Awkward Tree is a North West based theatre company specialising in
co-creation and participatory arts practice.
We make bold, imaginative and meaningful work, collaborating with artists, communities, young people and partner organisations across the UK.
We create theatre that is playful, powerful and people-centred.
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Ruth Welch
Producer & Director
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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.
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'Inclusivity is at the core of my artistic vision. I am committed to creating work which reflects the intersectionality of human experience.'
Our Work
Robin Hood
A retelling of a classic tale, Robin and his Merry Men take on the Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John in an effort to free the Kingdom from their tyranny and win the heart of Maid Marian.
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Supported by Forging the Futures and Wigan Council, as part of Wigan Arts Festival at Pier 4, and Bolton Central Library.
Unusual Suspects
A roaring 20's Murder Mystery.
Detective Henry Dubois seeks to uncover the truth behind a mysterious murder at the Grand Fairfax Manor.
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.
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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.
Awkward Tree Young Company
Awkward Tree Young Company is an inclusive, co-creative theatre group for young people aged 16-25
Participants attend weekly sessions where they work together as a team to create original productions. 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.
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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.
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The Young Comoany is currently based at Bolton Central Library on Monday evenings.
To register your interest in joining please contact us.
work with us
workshops, facilitation & more.
We provide a wide variety of workshops. For availability and costs please contact us at ruth_welch1@icloud.com
Get In Touch
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our performance schedule, events and work.