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Sudden Productions
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My Grandparents, My Parents and I Celebrating Windrush Legacy | PRODUCTIONS |
Sudden Productions Registered Charity 1018887
Sudden Productions
www.suddenproductions.co.uk Registered Charity No 1018887
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Sudden Productions has been in existence since 1993 and has been committed to bringing its productions to those who have limited access to conventional theatre and film-making in Birmingham and the West Midlands. The charity’s community programmes deliver social, emotional, physical and educational benefits to young participants. Our core sectors are:
Inclusion : Working with marginalized groups with a keen focus on integration and supporting social cohesion;
Education : Developing confidence and communication, and improving behaviour and attitudes to learning;
Health : Effecting positive improvements in mental and physical health; Professional Development : Helping to develop the careers of young talents.
We have a track record of educational plays, films, podcasts, and workshops. Sudden Productions work exclusively with young & vulnerable people and produce projects with a focus on the difficult issues and challenges that young people face today. Over the past years we have covered important issues such as racism, homelessness, juvenile delinquency, bullying, unemployment, etc.
Workshops and performances we offer schools, voluntary groups, youth centres are entirely free. We work with young people attending rehab units, probation centres, pupil referral units, social services, and young people living in temporary accommodation each year and create partnerships with voluntary organisations, youth offending teams, local authorities, statutory bodies, etc on each project we deliver. We create strong partnerships with each organisation which decide to take part in our programs and offer this school or youth centre up to four sessions per year to maximise the impact of our work.
Provide children, youth & the community with outstanding experiences in all aspects of live theatre production and creative activities.
Deliver creative outreach programs for children & young people in priority schools, neighbourhoods, and care facilities.
Nurture healthy well-being through inclusive messaging about timely social issues such as bullying, domestic abuse, appreciation for diversity, mental health issues and creative problem-solving.
Explore and develop relationships with strategic partners to ensure program sustainability.
Create and develop interactive curriculum based programs with arts professionals and education consultants.
Legal and administrative information
Objectives and activities: • Promote, improve develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of drama in all its aspects by the presentation in public of plays and by such other ways as the society through its committee shall from time to time determine. • Educate
Implement these programs and initiatives so that everyone can feel safe to learn in a fun and nurturing environment.
young people in order to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities so that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and as members of society.
Status
Since 1993, Sudden Productions has been a registered charity governed by its memorandum and articles of association (New constitution adopted on the 10th of August 2008).
Registered Office
Trustees
Neil Hallett The Warehouse Christine Brueton 54-57 Allison Street Stephen Bradbury Birmingham B5 5TH
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Highlights and acknowledgment from the Director
It is my pleasure to present my 2024-25 Report. It is an incredibly satisfying thing to be able to look back at where we were just after the pandemic and now to look at where we are and then to look forward to what we believe is an exciting future. Thank you to all our friends, funders, benefactors and supporters for all you have done to help make this year a year of great progress and a segue to even better things to come. All in all, 2024-25 was a challenging but rewarding year, delivering an ambitious, artistically diverse program that engaged and entertained young audiences and the community.
previous fundraising efforts and grant applications were successful in securing project funding as well as unrestricted financial support for the charity. These funds were used to deliver our educational programs and improve production quality. We will keep on making funding a priority for 2025-2026
EDUCATIONAL & AWARENESS PERFORMANCES AND WORKSHOPS
My Grandparents, My Parents and I at the Midlands Arts Centre
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
We are proud of our financial results this year which enable us to continue to maintain and invest into our hardworking dedicated artists who deliver our youth theatre programs. Although we have achieved a positive result, we cannot achieve our goals alone, therefore we acknowledge the support from all our partners and community groups across Birmingham which welcomed us and held events with us! We also must thank all of those who attended performances thus helping to support our company. This year we continued to be committed to produce more tours and projects in more youth organisations and schools!
The dedication of our supporters means everything to Sudden Productions. While our public performances generate revenue for the organisation, generous donations allow us to plan into the future knowing there is an element of funding security. Our
St Basils’ Pop Up Theatre: Artwork for Performance at St Basils’ Milner Court
Each year Sudden Productions produces and presents an artistic program of educational theatre projects that speak to the world around us and connect with young audiences and diverse communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands. We aim to amplify artists, voices and stories from diverse communities and, in doing so, foster richer engagement with audiences. We also champion and inspire the talent of the next generation of artists through our shadow artists learning programs. Through our activities, programs and partnerships, we work to achieve a robust and sustainable financial, operational and governance foundation. In everything we do, we seek to enrich our community by developing and presenting transformative, entertaining and diverse theatre experiences that showcase artists, connect with young audiences and generate conversation, thought and reflection.
