Putting on the Heritage Comes Alive tour at Bailey Hill in July in only a month proved to be the biggest challenge that Grass Under Foot has faced in its short history. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it was one of the biggest challenges I have faced in my 35-year career as a street performer and theatre producer. There were times during the project that I really thought we would never be able to pull it off. IN A MONTH?!, no way, impossible. But we pulled it off, and what a great couple of days it was too. Friday (in the pouring rain for the most part) saw three enthusiastic groups from Alun High School take part. And on Saturday it was the turn of the general public. Despite forecasts of massive downpours, we managed to perform most of the day in the park. How did we manage this minor miracle? Well, it’s all down to a great team. I’d like to thank all involved for really coming together and making it happen. Thanks to our fantastic actors Cara Braia, Iago McGuire, and Darren Stokes. My co-Director Jane and of course Jo Lane and everyone at Bailey Hill. Special thanks go out to the wonderful History volunteers, Johnathon, David, and Mary. We must mention the stewarding volunteers who did such a great job looking after everyone on the day. Also, thanks to ever lovely Dennis Jones who stepped in so gallantly at the last minute to be our Welsh-speaking tour guide. A great raconteur who sings like an angel. Last but not least we’d like to say a massive thank you to Heritage Lottery and the lottery players up and down the country. We would not have been able to do it without you.
I don’t know if any of you out there have started up a company. Well, this is my baby. It certainly feels like my baby. I love it, it’s my whole world. I lavish all my time on it and all my spare money, I feel guilty when I take time away, and can’t wait until it grows up so it can support me! As the founder, there is a lot that rests on my tiny shoulders and I would love to stand on the shoulders of giants
So it’s time to get to the point. We need to expand, and we are looking to expand our Board of Directors. We want giants, or those talented people who could become giants and help us with our vision. If you are reading this maybe it’s you. If you don’t have the time, maybe one of your talented friends, family, or colleagues does. Please consider and share.
Today is Thursday 17th November 2022. It’s social enterprise day today and I’ve decided to celebrate that. If you don’t know, social enterprises are not-for-profit businesses. They sell goods and services just like other businesses. The difference is that the money they make doesn’t go to making their shareholders rich. It goes to making the world a better place. Imagine this. It’s Saturday, you indulge in a spot of retail therapy. You go shopping, maybe buy some clothes or jewelry. You meet friends for coffee afterward, or maybe even a beer or two (after all it is Saturday). And all this time, quietly and behind the scenes you have helped to make the world a better place. Sounds a bit crazy, but it’s a reality. Welcome to the world of Social Entrepreneurship.
Since the pandemic, this sector has grown by over 10%*. As things stand the UK now has over 100,000 social enterprises, large and small, that contribute around £60 billion to the UK economy. Social Enterprises have a social mission and this is what they invest in. From helping the environment and boosting the circular economy to providing education, support, and employment to the less well-off. These social missions can take on a wonderful variety of different forms, and to help their mission all you have to do is buy their stuff, or use their service.
My 5 Favourite Social Enterprises for 2023
Now as a social entrepreneur myself I always like to support the sector whenever I can. So, to celebrate our special day I’ve decided to share with you my 5 favourite social enterprises that you may want to check out. Some are big, some small. Some local, some global. At this point, I must point out that I’m not being paid or sponsored in any way to endorse these businesses. I just like them and use them. So here goes.
This is a social enterprise for social enterprises which is a good place to start. If you are starting, thinking of starting, running, or indeed just interested in all of this stuff then Social Enterprise UK is a great resource. They provide education, advice, information, resources, and campaigns on behalf of the sector.
One of the more well-known social enterprises. This Dutch not-for-profit business is dedicated to making smartphones more ethical and environmentally friendly. Unlike some mobile phone manufacturers that I could care to name they don’t just pay lip service to these issues either. Fairphone has consistently topped industry polls for sustainability, the use of ethical materials, fixability, and ease of upgrade without buying a new phone. They also back this up with transparency about their manufacturing methods and materials used. I have one and I love it!
Redemption Roasters is dedicated to keeping people out of prison. They train inmates at their roastery in HMP The mount. Their profits go into the training and hiring of ex-inmates, giving them a future in the coffee industry. Education, Training, and Employment for offenders and ex-offenders reduce the likelihood of re-offending by almost 50%**. If you sip a cup of coffee in one of their London Cafes or order a pack of their freshly roasted coffee online you are actually a crimebuster! Feels good, doesn’t it?
