Author: Uncover

By Grace Stokoe

In this guest feature by Grace Stokoe, we’re given an insight into the journey of Gritty Gaze, a theatre company formed by a group of young creatives determined to carve their own path in the arts. Grace, a Student Engagement Officer and creative writer, shares how this dynamic group of university students took their passion from university projects to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival stage.

The Liverpool institution where Grace works has been intentionally left unnamed to keep the focus solely on the journey of Gritty Gaze.

The journey of young creatives in their 20s is often marked by uncertainty, passion, and resilience. For the theatre company Gritty Gaze, this journey has transformed their ambitions into a reality at the Edinburgh Fringe.

I took my job as a Student Engagement Officer in November 2023, five years after graduating with a degree in Creative Writing. Since then, I’d worked as a retail supervisor and a gym manager. Two contrasting roles, neither of which particularly set my soul on fire. Arriving in my new position, I felt I’d finally landed somewhere that I belonged, surrounded by wacky and wonderful people in a creative university. Everybody was up to something, and the energy was so refreshing to be around.

In January 2024, I assisted in running a huge networking event we had organised for the students, led by industry professionals. It was here that The Space UK offered our third year actors the chance to perform at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They were searching for talented fresh faces, and we had them under our wing. The opportunity was awarded to Gritty Gaze, a theatre company made up of nine friends – Tyler, Joel, Luke, John, Amy, Jemma, Tom, Fin and Emery – formed during their second year of university.

When I was younger, I thought it was all about “catching a break” and “making it big”, but now I realise earning a living as a creative doesn’t have to be defined by monetary or social extremes. What I’ve noticed is the students are taught, from the moment they arrive, that they can’t wait for chances – they have to make work for themselves. Why wait for your agent to arrange an audition, when you could devise your own play? And that’s exactly what they did.

Tyler Kane had always wanted to start a theatre company, but didn’t know how (at the end of the day, aren’t we all just winging it?). It wasn’t until he was coupled with Joel Cousins for a university module to devise a 15 minute piece of work, that the pair began to flourish as not only actors, but artistic directors. Their wit and shared passion for LGBTQIA+ issues led them to produce a dry, queer comedy which shone a light on their promising futures. Knowing they wanted to continue along this journey of creative freedom, the two recruited more friends, and Gritty Gaze was born.

Creatives, when surrounded by (as my filmmaker friend would say), copy-and-paste-people, can often feel like (to be blunt) weirdos. It’s not until you find your people that things start to make sense, and the buzz from bouncing ideas off one another sparks something in you. It’s easy to dull this part of yourself as the responsibilities of adult life start trickling in – or hit you in the face like a sack of bricks – but it’s important that we keep it alive. We have to seek inspiration and collaboration.

Gritty Gaze, having only a student accommodation kitchen to rehearse in, came together during summer 2023 to create a short film about a charming puppet named Gongle. Joining forces with local filmmakers and music composers, they brought their vision to life. The concept was ‘Individuality’ – a very fitting theme. They submitted this to the ‘Unnamed Project Exhibition’ and fell in love with puppetry during the process. When the Edinburgh Fringe opportunity arose, they knew exactly which direction they would take.

Tyler and Luke Male took them to the next level when they wrote ‘HoarderZ’, “an intriguing exploration of societal isolation in parr to its developments upon the human psyche”, using Gongle once again. But as serious as it may sound, the play is hilariously out-of-the-box, following distinct and eccentric characters who you’re bound to form a soft spot for.

While they were preparing for Edinburgh Fringe Festival in our studios, I watched Gritty Gaze’s rehearsals every chance I got, witnessing their story evolve as the actors all pitched in. Not only had they written and devised this play to a professional standard before graduating, but it was truly a collaborative effort. I felt inspired seeing them in action, while they were humbly oblivious of their impact.

We all know social media is the key to success these days, for any kind of business, but this group had me in awe of their unique content. Their dedication to the world they had created was enough to pull anybody down the rabbit hole with them. @grittygaze posted in-character headshots, depicting each unique personality in just one shot. They worked with fellow Film and TV students, shooting a series of short films, set in their “radioactive dystopia”. These “entries”, filmed in a friend’s basement on a very tight budget, felt so organic, as if they had been plucked straight from the alternate universe. They proved that with the creativity, passion and drive, you don’t need money to make art.