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Sudden Productions scheduled 136 educational performances or workshops to secondary schools & youth organisations in 2024/25. As a carefully vetted and approved organisation, ensuring a strong relationship with school boards as well as youth & community leaders is key to our success.
This year, we worked on ISOLATED (Loneliness & Youth Mental Health), WHAT MATTERS (Anti-Racism • Human Rights and Gender Equality • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) , REWIND AND FAST FORWARD (Domestic Abuse Awareness) and MY GRANDPARENTS, MY PARENTS AND I & MY SONGS OF WINDRUSH which celebrate the Windrush legacy.
In schools, we will continue to work closely with principals and school representatives to assist Sudden Productions in reaching schools in underserved communities with positive mental health messaging in ISOLATED for example or support to build healthy relationships with REWIND AND FAST FORWARD or messaging on inclusion & diversity in WHAT MATTERS or MY GRANDPARENTS, MY PARENTS AND I.
Maryvale Pop Up Theatre: Their stage production “Burnt Toast Coffee Shop”
Our Pop Up Theatre Programs inspire a group of 15 to 25 participants to create original, innovative & spontaneous theatre through a series of workshops delivered directly at their local community centre. Their production are always full of life, colour and delight and are celebrated during a community performance which brings together local residents. Our Pop Up Theatre programs not only foster artistic expression but also encourage inclusivity, teamwork, confidence and creative problem-solving.
Our strong partnerships with Maryvale Community Centre, St Basils Milner Court and the Sanctuary enable Sudden Productions’ arts educators to deliver enriching workshops to young and/or vulnerable people through up ten months programs for some organisations.
EMPLOYMENT AND VOLUNTEERS
Rewind and Fast Forward at the Midlands Arts Centre
In addition to offering employment to emerging actors and art educators, Sudden Productions also provides an opportunity for young adults to volunteer & be part of our projects. In the past year, 15 volunteers have learnt new skills and enjoyed supporting our professional and emerging artists with delivering our programs.
POP UP THEATRE PROGRAMS
For the past few years, Sudden Productions Pop Up Theatre Programs have provided a nurturing environment for young & vulnerable people across Birmingham.
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Workshop with young people at the Sanctuary, Castle Vale Youth Centre
Podcast of What Matters
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Our passion for the performing arts drives our positive spirit and means we think and act with energy and curiosity in the best interests of the company and the community. We show respect by embracing diversity and actively fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute. We approach our work courageously and creatively, striving to bring out the best in everyone and everything we do. We work as one team, collaborating and taking joint responsibility to achieve our vision.
Next year we want to RESEARCH, DISCOVER AND DEVELOP diverse new stories; REACH more young audiences to share our stories; DEVELOP intergenerational work to build stronger communities; DELIVER high quality and accessible education and youth programs; BUILD sustainable relationships with community & local organisations.
It is always hard to record thanks to people without missing someone important out so a general thanks is possibly a better option! I will start with our Board of Trustees. Thank you all for your commitment to your role as trustee. Thank you to all funders for your continued support, not just financially but also all the moral support given to our staff when you visit our projects. Thank you to all staff, artists, young talents! Keep up the excellent work. You are the heart and soul of our theatre company and I personally look forward to enjoying yet another year of growth and success!
Without the dedication of the board, staff and volunteers, Sudden Productions would not have reached over 6,024 children in the past year alone. I can’t thank everyone enough for their unwavering support.
We lead with kindness and compassion. I truly believe this is returned to the organisation a million times over as we help launch young careers, support the creativity of art educators, create opportunities for development for staff and reach young people and families with inspiring programs. It is an extreme pleasure to share the joy of Sudden Productions with so many as we look forward to many more years of enriching the lives of young people through the magic of theatre and the arts. We extend our heartfelt
gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our success and invite the community to join us in the upcoming year’s exciting endeavours.
