National attention returns to a Hull theatre

Photo of three grown-up actors in character on stage, each dressed in school uniform, sitting on desks and pulling faces.
HULL TRUCK THEATRE

Hull Truck Theatre

The challenge

Hull Truck Theatre has always had an impressive local reputation and was centre stage when the city hosted UK City of Culture in 2017, but, after the pandemic, they were ready to bounce back into the national narrative. It was part of their goal to continue supporting and fostering local talent, ensuring there would always be a place in Hull for the performing arts.

So, aside from growing the theatre’s profile at a country-wide level, we were there to share their message far and wide: that Hull is a destination – and a hub – for theatre.

The work

We centred our work around the theatre’s upcoming 50th anniversary, building on Hull Truck Theatre’s status as a city icon. By creating positive media opportunities, we secured press coverage across regional, national and industry news. To create a buzz and win peer acclaim, we needed to ensure there were critics in the audience, so we distributed invitations to review the theatre’s imminent programme and stirred up anticipation through previews and behind-the-scenes content.

Photo of an actor in character, kneeling in a blue spotlight on a stage, surrounded by open suitcases.
HULL TRUCK THEATRE
Photo of three actors dressed in period costume, facing away from the camera and waving handkerchiefs at a modern train from a real platform.
HULL TRUCK THEATRE
Photo of a man and woman in character in front of a house. The woman wears a long, red coat and the man holds a spade and a large sack.
HULL TRUCK THEATRE
Photo of a line of young people in character, dressed in school uniforms, leaning against a wall and striking different poses.
HULL TRUCK THEATRE

The impact

In just one year, we achieved 18 national features for Hull Truck Theatre, and that number kept growing. The theatre was consistently highlighted by key media targets – including The Times, The Stage and Radio 4’s flagship arts programme, Front Row – and even won international recognition. The Guardian’s review of their production of ‘The Railway Children’ named it one of “the best Christmas family shows” in the country. National critics were once again shining a light on Hull.

A collage of media reviews and coverage celebrating Hull Truck Theatre. Headlines from The Times, The Guardian, BBC Radio 4, BBC Look North, and The Yorkshire Post praise productions including 71 Coltman Street and Mumsy, describing them as inventive, funny, and a “festive classic.” Images show scenes from stage performances with actors in character, alongside artwork from a theatre production and references to the company’s 50th anniversary.

Relevant work

Eclipse Theatre

Closing the curtain on structural racism

Leeds Playhouse

An iconic venue with a city’s stories at its heart