human experience.'
Awkward Tree Youth Theatre
Awkward Tree Youth Theatre is an inclusive, co-creative theatre group for young people aged 14-18.
The participants attend weekly sessions where they work together as a team to create live performances. They learn about all elements that go into making a production, including devising (creating the show, producing a script, staging etc.), designing (set, props, sound, lighting, costume etc.) and publicising a show.
Alongside arts-based skills, participants also develop key transferable skills including communication, confidence, time-keeping, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, innovative mind-set, and self-awareness. The project aims to give lifelong experiences and create meaningful impact, combining emotional, physical, psychological, and personal development.
Our current Youth Theatre project is funded by Bolton Council and takes place at Bolton Library on Monday evenings. We are currently working towards a production which will premier at the Library Reopening weekend in January 2024.
To register your interest in joining please contact us.
Our Work
Camelot Bound
In a fascinating tale of chivalry and adventure, friends Sam and Charlie find themsleves transported from their local bookshop into the magical world of knights, dragons and legendary tales.
Never Say Never
Never Say Never is an original retelling of a classic, exploring the tale of Peter Pan from the perspective of Hook and the rest of the Jolly Roger Crew.
Delight in Mask and Revels, Sometimes Altogether
Arts Council England and Wigan Council funded performance piece, in collaboration with Artist Anna F. C. Smith. Exploring Wigan's Boxing Day fancy dress tradition, we worked with a group of local community performers to create a movement piece which took inspiration from traditional folk dance and Wigan Pier dance/house styles. This piece was commissioned to accompany the garish sculpture created by the Artist. The piece was later recommissioned for the Wigan Arts Manifesto launch; The Fire Within.
What We May Be,
the many faces of Shakespeare's women
Research and Development: An exploration of some of the most celebrated and often controversial female characters written in theatre history.
Pamięć (R&D)
Pamiec (Memory) is subjective and though often vivid and unwavering; can also be easily influenced and susceptible to inaccuracies. This contemporary dance piece, influenced by traditional Polish Folk music and dance, fused with contemporary and commercial styles, explored how memories are created and recalled.
Frisson
A contemporary dance piece exploring the psychophysiological response to various stimuli.
Perpetuate
Site specific theatre created in partnership with Cumbria Gallery Spaces. Inspired by M.C Escher's painting, 'Relativity', Perpetuate combines physical theatre and digital media to explore perpetual motion and re-occurrence of events in the human life cycle.
work with us
workshops, facilitation & more.
We provide Visiting Lecturer/Practitioner work for School/College/University. We also offer half/full day workshops. For availability please contact us at awkwardtreeinfo@gmail.com
Current Opportunities
Not currently casting
Please note, we do not accept general submissions, however if you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive information about future productions, auditions and opportunities, please email us at awkwardtreeinfo@gmail.com
Thank You
Get In Touch
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our performance schedule, events and work.