Get involved in Iron People @ Eureka!
We’re looking for community actors and puppeteers to join Iron People @ Eureka! – an exciting new outdoor performance in Halifax.
This unique project offers local residents the chance to collaborate with professional theatre-makers. Together, we’ll create a powerful new family show exploring Calderdale’s landscape and how we can better protect the environment for future generations.
On 26 April 2025, Iron People will culminate in a spectacular outdoor event outside Eureka! featuring:
- Three puppet creatures created by Thingumajig Theatre in collaboration with Chris Mould
- Musicians from the Elland Silver Band organisation
- Park Youth Theatre
- You! – our group of community actors and puppeteers
Inspired by The Iron Man and The Iron Woman by Ted Hughes, we’ll develop characters, tell stories, and craft a brand-new myth for Calderdale. You’ll work alongside Directors Laurie Sansom and Kash Arshad, Movement Director Jen Malarkey, dance-theatre company Northern Rascals, and puppeteers from Thingumajig Theatre.
No experience is needed – just enthusiasm and a commitment to attend most rehearsals. Spaces are limited, with priority given to Calderdale residents.
These are not paid opportunities. There are no auditions.
For ages 16+
When
We will be working towards a performance on Saturday 26 April.
Where
Rehearsals are at:
Calderdale Music, The Old Courthouse,
Blackwall, Halifax, HX1 2DL
and:
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Rd, Halifax, HX1 2NE
(Both are wheelchair accessible)
Price
FREE
Click the buttons below to sign up:
Community Actors
In Iron People @ Eureka! the adults in charge have been ignoring the environmental crisis for too long. But now, children are demanding action.
As the performance unfolds, the adults of the valley must reckon with the consequences of their inaction in a dramatic showdown.
What to expect:
- Be part of a high-energy, immersive ensemble scene where the children confront the adults, urging them to change their ways.
- Help bring the story to life through theatrical movement, spoken word, and interaction with the crowd.
- Work with professional theatre-makers to develop your character and performance.
Dates for your diary:
- Sunday 23 March, 10am – 4pm at Calderdale Music
- Saturday 5 April, 10am – 4pm at Calderdale Music
- Sunday 6 April, 10am – 4pm at Calderdale Music
- Saturday 12 April, 10am – 4pm in Halifax
- Sunday 13 April, 10am – 4pm in Halifax
- Monday 21 April (Bank Holiday), 10am – 5pm in Halifax
- Tuesday 22 April, 5pm – 8.30pm at Eureka!
- Wednesday 23 April, 5pm – 8.30pm at Eureka!
- Thursday 24 April, 5pm – 8.30pm at Eureka!
- Friday 25 April, 5pm – 8.30pm at Eureka!
- Saturday 26 April, 10am – 4pm (final performance at Eureka!)
Click here to sign up to be a community actor
Community Puppeteers
We’re looking for community puppeteers to help operate three puppet creatures, designed collaboratively with local children, illustrator Chris Mould and Thingumajig Theatre.
These puppets will rise from Calderdale’s landscape – emerging from rivers, moors, and streets.
What to expect:
- Work as a team of puppeteers to control the movements of these otherworldly creatures.
- Collaborate with professional puppetry artists from Thingumajig Theatre to develop the puppet’s unique personalities and physicality.
- Be part of an unforgettable, large-scale outdoor performance.
No previous puppetry experience is needed – If you love physical performance, storytelling, and working as part of a team, we’d love to have you!
- Saturday 19 April, 10am – 4pm in Halifax
- Monday 21 April (Bank Holiday), 10am – 5pm at Eureka!
- Tuesday 22 April, 5pm – 8.30pm at Eureka!
- Wednesday 23 April, 5pm – 8.30pm at Eureka!
- Thursday 24 April, 5pm – 8.30pm at Eureka!
- Friday 25 April, 5pm – 8.30pm at Eureka!
- Saturday 26 April, 10am – 4pm (final performance at Eureka!)
Depending on what role you are given, you may also be required for additional puppeteer rehearsals on the 12 and 13 April (10am – 4pm) and 16 April (5pm – 8.30pm).
Click here to sign up to be a puppeteer
“It is an opportunity to play… it’s very creative, freeing and fun, it’s really nice to open up to your community and collaborate with people.”
“It has opened my eyes to other parts of me that I haven’t explored before. And how I can interact with others creatively.”
“It’s so refreshing to do something totally different to your normal activity. Gets you thinking about the issues in life that you care about.”
“I have gained confidence, and it has helped me not to be scared of new people, or making mistakes; this is a safe space.”
Photos by Ant Robling
Laurie Sansom
Northern Broadsides’ Artistic Director
Laurie became Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Northern Broadsides in 2019, directing productions such as Quality Street and As You Like It. He previously was Artistic Director and Chief Executive at the National Theatre of Scotland, where his James Plays won multiple awards.
Laurie has directed across the UK, including at the National Theatre, Stephen Joseph Theatre, and the West End. His work includes The Driver’s Seat, Spring Storm, Frankenstein, and Kiss of the Spiderwoman.
Kash Arshad
Associate Director
Northern Rascals
Multi-disciplinary performance company
Northern Rascals are a multi-disciplinary performance company based in Yorkshire.
Driven by social conscience, Northern Rascals uses theatre and contemporary dance to lead audiences to original narratives rooted in the current socio-political climate.
Nationally recognised, the company is renowned for their raw yet poetic interpretation of today’s world and the people that inhabit it and celebrated for their dedication to using Northern voices to spearhead that poeticism.
Jen Malarkey
Movement Director
Jen Malarkey is a movement artist and co-director of Encounter Productions, creating new dance-theatre performances. She coaches actors, teaches movement, and collaborates with theatres like Northern Stage, Soho Theatre, and The Place.
This year, she is supported by Company Chameleon’s UPLIFT residency and Headlong Theatre’s Origins Scheme. Jen holds an MA in Movement from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and is a Lecturer in Movement at Leeds Conservatoire.
