04/06/2026
🌿One Week to Go Until Willows on the Wear!
In just one week, the community performance of ‘Willows on the Wear’ written and directed by Holly James will take to the stage, and what an incredible journey it has been already.
What started as a community theatre project inspired by The Wind in the Willows and our beloved River Wear has grown into something truly special - bringing together more than 70 performers, local creatives, community groups, schools, musicians, artists and Sunderland legends to celebrate the stories, history and spirit of our city.
We are incredibly proud of the amazing people who have contributed their time, talent and passion to this project. From local artists and musicians to community performers aged from our youngest members right through to those proving that creativity has no age limit, every person involved has helped make this production something unforgettable.
A huge thank you goes to the wonderful local artists and collaborators who have supported the project, including the talented student composers from the University of Sunderland — Leo, Julie, Jonathan and Alicia — who have created original music inspired by the story. We are also honoured to feature the beautiful song 700 by Andy J Fraser and The Tunstallachia Upland Boys, celebrating the remarkable women shipyard workers of the Wear. The production also features amazing art work and creativity from Nicola Leonard and Corinne Kilvington!
We're absolutely delighted to have Sunderland commentator and SAFC favourite Nick Barnes lending his voice to the project by recording the epilogue. It has also been a real privilege to spend time with 1973 FA Cup winner Micky Horswill, whose stories and passion for Sunderland perfectly reflect the heart of this production.
Our collaboration with the wonderful SAFC Heaven Branch has been particularly moving. Their involvement has helped us ensure that the memories, voices and spirit of Sunderland supporters past and present are woven into this celebration of community and belonging.
Projects like this simply wouldn't be possible without support. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has funded, championed and believed in Willows on the Wear, including the Hays Travel Foundation, Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust, June Rose Project, Barbour Foundation and Monkwearmouth Academy. Your support has helped bring this ambitious community project to life.
Most importantly, thank you to every participant, volunteer, supporter, audience member and family member who has joined us on this journey. Willows on the Wear belongs to Sunderland, and we can't wait to share it with you.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now!
📅 11th June – 7:30pm
📅 12th June – 7:30pm
📍 Monkwearmouth Academy
Get your tickets today via www.atlastheatrecompany.com
and come celebrate the people, history and stories that make Sunderland such a special place.
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Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust Hays Travel Hays Travel Foundation Barbour Monkwearmouth Academy Joanne Youngson Corinne Kilvington InSunderland Culture House Sunderland Sunderland Untold Sunderland & North East News Future Sunderland Sunderland Experience Sunderland Echo
