We’re dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of Barnsley’s younger generations.
We believe that access to high-quality arts and cultural learning can inspire, boost health and wellbeing, and strengthen a young person’s connection to their community and peers. That’s why we place young voices at the heart of our programme.
Our theatre regularly showcases exciting new work from companies like Zest Theatre and Lung Theatre, ensuring that young people’s stories are heard and celebrated. In our gallery, young local creatives take centre stage with regular student exhibitions alongside a rolling programme of touring and curated exhibitions that reflect the issues and experiences of our community.
Through our Creative Engagement Team, we’re working at Barnsley Civic and across the town to provide more opportunities for young people to engage in creative and cultural activities. This includes standout projects like Barnsley Young Writers, Life In a Northern Town, and Teenage Wildlife. We’re also partnering with local schools, academies, and third-sector organisations to continue offering meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with the arts in ways that resonate with them.
We’re passionate about two things: storytelling and the North! At Barnsley Civic, we believe the future of theatre starts with fresh voices, and Life in a Northern Town champions just that.
In partnership with Northern Broadsides, Blackpool Grand, and Customs House South Shields, this programme supports the creativity of emerging young playwrights across the North. Our group of talented writers aged 14–19 meets online to participate in free creative writing workshops and masterclasses led by professional playwrights and dramaturgs (experts in the study of plays, musicals, or operas) to develop their own short plays.
The programme runs through 2025. If you or a young person you know is interested in writing scripts for theatre, email jasonwhite@barnsleycivic.co.uk.
”These creative writing workshops have helped me with lots of things, mainly confidence building because before I joined these groups, I was scared to even just talk in front of people and now it doesn’t bother me anywhere near as much and I have the confidence to share my work. It helped with my writing skills too. It’s helped me realise that I’m actually not that bad at writing… the writing group has made me realise the talent we actually have!
Life in a Northern Town participant
In partnership with Hive South Yorkshire, Barnsley Young Writers has become the go-to space for young people passionate about creative writing. Meeting every two weeks, the group offers creative writing workshops for 14- to 19-year-olds, providing a safe and supportive environment for neurodivergent young people and those identifying as LGBTQIA+.
Participants explore various creative writing activities, including poetry, short stories, scripts, and journalism. They also have opportunities to be published, perform, enter national competitions, and receive one-to-one mentoring.
Many members have performed at venues like The Leadmill, Sheffield Hallam’s Performance Lab, and right here at Barnsley Civic. They’ve participated in events such as Barnsley Zine Fair, Barnsley Book Festival, and Off The Shelf Festival. To date, the group has released two anthologies of poetry and short stories.
If you or a young person you know is interested in joining or trying out Barnsley Young Writers, please email jasonwhite@barnsleycivic.co.uk
Barnsley Young Writers is supported by Creative Minds and Better Barnsley Bond.
”I have social anxiety and originally I was worried about not fitting in. The people however are wonderful and have changed my mind. Barnsley Young Writers is one of my safe spaces and a place I feel I actually fit in. I was even able to perform on a stage – they helped me believe my stories were good.
Barnsley Young Writers participant
Teenage Wildlife is an oral history project that collects and celebrates the stories of youth culture and teenage experiences in Barnsley over the past 80 years. Initially part of a Historic England-funded initiative of the same name, the first iteration took place in 2022, focusing on the Eldon Street area of central Barnsley.
Working alongside talented drama practitioners Becky Newbould and Gemma Whelan (collectively known as We Great Ladies), young people from around Barnsley collaborated to bring to life the real stories of six teenagers from Eldon Street’s history. The resulting piece of theatre, Teenage Wildlife Mixtape, premiered at Barnsley Civic in spring 2023.
In September 2023, we began the second iteration of Teenage Wildlife in Wombwell, gathering stories that date back to the 1940s. With these stories in hand, we approached Netherwood Academy, hoping to create an after-school project. Instead, we were warmly invited to integrate our project into the Year 10 drama curriculum.
Once again, alongside We Great Ladies, our group of fourteen young theatre makers crafted a series of monologues inspired by the authentic stories of nine former Wombwell teenagers. This captivating piece was performed for a live audience of Wombwell residents at the Wombwell & District Operatic Society Theatre in May 2024.
Looking ahead to autumn 2024, we’re excited to begin collecting stories from the Dodworth, Kingstone, and Worsborough areas of Barnsley. These stories will be brought to life by students from Horizon Community College, culminating in a performance in spring 2025—supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.
Mon – Sat: 10am – 4pm
The Box Office will remain open prior to all performances and up to 30 minutes after it starts.
Tues – Sat: 10am – 4pm
VAT No. 971720318 | Company No. 05811804 | Charity number 1129765 | “The Civic” is the trading name of Barnsley Civic Enterprise Ltd.
