Who we are
Ruth Raynor
Ruth Raynor is a theatre maker with a PhD in human geography, her interest in engaging with communities and exploring their relationships with place connects these two worlds. Ruth trained in Theatre, Film and Television at Bristol University, directed for Manchester 24:7 Festival, and the Chorlton Arts festival, worked in set and costume design for companies like CanDoCo; Cloud 9; Field-Music; Dance City, Live Youth Theatre and Newcastle College, before writing a play as part of her PhD in the department of human geography at Durham University. She has since published and spoken internationally on performance for social research, lived experiences of social policy, and the politics of emotion. An engagement with place, especially this place, the North East of England, runs through all of her work.
The play she wrote, ‘Diehard Gateshead’ was developed with mothers in the North East of England who were impacted by austerity, and staged in Alphabetti Theatre, Caedmon Hall, and Arts Centre Washington. ‘It works brilliantly because it keeps both a clear sense of perspective and a wicked sense of humour which frequently had the packed Gateshead crowd laughing… ‘The only complaint is I wanted more’ (North East Theatre Guide).
Ruth co-runs the ‘Performance Research Network’ at Newcastle University and is currently working on ‘Grounded’ a new play with women who lost loved ones during Covid-19.
Audience feedback for Diehard Gateshead
“Brilliant story, funny and realistic. The acting was authentic and natural. Great typical Gateshead people!”
“With humour and feeling it presented the reality behind the headlines about cuts”
“I felt all the feels! So related to and loved every character”
Image credit Matt Jamie
Danny (David) Raynor
Danny is a playwright, director and actor with more than 20 years’ experience working in theatre.
Writing
In 2014 Danny graduated from Live Theatre Writers’ Group. Since then he has had plays performed at Live Theatre (10 Minutes To...) Northern Stage (Playing Up) and Alphabetti Theatre. Plays include Above The Flood (10 Minutes To Take Off, Live Theatre) which was also translated in to German and performed in Halle, Germany, and Meat Factory for ‘The Rooms’ (Alphabetti, 2015). ‘The Rooms’ was named Best Theatrical Event 2015 by North East Theatre Guide. He was also shortlisted for The Royal Court’s Writers’ Group North.
Danny’s last play Trolley Boy, started out as a short play for Live Theatre’s ‘10 Minutes To Save The World.’ The full production for Alphabetti Theatre played to sold out audiences and was widely praised. It was also performed for two nights at Art Centre Washington. David was named’ Best Newcomer 2018’ for Trolley Boy by Peter Lathan in The British Theatre Guide.
There has been some considerable interest in this in-house production of David Raynor’s first long play (…) It certainly lives up to expectations. It’s moving, it’s funny and it really is life-affirming.
Peter Latham, British Theatre Guide.
Danny graduated with an MA in Creative Writing from Newcastle University in 2021 in which he achieved a distinction.
Directing
Danny has directed a number of productions over the years. He has directed short pieces of new writing at Live Theatre, plays for events such as ‘Alphabetti Soup’ at Alphabetti Theatre and his own short plays for ‘Playing Up’ at Northern Stage. He has devised many shows with Live Youth Theatre and Gateshead Youth Theatre. As a college lecturer he directed large scale productions including The Tempest, Mother Courage, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Blood Wedding and James and the Giant Peach (to name a few). He also co-created (with students) two full length plays that were presented as immersive, promenade performances. He recently co-created and directed a play with Jackass Youth Theatre (Jackdrum Arts) which was performed at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
Acting
Danny started out as an actor, working for companies such as Live Theatre, Bolton Octagon, BBC and RSC. After several years teaching drama at Newcastle College he recently returned to acting, performing in Those Yet to Come (Christmas Shorts) by Ellen McNally (Live Theatre), Pod by Arabella Arnott (Coracle Productions, Alphabetti Theatre), and A Way Home by Christina Castling (Carole W Productions, regional tour).
Audience feedback for Trolley Boy
“Such beautifully crafted writing! What a brave, stunning play!”
“An exquisite blend of humour and poignancy.”
“I was hypnotised by Trolley Boy’s tale (and more than a little bit heartbroken).”
“Trolley Boy made me feel all of the things! ...equally heartwarming and heartbreaking.”
Image Credit Matt Jamie