Regional stories told in four new short plays

Yarns from Hyem

Gala Durham, in partnership with North East theatre company Hooley Theatre, will present Yarns from Hyem on Friday 31 May.

Supported by Arts Council England and The Cultural Spring, Yarns from Hyem will showcase four short plays written by people from the region in an exploration of love, loss and hope.

Four short plays

The four plays include Boxing, written by Charlie Prothero, which sees Michael and Father Garvey ponder the big questions, like 'How do you keep your faith when things feel hopeless?' And 'What's the best ride at Alton Towers?'

Hope That A Flat Door Shuts, written by Claire Marie Perry from Whitley Bay, sees Danny hide away in his flat, obsessing with the comings and goings of his neighbours and the people around him. Is he right to be so concerned for his safety or is it just paranoia?

An unbreakable sibling bond between Ryan and Stella is torn apart when they're separated in care in Ryan, by Ashington writer Sarah Tarbit. How will Stella fare on her own without her loyal protector?

And in The Edge, written by South Shields' Barbara Williams, Azza and Sam find themselves literally on a cliff edge discussing their differences and similarities at a time of hopelessness for each of them.

Thought-provoking stories

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "We're looking forward to welcoming audiences to Yarns from Hyem at Gala Durham. The plays explore some important themes through four unique and thought-provoking stories, each drawing upon the culture of our region to create relatable and accessible tales.

"We are keen to create opportunities and a platform for the local talent we have in the North East, which is why we are delighted to once again by working with Hooley Theatre to bringing authentic theatre to communities from regional writers."

Yarns from Hyem is the second evening of live theatre produced by Gala Durham and Hooley Theatre following Haddaway and Write, which sold out at the Durham venue earlier this year, and the third collaboration following the family production of Cinderella's SnapTok in 2022.