Sheffield Theatres invest in The Bank for new theatre talent

The Bank theatre talent hothouse which has just opened next to the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

The artistic director of Sheffield Theatres, Robert Hastie, has announced that 14 writers, directors and producers will be supported by the theatre company for the next 12 months. They are based in The Bank in Tudor Square.

Directors Hassun El Zafar, Nadia Emam, John Rwothomack and Elin Schofield will be working as assistant directors on Sheffield Theatres productions.

Producers James Ashfield, Hannah Crawford, Alfie Heffer and Miriam Schechter will receive funding to develop an idea, event or production.

Writers Ella Hardy, Todd Heppenstall, John Hunter, Laura Lindsay, Kat Rose Martin and Tim Norwood will benefit from monthly masterclasses and mentoring and having their work included in a showcase performed in front of an invited audience at The Bank.

The Bank, named in recognition of its previous incarnation as a bank as well as its future life as a place in which investment is made in talent, has been made possible thanks to a gift from long-standing supporters, Jo and Chris Hookway.

Director John Rworthomack said: “The Bank is an opportunity for the Sheffield theatre scene to broaden and develop and for the creative future of the city to really blossom.

“I am so grateful to be a part of the pioneering group of this incredible initiative, which will offer artists such as myself a chance to grow and learn.”