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Season announcement 2025
18 June 2025
I’m thrilled to share with you our brand-new season for 2025 — a year that marks a bold new chapter for ThickSkin as we deepen our roots in Wigan and continue to platform emerging talent alongside world-class creatives.
This season reflects everything we believe in as a company: fresh voices, imaginative storytelling, and a strong connection to the communities we serve. We’ve crafted a dynamic programme that showcases new work from the North, develops the next generation of theatre-makers, and brings powerful stories to life both on stage and online.
Our base in Wigan, newly named The Engine Room (formerly Mill at the Pier), is now truly our creative home. It’s where we’ll rehearse, develop, and preview all our productions before heading out on tour. Over the next year, we’ll be rebranding the venue and opening up our spaces to more supported artists. If you’re nearby, please drop in for a cuppa — we’d love to show you around.
We’re delighted to welcome Anna Berentzen as our first ever Jerwood Associate Artist, supported by the Jerwood Foundation. Anna will join us for six months, contributing to our upcoming projects while developing her own exciting new work at our studio.
We’re kicking things off this summer with Pigeon, a mystical folk tale by Joseph Walsh, commissioned and produced by Royal Exchange Theatre in association with ThickSkin for the Local Exchange Festival in Tyldesley (15–16 August). Inspired by a true local story, Pigeon is a poignant exploration of community and folklore — brought to life by a professional cast and a local chorus.
Then, just in time for Halloween, we’ll premiere It Walks Around The House At Night (24 Oct – 5 Nov) — a chilling new ghost story by Tim Foley, directed by myself with sound design by Tony Award-winner Pete Malkin. It’s a thrilling blend of spooky storytelling, dark humour, and theatrical horror, premiering at our studio in Wigan before touring nationally in 2026.
Also returning this year is Generator, our young professionals company. We’re now on the lookout for ten bold young artists from across the North West to join us this November. This paid opportunity offers early-career performers the chance to create and perform a brand-new piece of theatre, supported by our team. Applications are open now, and we’d love to see you at our open auditions in September.
Beyond the stage, our ThickSkin On Demand platform continues to grow — giving you the chance to stream our work anywhere, anytime. You can now watch Driftwood, Peak Stuff, and How Not To Drown, along with behind-the-scenes content and learning resources. And out now is our Climate Impact Series, a free video series made in partnership with Pigfoot Theatre, showcasing sustainable approaches to theatre-making.
It’s an exciting time at ThickSkin, and I’m proud of the artists and stories we’re championing. Whether you’re joining us in Wigan or plan to catch us on tour next year, I hope this season sparks your imagination and reminds you of the magic that theatre can create.
With thanks for your continued support,
Neil Bettles
Artistic Director, ThickSkin
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