For Arts Council England and Julie’s Bicycle’s Annual Report 2024-25, we feature over 70 practical examples of cultural organisations taking climate action including in depth case studies like this one. Check out the full interactive report.
Unfolding Theatre creates big-hearted performances that bring people together. Their work thrives on collaboration, engaging unexpected combinations of people to produce theatre that is warm, distinctive, and rich in ideas.
Over the years, Unfolding Theatre has gradually evolved a deeply rooted approach to design and environmental sustainability. From the start, the company has been committed to making every material count; commissioning set pieces built to last, and hiring rather than buying wherever possible to reduce their carbon impact. In recent years, this commitment has deepened into a more strategic, creative practice.
Rethinking Design on a Budget
At the start of 2024–25, Unfolding Theatre faced a challenge: limited funds made producing a new show seem out of reach. But when a commission opportunity arose, the team embraced it as a chance to innovate. Working within a tight budget pushed them to reimagine how they could make the most of what they already had – both in materials and in creativity.
Partnering with designer Imogen Cloët, the company decided to repurpose an existing set structure, originally built from reclaimed wood during the pandemic. This became the foundation for their new production, ‘Here Be Dragons’. By giving new life to existing materials, they significantly reduced the use of fresh resources while retaining the show’s creative integrity.
That same year, Unfolding Theatre also remounted their show ‘Night Classes’. Collaborating with designer Lady Kitt, they took a similar approach, ensuring every new material introduced could serve future purposes. For example, they opted for versatile colour palettes and reusable textures that could easily transition into future art installations, extending the life and value of every piece.
Building Circular Practices Through Local Partnerships
Beyond set design, Unfolding Theatre has made major strides in how it handles waste and recycling. A key to this progress is their strong relationship with Durham Scenic Workshops, a local company that builds their sets. Together, they’ve developed a circular workflow; old timber from previous projects is recycled, chipped, and repurposed into new items such as kitchen worktops. This collaboration means that each production not only draws from reclaimed materials but also contributes to a broader cycle of reuse.
Local networks like these are at the heart of Unfolding Theatre’s sustainability journey. Their community connections with businesses, artists, and suppliers have become one of their most powerful assets in reducing carbon impact and nurturing a culture of shared responsibility.
Unfolding Theatre’s Top Tips for Sustainable Creativity
- Build local networks. Strong relationships with suppliers, peers, and hire firms make collaboration and reuse easier and more effective.
- Share resources. Don’t let equipment sit idle! Lend and borrow. For example, Unfolding Theatre regularly lends their projector to Novo Theatre in Northumberland.
- Be realistic about reuse. If an item is unlikely to be used again, hiring is usually the smarter, more sustainable option and can also save on long-term storage and maintenance costs.
- Collaborate and learn. The most impactful environmental change happens through community. Partnerships with local experts like Ingram AV and Durham Scenic Workshops have been central to Unfolding Theatre’s learning and progress.
Our environmental practice at Unfolding Theatre is inextricably linked to community. Our processes are inspired and made possible by a brilliant network of local businesses and peers. This community enables generosity, sharing of resources, and creative approaches to recycling and reusing. It helps us think and act better when it comes to hiring, buying, storing, and recycling.
Images: Header image: Nightclasses – Unfolding Theatre / Image 2: Here be Dragons – Unfolding Theatre / Image 3: Outdoors – Unfolding Theatre.
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