Belu show just how big a social enterprise can get. This bottled water and mixer manufacturer’s products stand on the supermarket shelf next to the big players in fizzy water. You may be tempted to pass over this unassuming (but very chic in my opinion) brand for a more well-known one, but think again. The difference is that 100% of Belu’s net profits go to Water Aid. A great example of a third-sector company sharing the love.
So we go from one end of the spectrum to the other. From large and global, to small and local. This organic farm is just up the road from where I live, and it just shows you how a social enterprise can be sustainable in all ways. Cae Rhug provides well-being for the local community and beyond through its sustainable agriculture projects.
Well, that’s just my pick. There are hundreds and thousands out there. Perhaps you would like to share your favourite in the comments below.
Now that the impact of the pandemic has subsided theatre faces a new threat. The Cost of Living Crisis. A recent survey carried out by The Audience Agency revealed that a whopping 92% of UK theatre-goers intend to cut back on their leisure spending. Up and down the country culture buffs are saving money by going out less. They are also traveling less to events, preferring to stay local. There is also a decline in upselling. Audiences are spending less at theatre bars and on merchandise. All this means that the recovery of theatre audiences to pre-pandemic levels has been slow. Much much slower than expected.
Here are seven great reasons why street theatre can help buck this trend.
It’s Outside
This might seem like an obvious thing to say, but this is an important factor. One thing the pandemic seems to have increased is the public’s love of the great outdoors. In fact, the survey found that outdoor events were one of the exceptions to the downward trend in leisure spending.
It’s Cheap
Usually, street theatre is either free if it’s part of a street cultural event. Sometimes it’s a case of ‘pay what you can afford’ if you’re watching a busking show. Seems obvious, but what about a ticketed event? Well, your average busking show is minimal. It’s limited to what one person can carry. It has been called an ‘instant gig’. So if like us, you adopt this instant gig approach then production costs are reduced. These savings can be passed on to cash-strapped theatre-goers.
It’s local
If the language of street theatre lends itself to reduced overheads, it also makes it more portable. Large theatre buildings cannot travel to local communities. Small-scale outside theatre productions can.
It’s popular
Other studies by Audience Survey have shown that before COVID theatre was a niche activity. A mere 15% of the population regularly (more than two times a year) went to the theatre. Street theatre appeals to all sections of society. It has to. The average street theatre performer starts a show not knowing who will turn up and watch. They have to cast their net wide so to speak. The language of street theatre can really widen the appeal of theatre in it’s broadest sense.
It’s an experience
These studies also show that modern (especially younger) audiences tend to enjoy immersive ‘experiences’ rather than passive performances. Street theatre relates directly to its audience. Its dynamic and interactive style makes it an experience rather than a performance. It’s best placed to win with this new audience.
It’s adaptable
All the points discussed above make street theatre-based performance very adaptable. It’s able to mix with and complement other types of live experiences. For example, outside heritage events and venues are also bucking the post-pandemic trends. Street theatre is well placed to add to visitor experiences like this.
It’s fun!
At the end of the day the whole joyous, immersive, interactive, over-the-top, ‘flying by the seat of your pants’ energy of street entertainment is just plain fun! and who doesn’t like having fun? It all makes the language of street theatre a wonderful way to re-energize UK theatre, and broaden its appeal.
Mike How is the Executive and Artistic Director of Grass Under Foot
So, I’m here in Edinburgh performing shows as part of The Street Events program. I’ve been coming to Edinburgh as a street performer now since 1988 and it’s been a blast getting out at last after the pandemic and seeing many dear old friends from the world of street theatre.
All this has made me a bit late in announcing some very exciting news. Last week we received the green light for our first project as a company. First off I’m really chuffed to be working on this project with local-based physical theatre director Jane Sutcliffe who has done amazing work with her company Metaphysique.
So with the support of Arts Wales and Theatr Clwyd (as part of their Tyfu program), we will be rehearsing with two actors for two weeks to research and develop the script for an outside touring theatre show. The script is provisionally called Deborah’s Well and is based on a local North Wales legend and ghost story of the same name.
Hopefully, this is phase one of a bigger project to tour the show in public outside spaces in North Wales in 2023. We are very grateful for the support of our partners, especially Arts Wales and Theatr Clwyd. Without their support, we would never be able to realize this project.
In other news, we are about to be making some exciting appointments to our board of directors. Watch this space for more news.
