A Word From Becky…
Dear friends,
Finally, the first signs of spring. I’m reconnecting with my garden, with the sun and with my neighbours. And I’ve been reflecting on the power of community. Especially, our precious theatre community.
When things feel dangerously out of control and out of kilter, we find our tribe in the theatres up and down the country. Theatres full of brilliant partners busy building relationships with diverse communities, busy making the impossible happen (often for just one night) and full of our fab performers busy making authentic connections with energised audiences—everything we do is about bringing people together to share, talk, dance and belong.
Right now, there is hurt and fear in the air. Everything feels fragile, uncertain or shifting. This is a moment where anything might be possible, both good and bad. I need to charge myself with optimism to shape new collaborations and new partnerships. Because change comes from people shifting their thinking, doing things differently and imagining how to create the future together. That’s where you come in. Diverse City isn’t just a charity; it’s a collective of people—artists, audiences, partners, and supporters—who believe in a better, fairer future for the arts.
- Every conversation,
- Every ticket booked,
- Every shared idea,
- Every time you show up, donate, collaborate, or champion what we do
You help push this work forward.
So, with a spring in my step thank You
Becky, Executive Director, Diverse City
“This is a Place
A place we all know –
Where uncertainty Breathlessly
Creeps in and grows
The Magical place of Uncertainty”
Extraordinary Bodies, Human 2021
Mid Life on Tour: One Final Show to Go!
We’re already at the tail-end of our incredible Mid Life tour—and what a journey it’s been! From Plymouth to Brighton, and Swanage to Leeds, our audiences have blown us away with their responses, reflections… and their dance moves.
As Production Comms Manager Caro puts it:
“A show like this creates a community wherever it touches down – some of the conversations we’ve had with audiences have been incredible. We’re so grateful to all the audience members who felt empowered by the stories we share in Mid Life to then share their own with us.”
One final chance to catch Mid Life!
We’ll be finishing the tour with one last performance at Sterts Arts and Environmental Centre, Cornwall – Friday 29 March
Curious? Watch this short reel created by Saskia to get a flavour of the show and the fabulous women behind it.
Earth, Wheels, Air: When Stories Travel Across Continents
Did you know Diverse City co-leads Extraordinary Bodies—the UK’s leading integrated circus company—with our partners Cirque Bijou?
Our latest collaboration, Earth, Wheels, Air, is an international r&d with Kenya’s inclusive dance company Pamoja Dance Group, bringing together disabled and non-disabled artists across cultures.
After an inspiring creative exchange in Nairobi last year, the team reunited in Plymouth for a week of connection, circus, music, and storytelling.
Read Jamie Beddard’s blog for a behind-the-scenes look—from silent yoga to rigged bicycles and one unforgettable public sharing.
Standing Together in the Face of Disability Cuts
Right now, many in our community are feeling scared and uncertain. The government’s proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and the introduction of the assisted dying bill have sparked widespread concern among disabled people and artists across the UK. For many, this isn’t just about policy—it’s about survival, dignity, and how we are seen by society.
As Claire Hodgson, our Co-Artistic Director, shares:
“We want to express our solidarity with all our community and artists who are affected by the current conversations around PIP. This is a difficult and frightening time for many.”
These proposed changes come with a 12-week consultation period—but also with a deeper, more troubling narrative.
Co-Artistic Director Jamie Beddard writes:
“These attacks are damaging both practically and psychologically; how we simply survive and how we are perceived. There are costs far beyond the financial to the current rhetoric and decision-making, and scapegoating and turning the clock back, marks a frightening moment for many in our community…. Battles we thought we had long since won now need revisiting.”
Want to understand what’s happening with PIP and what it means?
We highly recommend following disability activist Nina Tame (@nina_tame) on Instagram. She’s created some brilliant, accessible videos breaking down the proposed changes and their real-world impact.
Her voice, and the voices of disabled people across the UK, are essential in this moment.
Let’s Stay Connected
We’d love to hear from you.
What’s resonating with you right now? What do you want more of from Diverse City?
Send an email to [email protected] or tag us on socials —your voice matters.
Together, we’re stronger. Together, we create change.
Thank you for being with us.