As final rehearsals took place, they invited their fellow students and staff to watch HoarderZ in the studio. We were blown away by the play’s originality and how well they commanded the stage. I found it interesting to see the extra jobs the actors had appointed themselves. Emery Scriven, sound designer and composer, didn’t miss a beat on their tech behind the scenes. The others stepped up as directors, stage managers, producers and puppeteers. This opened my eyes to the breadth of artistic career paths available, which is reassuring for young creatives.

Their spirit was contagious as I left the show. I had barely written anything since achieving my degree, but watching the students turn their ideas into reality reignited something. For the first time in years, I couldn’t wait to sit in a café and put pen to paper. It only seemed right to write about the people who had encouraged me to do so, Gritty Gaze. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

October in Liverpool and the city region promises an exciting lineup of cultural events. Whether you’re drawn to literature, art, or live performances, there’s plenty of things to do in Liverpool and the region this month.

From celebrating Black History Month to the immersive River of Light and spine-chilling Halloween productions, the city comes alive with creativity. Iconic music, dazzling light displays, and theatre performances are just a few of the unmissable highlights. Don’t miss out on these 10 exciting events happening across the Liverpool city region this October.

Things To Do In Liverpool & The City Region This October

1. Black History Month with Writing On The Wall (Throughout October)

Reclaiming Narratives, the national theme for Black History Month, highlights the ongoing need to offer a platform for black and ethnic minority writers, artists and communities, and celebrates their contribution to British cultural, social and political life. The Writing On The Wall festival aims to offer a contrast to the insular world view of far right groups and populist politicians.

Black History Month events are held across Liverpool City Centre and L8. Highlights for 2024 include: a Dorothy Kuya Walking Tour – exploring the impact of her anti-racism activism, Stories of the Blues: A Celebration of Liverpool’s Sound System Culture and a film screening of The Rise and Rise of 2-Tone, the 1980s music phenomenon and record label.

2. Liverpool Literary Festival (4 – 6 October)

The Liverpool Literary Festival is returning for its 9th year this October, with events being held at Liverpool University’s Eleanor Rathbone Building.This annual celebration brings together writers, poets, and storytellers for a weekend of engaging discussions, thought-provoking readings, and a shared love of literature in the heart of Liverpool.

Events this year include: an in-conversation with The Essex Serpent author Sarah Perry, an evening with Liverpool performer and writer Levi Tafari, plus Booker Prize winner Alan Hollinghurst discusses his latest novel Our Evenings.

3. Stitching Souls: Threads of Silence (Until 2 March 2025)

Stitching Souls: Threads of Silence is an installation by British Trinidadian artist Karen McLean.The display, at Walker Art Gallery, explores Liverpool’s colonial legacies, looking at the city’s role as a major UK port during the 19th century.

The city’s wealth was made from the profits of the transatlantic slave trade, its associated economies and the forced labour of enslaved African people. The display uses African fabrics and traditional quilting techniques to reflect on the cotton trade drawing connections between Liverpool, Africa and the Americas. Through the act of stitching and sewing, McLean creates a platform for healing through dialogue, reflection and recovery.

The Walker Art Gallery also have their Conversations exhibition (19 October – 9 March) opening this month. The ambitious exhibition brings together work by nearly 40 leading Black women and non-binary artists who are transforming contemporary British art today.

4. Birdsong (8 – 12 October)

Sebastian Faulks’s epic story of love and loss at Liverpool Playhouse, Birdsong, returns to the stage marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel.

The critically acclaimed show returns in a brand-new production for 2024. Telling the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War. The show stars award-winning actor Max Bowden, best known for the role of Ben Mitchell in EastEnders, James Esler (Litvinenko) and Charlie Russell ( BBC’s And Then There Were None).

5. Celebrating Irish Makers (10 October – 2 November)

Bluecoat Display Centre hosts Celebrating Irish Makers for Liverpool Irish Festival 2024, a retrospective of previously showcased artisans, including more that are seen through their annual portfolio of creatives.

With silver, ceramics, glass, paintings, textiles and more besides, there is something to suit every budding creative, interest and price point. Whether you’re just looking for the sheer fun of it or searching for a unique gift, this is an exceptional display of contemporary talent in one of the longest serving display centres in the country.

