Mansfield Palace Theatre is to support local theatremakers to develop a new play in Mansfield, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

In partnership with director Hannah Stone and playwright Sarah Middleton, the theatre – run byMansfield District Council – will support the creation of SHEWOLVES, a new play about young women’s voices in an increasingly complex world.

Places are available for a series of socially-distanced and virtual workshops for young women aged 13 to 19, trans and non-binary inclusive, during the October half-term holidays.

The final play will use the real voices of young women from Mansfield to develop the story. The sessions will offer BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation and aim to reach a diverse mix of local young people.

Sessions will explore themes within the play, including climate emergency, female friendship and mother/daughter relationships. Those taking part will also help to create an online Zine and potentially feature in a promotional play, which will be performed before the show as a curtain raiser.

Hannah, a former Youth Theatre tutor for the theatre, said: “Young women’s voices are at the heart of this play, which will speak to them and their experiences.

“As an artist it is great to have such support from my local theatre to carry out this work and include the view point from the young women in Mansfield.”

Coun Stuart Richardson, portfolio holder for regeneration and growth, said: “It’s critical that we continue to support local writers and theatre makers to develop new work, especially in these difficult times and I would like to thank the Arts Council for awarding this grant. I’m proud to be supporting this particular project and the council wants to ensure that the voices of our young women are heard.”

Funded by Arts Council England’s Project Grants, the theatre-makers will also receive time in Mansfield Palace Theatre’s rehearsal rooms to create their new play in a Covid-secure way, as well as support to produce their show ready for touring nationally.

To book a place for the free SHEWOLVES workshops, 19–21 October, contact [email protected] or call Hannah on 07929 168436.

For more information on the theatre visit www.mansfieldpalace.co.uk or follow it on Facebook /MansfieldPalace or Twitter @MansfieldPalace