Celebrity Traitors star Julie Hesmondhalgh is calling for UK theatres to be 100% faithful to local stories, warning that regional identity is being lost on stage. The actor, who was the fourth contestant to leave The Celebrity Traitors last week, argues that financial pressures are pushing regional venues toward generic co-productions rather than shows rooted in their communities.
Why Local Stories Matter in UK Theatre
Hesmondhalgh believes that theatres have a duty to reflect the places they serve. She points to a “loss of regional identity” as regional theatres increasingly rely on co-productions with other venues to survive. While these partnerships can keep doors open, they often result in a “generic” product that could be staged anywhere, rather than a show that speaks directly to the local area.
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“New work is always so hard to sell but because it was such a local story, and by James Graham, it sold,” she said, referring to Punch, a drama about restorative justice that opened at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024. The play, based on the true story of a one-punch death in the city, earned Hesmondhalgh an Olivier award for her performance as the victim’s mother. It then transferred to the West End, a UK tour, and Broadway.
The Impact of Co-Productions on Regional Theatres
Asked if programming had become risk-averse since Covid, Hesmondhalgh acknowledged the difficulties. “It’s really hard for regional theatres,” she said. “There’s room in my heart for musicals and Noël Coward. There’s a familiarity about the old classics that people love. But the world of co-pros is making things very difficult for people. In order to survive as a regional theatre now, you have to necessarily make so many co-productions with other regional theatres.”
This reliance on co-productions can dilute the local flavour of a season. While classics and musicals draw crowds, they may not tell the stories of the community. Hesmondhalgh’s call is for a balance that prioritises authenticity over safe, generic programming.
Comparison: Local Stories vs. Generic Co-Productions
| Aspect | Local Stories | Generic Co-Productions |
|---|---|---|
| Community Engagement | High – reflects local issues and talent | Low – could be staged anywhere |
| Financial Risk | Higher initial risk, but potential for transfer | Lower risk through shared costs |
| Audience Appeal | Strong local resonance and pride | Broad but less distinctive |
| Example | Punch (Nottingham Playhouse) | Standard touring musicals |
Key Takeaways for Theatre Lovers
- Local stories drive success: Punch proves that authentic regional narratives can achieve national and international acclaim.
- Co-productions can dilute identity: While financially necessary, they risk making theatre generic.
- Audiences crave familiarity and novelty: Classics have their place, but new local work can sell.
- Support regional theatres: Attend local productions to keep regional identity alive.
FAQ
What did Julie Hesmondhalgh say about regional theatres?
She said there has been a loss of regional identity because financial pressures force theatres to rely on co-productions, leading to generic shows rather than local stories.
What is the play Punch about?
Punch is a drama about restorative justice, based on the true story of a one-punch death in Nottingham. It opened at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024 and later transferred to the West End and Broadway.
Why are co-productions challenging for regional theatres?
Co-productions are often necessary for survival, but they can lead to a loss of local identity and make it harder to stage new work that specifically reflects the community.
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