With Gratitude,
Nowell Wallace
THANKS
Company Director
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po Thank you to our funders
Thank you to our funders Sudden Productions is grateful to our partners, artists and volunteers who
make our projects happen! Sudden Productions is also very grateful for the continued support of donors including:
THE GEORGE HENRY COLLINS CHARITY THE HEART OF ENGLAND FOUNDATION THE SABINA SUTHERLAND CHARITABLE THE BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT NURSING TRUST CHARITABLE TRUST THE WILLIAM DUDLEY TRUST THE RATCLIFF FOUNDATION THE 29TH MAY 1961 CHARITABLE THE KEITH AND JOAN MINDELSOHN TRUST TRUST THE BISHOP OF BIRMINGHAM THE RICHARD KILCUPPE CHARITABLE CHARITABLE TRUST TRUST THE BIRMINGHAM COMMONGOOD THE MILLS AND REEVE CHARITABLE TRUST TRUST THE HOPKINS AND SAYER CHARITY THE COOP FUND THE WILLIAM A CABURY CHARITABLE THE BARCHESTER CHARITABLE TRUST FOUNDATION THE COLE CHARITABLE TRUST THE LORD AUSTIN TRUST THE EVESON TRUST THE GRIMMITT TRUST THE EDWARD CADBURY TRUST BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL THE ARCHER TRUST THE GIBBS TRUST THE ALCHEMY FOUNDATION THE PATRICK TRUST THE WINDRUSH DAY GRANT THE EVA RECKITT TRUST THE BARON DAVENPORT CHARITY THE GJW TURNER TRUST THE MICHAEL MARSH CHARITABLE THE BORIS KARLOFF CHARITABLE TRUST FOUNDATION THE ARTS COUNCIL OF ENGLAND
THE W.E.D CHARITABLE TRUST THE SIR JOHN MIDDLEMORE CHARITABLE TRUST THE EVA RECKITT TRUST THE DOUGLAS AND ROGER TURNER TRUST THE BHSF MEDICAL CHARITY AND WELFARE TRUST THE H D H WILLS 1965 CHARITABLE TRUST THE PEDDIMORE COMMUNITY FUND THE LORDS MAYOR OF BIRMINGHAM'S CHARITY THE D'OYLY CARTE CHARITABLE TRUST THE SHELDON TRUST THE DORIS PACEY CHARITABLE TRUST THE N SMITH CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT THE BLAKEMORE FOUNDATION THE ALBRIGHT GRIMLEY CHARITY THE DAVID R & ROSEMARY BELL TRUST THE ALLAN AND NESTA FERGUSON TRUST
SCHOOLS & YOUTH ORGANISATIONS VISITED
Moreton School, Castle Vale Youth Centre, St Basils Milner Court, Greenwood School, Arden Academy, Stonehouse Gang, All Saints Youth Project, North Birmingham Academy, Orminston Academy, Birmingham Settlement Nature & Wellbeing Centre, Maryvale Community Centre, Aston Manor, Erdington Academy, Arden Academy, Ninestiles, Ormiston New Academy, Bristnall Hall Academy, Ninestiles Academy, Birmingham Children Services, West Midlands Police, Riverside Vocational College, Birmingham Children Trust, Motivatemetee, Compass Birmingham Mental Health Support Team, NHS Referral Unit Birmingham, Trident Group, Anawim, Green Square Accord, Ascension Stirchley, Harborne academy, George dixon academy , Aldersley high school , Bishop challoner catholic college, Waverley studio college, Cadbury college, etc
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Cross-Cutting Themes
DS &@
Financial growth and Partnerships and alliances Research and innovation
stability
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Diversity, equity,
inclusion, and
accessibility
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oo Treasurer’s report
Financial review: Thanks to an ambitious strategy and programme in 2025, we secured larger grants from Birmingham City Council, the Arts Council of Council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Those large grants, added to continuous support from our regular supporters, resulted in a significant rise in income from 2024 (income of £130,653) to 2025 (income of £153,950). We reached more schools and youth organisations, we were able to offer several sessions per projects which would use various creative contents (such as a theatre performance, the screening of a short film, a podcast recording, or participatory workshop…). We managed to increase our offer thanks to the fantastic work and dedication of our project director and the artists involved. The project director in charge of coordinating all aspects of all projects and running the company was paid £33,973 for the year. Further £67,852 were used to pay fees of creative teams, facilitators, and actors.
It will be paramount for Sudden Productions to raise larger finances in 2026 in order to support our ambitious strategic plan for the upcoming three years which aims to research and develop new projects, support our teams of experienced and emerging artists, reach more young audiences more often, develop inter-generational work and build stronger communities through high quality and accessible theatre programs. Interest in and demand for the organisation’s live work continues to grow, and so funding should be raised in order to support this interest.
Reserves Policy: Income and expenditure of the charity fluctuates according to the pattern of grants. Artists are hired per project and financial commitments are limited. Unrestricted funds are used to plan for three months core and running costs.
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities: The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial statements for each financial year, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, which give a true and fair view of the incoming resources and application of the resources of the group during the year and the charity’s state of affairs at the end of the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice had been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. These guidelines run alongside the Company’s constitution.
Signed
Dated: 17/01/2026
Trustees’ name: Neil Hallett
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