Theatre company 'delighted' as home secured

Deborah McAndrew said she was delighted to secure Claybody Theatre's home

A theatre company says it is "absolutely delighted" after it secured a home for at least the next 15 years.

Claybody Theatre, in Stoke-on-Trent, has agreed a lease with the city council to stay in the former Shed 8R building at the historic Spode Works site.

It has performed in the building, now called The Dipping House, since 2017 and put on productions including Song of the Sytch and Bright Lights Over Bentilee.

Deborah McAndrew, co-artistic director at Claybody Theatre, said the group would continue to work with the council to further develop the venue.

"We're absolutely delighted to have secured the future of The Dipping House," she said.

"It has proven to be a great space for us and we have already welcomed thousands of visitors who have come to watch our performances, plus participate in workshops and other events."

'Heart and soul'

Ms McAndrew said priorities for developing the site included installing more toilets, the work for which was already under way and set to be completed later this year.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the agreement was a "real statement of intent" for the Spode Works – formerly a pottery factory for more than 230 years.

"Businesses like this really are the heart and soul of Spode's regeneration," he added.

Among previous shows at The Dipping House was an "audience with" event with actor and theatre patron Toby Jones in February 2024.