'Domino', An enthrawling play Based on true events

BtheChange Theatre

BthechangeTheatre is cofounded by John Priestley and Emma Turner.

Their culmination of skills in the visual and performing arts has led them to create theatre that fosters awareness, empathy, and a commitment to assisting those in need within the community. Encourage a sense of unity among neighbours by tapping into our shared humanity and recognising the possibilities of collective accomplishments. Each individual should reflect on what they can offer to improve the lives of others and pledge to contribute towards creating a more equitable world for all who may be affected by inadequate social structures. All earnings from ticket sales will be entirely contributed to the charitable organisations that have assisted John in reaching his current position. We are asking for crowd funding financial support so that we may  produce the play titled ‘Domino.’

The financial support we are granted will empower us to create a stage where we can showcase our projects and John's narrative through an outstanding presentation. This will enable us to successfully communicate the essence of this tale, guaranteeing that the viewers are profoundly moved by the performance and are left with a memorable experience that could inspire meaningful transformation.

Domino 

This narrative unfolds in Rochdale, drawing from real-life incidents that led John 

to navigate through a series of challenges. It delves into a personal odyssey that resonates with the struggles of individuals in society, touching upon themes of community, cultural heritage, the system, resilience, and compassion. While it is a tale rooted in the local context, its essence reverberates globally. It underscores the importance of human decency, empathy, and the imperative to safeguard those enduring extreme hardships.

Why we need your help?

The lay's message must reach a wide audience, encompassing individuals of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. This includes individuals working in social services, those who have personally experienced the Domino effect, charities, and organisations involved in humanitarian, political, or socio-economic processes. Additionally, media organisation that aim to support and inform the public about the reality faced by individuals suffering from mental health issues and those who are marginalised in society should also be included.
In order to connect with such audiences, we understand the importance of creating something truly remarkable. To achieve this, we must offer audiences a captivating visual, auditory, and storytelling experience that aligns with the vision of 'Domino'.

How can your assistance contribute to our success?

In order to bring our vision of 'Domino' to life, we understand that costs will be the primary challenge we face. Bthechange Theatre aims to provide a venue that is not only inclusive for everyone, but also equipped to meet the technical requirements of the production and support the efforts of the theatre cast and crew. Our goal is to reach out to a wide audience in society, and marketing will be crucial in achieving this. We are committed to ensuring that props and costumes are properly managed. Additionally, we plan to expand the reach of 'Domino' beyond our debut in Manchester.

John Priestley 

John Priestley, is not a homeless statistic, and he is prepared to publicly disclose his story through the medium of performing arts. The fact that he is fearlessly revealing his narrative to the world during these times demonstrates his genuine character and remarkable nature. Additionally, he has conveyed his aspiration to present his own story as the lead, showcasing not only his bravery but also his immense generosity. 

After being assisted by the charity Back on Track, which supports the homeless and those with mental health issues, John rediscovered his love for art, history, and museums. He was given the opportunity to volunteer at the Football Museum, and his commitment and effort were recognised when he was named the volunteer of the year at the 2018 Manchester Be Proud Awards. John now travels across the UK as a guest speaker, sharing his experiences of homelessness. One of his most memorable moments was being invited to a dinner as part of the Museum Of Homelessness (MOH) at the House of Lords.

Reflecting on his experience, John acknowledges that volunteering has equipped him with valuable life skills and boosted his self-assurance to new heights. John has since become a member of the esteemed Royal Exchange elders. In addition to this, he has participated in numerous collaborative theatre productions, which have provided him with the opportunity to now collaborate, co-write, and co-direct alongside Emma Turner.

As mentioned John will play the lead acting role in his own story alongside the roles of co-director and writer.

John Priestley: making headlines

Johns making changes 

John goes zero to hero

Art and Mental health

Life changing project

Emma Turner

Emma Turner, a multifaceted artist with a background in acting and the visual arts, is committed to shedding light on the untold narratives of ordinary individuals who have encountered unforeseen obstacles. She emphasizes the bravery, courage, and resilience that emerge from such circumstances. Furthermore, Emma draws from her own personal experience of homelessness at the tender age of seventeen. During her apprenticeship at a hairdressing salon, she found herself sleeping on a coworker's floor.

More recently, Emma demonstrated her compassion for those who have endured homelessness at 'The international homelessness arts festival’ in Manchester..  Through her sculptures, she depicted four individuals, each with their own unique stories of their experiences of homelessness, adorning their sculpted heads. Onlookers were encouraged to closely examine the intricate details of each muse's bust using a magnifying glass.

As part of the festival, Emma also presented an art installation titled 'Are You Sitting Comfortably' at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. This installation aimed to foster engagement between the public and representatives of those who have experienced homelessness. By sitting face-to-face and sharing personal stories, individuals were encouraged to connect on a deeper level. Each conversation was filmed.

It was during this festival that Emma crossed paths with John, and their mutual appreciation for each other's talents and innovative approaches blossomed into a friendship and collaboration.

Emma's passion for the performing arts has inspired her to not only pursue acting as a profession but also to engage in networking to develop and produce short films. In addition to her recent training in directing, writing, and theatre production, Emma believes she now possesses the necessary skills to transform John's narrative into a visual depiction of the societal and governmental systems that are failing us, leading to the ongoing issue of preventable homelessness.

Emma will play a pivotal acting role in 'Domino' by portraying a supporting character in the production, in addition to her responsibilities as a co-producer, director and writer.

Emma Turner: making headlines

Ask every question you have about homelessness at Manchester arts festival

Is Art a way to tackle homelessness

Mark Dawson

Mark Dawson, a highly skilled professional vocalist and performer, completed his vocal studies at the Manchester School of Music. He has appeared on Channel 5 with a choir he was previously a member of, sharing the stage with Anton Dubek. Mark has demonstrated his vocal abilities alongside Brian May and Kerry Ellis, performing Queen songs, and has toured with Susan Boyle. He has sung multiple times with Jane McDonald's choir and various celebrity guests on her TV program. In addition, Mark has graced prestigious venues like the Manchester Opera House, Palace Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester Arena, and various locations across the UK, including Disneyland Paris.

Mark is not only highly regarded for his private voice coaching services, but he is also described as a patient, encouraging, and supportive friend by John Priestley. In addition to being a valued member of the Royal Exchange elders, Mark has successfully showcased his singing and performing talents in three critically acclaimed sell-out shows at the contact theatre. sold out productions of ‘Wasteland’.

In addition to his singing, performing, and coaching abilities, Mark is also involved in voice-over work. Currently, he is busy working on an animation project. Furthermore, Mark has roles in two upcoming films set to premiere at Home Theatre. Additionally, he is collaborating on a soap opera project written and directed by former 'Hollyoaks' actress Jasmine Franks.

Mark will play a crucial acting role in 'Domino', in addition to his responsibilities as a co-producer and music writer.

Mark Dawson: making headlines

Wasteland

Manchester Show Choir