New project explores city's theatre history

An 18-month long theatre project will explore an area of Hull named after famous theatres, as well as a city landmark that twice burned down.

Theatre company Middle Child will create oral histories with residents from Ings Road estate, with local streets named after London theatres such as the Savoy, Apollo and Adelphi.

The company will also create a new show called Let It Burn, about Hull's Theatre Royal, which stood on Humber Street until it burnt down in 1859, and again in 1869.

Middle Child's heritage engagement producer, Beth Murrell, said they were "thrilled" to receive £150,000 funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

She added: "Heritage isn't only found in grand royal buildings or elite institutions in capital cities.

"It's also in theatres built by and for working-class communities, in the fabric of council estate streets and is kept alive by fond memories from local people."

Helen Featherstone, director for the north of England at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said they were "delighted" to help the company "share the fascinating cultural heritage of Hull and its surprising links with the West End".

Let It Burn will premiere in spring 2027 at Middle Child's new theatre venue at 69 Humber Street, close to the site of the original Theatre Royal.

Written by Sarah Middleton, the company said the play was about the belief that the show must go on and the need to support culture in a place like Hull.

The funding will also be used for creative workshops, walking history tours, a mural designed with Ings Road estate residents, and an information board on Humber Street sharing the history of the Theatre Royal.

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