Claybody Theatre has announced a major milestone in its journey, securing a 15-year lease with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to remain at The Dipping House, a former industrial building at the heart of the historic Spode Works.
Led by playwright Deborah McAndrew and director Conrad Nelson, Claybody Theatre has been staging productions in various spaces at Spode since 2017. In 2023, they officially opened The Dipping House, transforming the industrial shed into a vibrant arts venue.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have secured the future of The Dipping House,” said Co-Artistic Director Deborah McAndrew. “We have already had tremendous success in the venue, welcoming thousands of visitors to our performances, workshops and other arts and community events. Its viability has been proven and stands as a brilliant example of the vital role that arts and culture can play in regeneration.
With a 15-year lease both Claybody and the Council are committed to The Dipping House and collaborating on a shared vision for the venue.”
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, added, “This is a real statement of intent and is great news for the site, the town of Stoke and the city as a whole. Organisations like this really are the heart and soul of Spode’s regeneration.”
Acclaimed actor Toby Jones, Patron of Claybody Theatre, praised the venue during a fundraising event last year. “…this amazing space, which really is one of the most beautiful theatrical spaces I’ve seen in years. It’s so wonderful… how it’s haunted by its past – it’s great!”
Despite its charm, The Dipping House remains a work in progress. Co-Artistic Director Conrad Nelson explained, “The Dipping House is just that – a large industrial shed. It currently has no heating at all, and theatrical lighting is run from a single power source in one corner. It’s very basic, and when we have large events on, we have to bring in portaloos! However, there is money allocated to the building by the City Council and the space is currently dark in order to install heating and new toilets. Next year the plan is to improve M&E and replace the roof.
We will not change the fabric or the look of the building inside or out. Its former industrial use is central to its identity and the important place it holds in the hearts of local people.
Securing The Dipping House gives us the platform we need to build on our successes and grow the ambition of the company. We have some extremely exciting plans for 2026, including the first Claybody Theatre tour of work ‘made in Stoke.’”
Following the success of Bright Lights Over Bentilee, Claybody plans to reopen The Dipping House in December with a new Christmas show, to be announced next month.
More information can be found here
