Award-winning theatre company ThickSkin has announced a new participation programme for local communities at its Wigan venue, The Engine Room.
Launching this summer, the initiative continues the company’s mission to open up its creative space to people of all ages and backgrounds, building on its reputation for both acclaimed touring productions and talent development in the North West.
Based in the historic Trencherfield Mill, The Engine Room will host a series of free Creative Movement Workshops aimed at people aged over 60, encouraging participants to explore movement and self-expression in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Led by emerging artists from ThickSkin’s Talent Development programme, the workshops are designed to foster creativity, confidence, and connection, with no prior experience required.
The programme will also introduce a new monthly Play Reading Group, open to all, offering the chance to discuss a range of texts and discover new work by local writers including Rae Bell, Joseph Walsh, Tim Foley, and Billie Collins.
Rae Bell, Assistant Producer at ThickSkin, said, “Since moving into The Engine Room, we’ve met so many local people who simply want to be involved — people curious to try something new, looking for connection, or wanting creative spaces that feel welcoming and accessible.
These workshops have grown directly from those conversations. They’re not about getting things right or being a performer. They’re about curiosity, laughter, movement and rediscovering playfulness. We want people to leave feeling energised, connected and proud of themselves.”
The new initiative complements ThickSkin’s ongoing Access to Local Theatre programme, which has engaged more than 1,750 young people over the past three years through free tickets, travel bursaries, workshops and post-show discussions.
Co-Founder and Artistic Director Neil Bettles said, “The participation programme isn’t separate from our theatre-making — it’s an extension of it. The same creativity, collaboration and playful experimentation that goes into every ThickSkin production is now shaping opportunities for local people to get involved, make connections and experience the joy of creating together.”
Further activities are expected to be announced as part of the programme through 2026 and 2027.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
