A celebrated North East festival is set to bring a "magical" new theatre production to audiences across the region after securing £30,000 in National Lottery funding.
The Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance (BIFF) will use the grant to create and stage The Tapestry of Voices, a new production blending international dance theatre, live music and storytelling.
Funded by Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants, the show will be performed at Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens on November 28, 2026, and at ARC – Stockton Arts Centre on February 6, 2027.
It will explore themes of ambition, heritage and migration through a blend of movement and music.
Olga Maloney, Artistic Director of Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance, said: “The Festival would like to thank Arts Council England for its continued support that allows us to develop and deliver our work for North East audiences and visitors from around the world.
Taste of Africa
(Image: BIFF)
“It also enables BIFF to host events like The Tapestry of Voices that helps to nurture new and existing talent, and provides local artistes with an opportunity to perform on the international stage alongside some of the leading figures on the dance theatre circuit.
“We are also proud to be supporting local venues with exciting works to feed people’s appetite for challenging, affordable, and entertaining pieces of new world theatre – all experienced here in the North East.”
The production follows the success of Departing at 18:25, the Festival’s sell-out performances inspired by the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Balbir Singh Dance Company
(Image: Gavin Joynt)
The Tapestry of Voices follows two young explorers who discover a treasure chest in the Museum of Voices.
Opening it sends them on a journey through time, exploring heritage and history through key moments and cultural change.
The show will feature a professional cast from across the UK.
It will reflect on moments when people were forced or chose to "move on" to protect their families and communities or to seek better lives.
Episodes will highlight defining moments from the North East’s own story, including the birth of the modern railway, the Durham Miner’s Gala, the Jarrow March and the impact of World War II.
It will also explore the influence of post-war migration, including the Windrush generation and Irish communities.
Cultural celebrations such as Diwali and Chinese New Year will also feature in the production.
Jane Tarr, Director North East, Arts Council England, said: “Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance always brings an exciting mix of international traditional and contemporary dance to the North East and this year is no exception.
“I’m very pleased that we have been able to support The Tapestry of Voices through our National Lottery Project Grants programme and it’s great that it will be staged at both Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens and ARC Stockton, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy the performance.”
Alongside the show, a regional education and outreach programme called the Let’s Create Programme will offer visual art, storytelling and theatre workshops led by artists involved in the production.
Workshops will take place in Billingham, Durham, Middlesbrough and Stockton, helping to engage wider communities and support arts education in the region.
Tickets for the Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens performance on Saturday, November 28, at 7.30pm are on sale now and cost £12 or £10 concession.
Bookings can be made through the BIFF website at billinghamfestival.com/whats-on/box-office.
Tickets for ARC – Stockton Arts Centre will go on general release on 27th August directly from the venue.
Read more
How to pronounce this County Durham village which actually sounds like a pop star
Hundreds of classic vehicles heading to historic Durham site for family event
Historic County Durham site features in BBC Songs of Praise on Sunday's episode
Ms Maloney said: "Journeys woven together in pursuit of a dream.
"With life as our drama, let The Tapestry of Voices unfold.
"Listen to your voice inside, and dance to the rhythm of your heart and soul.
"The Tapestry of Voices lifts a lid on the past and takes the audience on a theatrical journey they will never forget."