6. Ian Prowse & Amsterdam (18 October)

Raised on the rallying cry of protest songs and influenced by the celtic sounds that make Liverpool so unique, Ian Prowse & Amsterdam play a special show at Southport’s Atkinson Gallery. The singer/songwriter, who is renowned for his incendiary live shows, has cemented his cult following over twenty five years with indie bands Pele and Amsterdam.

Prowse’s ability to wow a live crowd is legendary, he has previously rocked national tours with Elvis Costello, The Pogues, and The Wonderstuff. Earlier this decade, he also released a career-spanning retrospective, The Story of Ian Prowse, with Soho-based label, Kitchen Disco Records.

7. River of Light (24 October – 5 November)

River of Light is an annual free event that provides an outdoor illuminated gallery on Liverpool Waterfront, a loop, featuring light and sound from local, national and international artists.

This year, 12 large scale installations will be presented by some of the best light artists in the world, all inspired by the theme of ‘Play’. Some of the works will help turn the waterfront into a playground, while others offer a deeper question around play and what it can mean for individuals, communities and the city as a whole.

8. Book of Horror Volume II

4AM Productions are back with another edition of their Halloween spectacular after the huge success of the show last year. Join the Curator and his faithful minion at Hope Street Theatre, as he reads more from his fabled Book of Horror Volume II.

Six terrifying short plays in one spooky evening, with thrills and chills for all. There will be scares aplenty so the question is, dare you enter and join them?

Plays written and directed by: Sab Muthusamy, Phil Halfpenny, Luke Bennet & Rachel Louise Clark.

9. PVTV Fringe Flicks: Viy (1967) and Short Films (18 October)

Get ready for a spine-chilling evening with Fringe Flicks! They’re presenting Viy (1967) at DoES Liverpool. The film is a Soviet horror classic based on Nikolai Gogol’s eerie novella. Known for its groundbreaking visual effects and atmospheric storytelling, Viy is a must-see for fans of supernatural cinema.

In addition to their feature film, they’ve curated a line-up of stunning short films from around the world that will take you on a journey through the bizarre, the unsettling, and the thought-provoking. Expect a mix of genres and styles, all with that unique Fringe Flicks twist.

10. The Planets (26 October)

At this Philharmonic Hall concert of Holst’s The Planets, you’ll hear so much more than the famous suite Jupiter, as Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze takes the Orchestra on a voyage to infinity and beyond.

They’ll join William Walton in a Spitfire over wartime London, and soloist Guy Johnston will take on Bliss’ Cello Concerto. The concert will also travel to 1939 New York, where the young British firebrand Arthur Bliss brings the house down with a volcano of a piano concerto played by Mark Bebbington.

To find even more events happening in October and beyond check out our What’s On Listings.

The Brain Charity’s launch of the North West’s first Neurodiversity Arts Festival is a bold celebration of neurodivergent creativity and an important step toward fostering greater understanding. Through a dynamic programme of events, running from 20 – 29 September, the festival highlights the richness and value neurodivergent individuals bring to the arts while addressing the daily challenges they face in a neurotypical world.

Chris Beaumont, Children’s Project Coordinator at The Brain Charity and a key figure in the festival, shares insights into how the festival aims to amplify diverse voices, break barriers, and promote inclusivity in both the creative industries and society at large.

Uncover: What inspired The Brain Charity to launch the North West’s first Neurodiversity Arts Festival?

Chris: Neurodivergent people face daily challenges living in a neurotypical society that doesn’t meet their needs. The Brain Charity wanted to find a way to draw attention to some of the difficulties faced by this minority group but also to celebrate the richness and value that neurodivergent people bring to all of our lives.

We also recognise that a high proportion of neurodivergent people work in the creative industries, where the ability to think differently and understand the world in a different way is a major asset. That’s why an arts festival is a really effective way to bring these issues to people’s attention.

The festival offers an exciting opportunity to showcase neurodivergent talent in the creative industries, whilst also engaging audiences to help them understand more about what neurodiversity is and what we need to do to create a fairer, more inclusive society.

Uncover: How do you envision this festival impacting the perception of neurodiversity in the arts and the broader community?

Chris: The festival will raise awareness of how much neurodivergent talent is out there in all the creative industries and at all levels. We know that 15-20% of people are neurodivergent, but there is still some way to go in increasing people’s awareness and understanding. Hopefully this festival will help people to understand diversity as a positive thing – it enriches all our lives, every day. If we make room for difference it will benefit us all.

