For the last 10 years The Common Lot has been making theatre for, with and about the people of Norwich. Always free, always accessible and always original. Our last show was enjoyed by over 3500 people of all ages.
In 2025 we are making Mousehold to the Marsh - a community show about nature in North Norwich. In our unique 'docu-panto' style, and with a large cast of participants, the show will investigate, celebrate and encourage our connection to the nature and green spaces of North Norwich. There will be 10 outdoor performances over two weekends in July. All completely free for audiences and participants to enjoy. But this will only be possible with your help.
"You lot are brilliant! A company that once again delivers a strong and deeply heartfelt narrative, educational and always fun along the way!"
Audience member 2023
Why this show? Why now?
We are living in increasingly difficult times, many people are more isolated and more disconnected than ever. Our sense of belonging and ability to act is often fragile or under threat.
We know that the climate crisis is real and so we can feel hopeless, helpless and full of despair.
But we also know the power of collective action and the power of theatre to bring change. This show will be a catalyst for action and a form of healing for nature and for humans. It will help people to reconnect with nature at a local level, and to think about issues of the environment and climate emergency in a spirit of hopeful activism.
"Being involed in The Common Lot is one of the best things I've ever done. I feel so much more confident, and made some great friends."
Project Participant 2022
What's the plan?
We'll make this show in six months. We know this works because we've done it many times before ('Come Yew In!', 'Anglia Square a Love Story', 'The Great Estate' and more). There are three phases. Each relies on the good will, skills and knowledge of our participants and partners. Research. Respond. Realise.
Research - in January and February our citizen researchers will be working with our partners to find stories of nature and human action in five green spaces: Mousehold, Mile Cross, Waterloo Park, Sweetbriar Marshes and Marlpit Community Garden. They will also be exploring issues around the climate crisis and what we can do about it.
Respond - February and March is our devising and writing stage when we take what we have learnt and turn it into songs and script.
Realise - April to July, an enthusiastic band of singers, actors, musicians, stage managers, crew, designers and stewards will work tirelessly to make the show the best it can be.
July 3rd - July 13th 10 performances across green spaces in the North of the city, starting and ending on Mousehold Heath.
What have we done already?
A lot of the work for this project is already complete. We've been asking people in Norwich about their relationship with nature, local green spaces and the climate crisis. We've secured support from some great partners (see below) and they have been helping us think about what changes this show can bring. We've recruited our team and designed the research phase of the project. We've worked out our budget and we've found some of the money. We don't know yet exactly what the show will look like. That's a deliberate choice because the making of the piece will be a collaboration and the content will come from the research.
Who are we working with? here are the organisations we're working with to make this happen:
Why we need your help
We believe that theatre should be for everyone, everywhere. That's why we never charge to see a Common Lot show.
Too often people feel that theatre is not for them. There are multiple barriers to access, from ticket pricing to the grand old buildings that theatre is often presented in. We exist to take down these barriers.
We offer a unique opportunity in Norwich: to see or participate in large scale productions presented in public spaces, professional in process and quality, without the exchange of money. This sense of equity also applies to our research and development. For this project we have amateur 'boots on the ground' community activists, with lived experience of and deep connection to the area, working alongside academics and other partners.
In order to maintain this quality and reach, we need support.
Help us raise £10,000 more to make the show happen.
How will we spend the money?
Rehearsal space £750
Van and transport £900
Costume and art materials £1000.
Staging and set £1000
Community workshops £1600
Printing and design £750
Access fund for participants £1250
Contribution to professional fees: direction, musical direction and production management £2750
We are offering some lovely rewards:
Every donation will get you our love and gratitude and your name in the programme!
£25 will get you love and gratitude, your name in the programme and a Common Lot Tea Towel
£50 will get you love and gratitude,your name in the programme and a limited edition show T-shirt
£250 will get you all of the above AND your name (or the name of a loved one) subtly included somewhere in the script of the show.