Uncover: The festival includes a diverse range of events, from artistic showcases to educational workshops. Which event/s are you most excited about, and why?

Chris: National Museums Liverpool have proved to be an invaluable partner for this festival and have organised a whole host of exciting events and workshops. This includes a ‘neurodiversity in the arts career day’ where young people can hear from a selection of neurodivergent creative professionals about their experience of working in the arts. The World Museum will also host a special performance of ‘The Boy King’ by Jordan Connerty (in association with RAWD and National Museums Liverpool) charting the life and times of Tutankhamun and their significance in the life of one young man.

One of the most exciting events for families will be the ‘Monster Disco’ at the Unity theatre which is a chance for neurodivergent children and their grownups to find their ‘inner monster’, to celebrate difference and have a boogie.

With events ranging from theatre, music and comedy, to exhibitions, workshops and live discussions, there should be something for everyone, no matter your age or interests.

Uncover: Can you tell us more about the collaborations with the likes of Tate Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic?

Chris: Two of the most exciting events from a neurodiversity advocacy perspective are ‘An Evening with Ruby Colley’ at Liverpool Philharmonic and the ‘Meet the Artist’ event at the Tate. Both evenings should be an opportunity for some lively discussion and sharing of ideas as well as a chance to experience some fantastic music and fine art.

Ruby Colley will be presenting excerpts from her forthcoming work ‘Hello Halo’, a collaboration with vocal ensemble Exaudi, based on Ruby’s non-verbal brother Paul’s alternative forms of communication. She will be discussing the creative process of making this piece as well as playing some of her previous compositions live in the intimate setting of the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room. 

Tate Liverpool will also be presenting a live ‘Meet the Artist’ event exploring neurodiversity and its relationship to contemporary art practice. Artists Becky Beasley, Sonia Boué and Pierce Starre will be in conversation with Claire Penketh, Professor of Disability Studies and Art Education at Hope University. 

Uncover: The festival will feature well-known artists such as Johnny Vegas and Ashleigh Nugent. How did their involvement come to fruition, and what unique perspectives do they bring to the event?

Chris: Johnny Vegas and Ashleigh Nugent will be appearing at the Opening Night Celebration which will be held at the Brain Charity for an invited audience comprised of neurodivergent artists and community members as well as representatives from the major arts organisations in Liverpool and local stakeholders.

Johnny Vegas currently has an art exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery. He is a local neurodivergent artist and interested in the cause. When we explained what the festival was about and what we are hoping to achieve, he was happy to get involved.

Ashleigh Nugent is a prominent local writer and director and his life and work has been heavily influenced by his neurodivergence. He has a compelling story to tell which reflects some of the challenges neurodivergent people can meet when trying to navigate the world which he uses to inspire and instigate understanding and change.

Uncover: In what ways does the festival aim to improve accessibility for neurodivergent individuals in public spaces, and how does it address the specific challenges they face?

Chris: We’ve been working with the Blue Room artists at the Bluecoat to produce a series of six posters which directly some of the issues that neurodivergent people face in public spaces. It’s about creating a space where people feel able to be themselves and be accepted but it’s also about helping people understand why others might sometimes behave differently and that this is ok.

We’ve also been working with the major arts institutions in Liverpool to discuss ways that they can make their events more accessible to everybody. Which includes things like providing more comprehensive information about the events and being conscious of aspects of the environment such as lighting, sound and physical spaces. Venues have been encouraged to provide quieter spaces where possible.

Often, making a few simple changes benefit all visitors, not just neurodivergent people.

Uncover: Looking beyond this year’s festival, what are your hopes for the future of the Neurodiversity Arts Festival? Do you see it becoming an annual event?

Chris: We hope this year’s festival is the start of a conversation to bring more awareness to issues around neurodiversity and possibilities for change. The festival has the potential to become We hope to do this festival again, building on the partnerships we’ve established this year. 

Uncover: What advice would you give to other organisations or cities looking to create similar festivals or initiatives to promote neurodiversity?

Chris: It’s important to find areas of mutual interest or benefit in any collaboration. It’s also important to recognise that all organisations work differently and to leave space to accommodate this. Finally, it’s important to recognise that the loudest voices aren’t necessarily the most important and to bring parity by giving opportunities to new or relatively inexperienced artists as well as well-established groups and organisations.

Find out more about the Neurodiversity Arts Festival.