Conference 2025 – Content

Programme

Day 1 – Sustainability Summit

Date: 24 June 2025
Venue: Donnington Grove
Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Focus: Sustainability in Rural Touring and Outdoor Arts

  • Keynote Speaker on Environmental Impact
  • Panels on Sustainable Practices
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Showcase and Performances on Sustainability Theme

Day 2 – Open Space & Showcasing 

Date: 25 June 2025
Venue: 101 Outdoor Arts
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Focus: Immersive Work and Dynamic Discussions

  • Open Space Sessions: Call for Topics from Delegates
  • Showcase: 20-minute live performances suitable for rural touring
  • Ballyhoo Sessions: 5-minute pitches by artists
  • Networking Sessions and Peer Discussions
  • Evening Performance and Social Gathering

Day 3 – FuturaRural

Date: 26 June 2025
Venue: Donnington Grove
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Focus: Innovation and Technology in Rural Touring

  • Panels on Digital Engagement and Audience Development
  • Workshops on Technology Integration in Rural Settings
  • Showcase of Innovative Work
  • Closing Session on the Future of Rural Touring

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Artists

Here is where you can find information about the Artists that performed at the 2025 Conference – Immersion.

The River Runner
An exhilarating tale of courage, community and speedy-skating by Glimmer Theatre.

Behind Enemy Lines
Telling the story of women who worked as spies during World War Two, transgressing gender expectations in occupied Europe, committing acts of sabotage and reconnaissance. By Louise Jordan.

I'm Muslamic Don't Panik
Spoken word meets dance, live music meets clowning. An intimate spectacle of identity, where being British, Iranian, and a Hip-Hop head collide. By Bobak Champion.

Shed Stories
Bandsaws, Banter & Bourbon Biscuits… Uniquely blending theatre, movement and documentary, SHED STORIES is a heartwarming performance that brings to life the world of ‘Men’s Sheds’; community groups where people can come together to make, repair and repurpose as well as improve their wellbeing and mental health. By Casson & Friends.

All Hands Together
A wistful journey along the waterways of the UK, rich in harmonies and heritage by Three Idle Women.

Caspian's Storm
Packed with puppetry, music, and plenty of laughs, Caspian's Storm is a fast-paced, interactive show for the young and young at heart. By LAS Theatre.

The Light House
A real-life love story about holding onto each other, even in the darkest times. Tender, funny & defiantly hopeful, it's a love letter to life.

Suntou Susso
An evening with a Kora Master

City Liminal
A roaming game of art and wit by Spectacle & Mirth.

Kingmaker
The play is a broad comedy that uses humour to explore ideas of resilience, rural tourism, gentrification, and demographic attrition from countryside communities. By Walk North Theatre.

I AM 8
AM 8, a warm, magical dance performance for children aged 3-11 and their families. Produced by Sweetshop Revolution.

David Eagle: Flying Solo
Songs, stories and stand up from award winning folk singer and comedian David Eagle

Crumbs
Badapple Theatre's long-awaited comedy, clowning and live baking follow up to our ground-breaking hit show The Daily Bread. Written by Kate Bramley.

Arcade
ARCADE Mini is a joyful interactive performance with short dance ‘games’ to connect people of all ages with the childlike joy of play - and each other! By Casson & Friends.

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Speakers

This is where you can find information about the Speakers that presented at the 2025 Conference – Immersion

Carmel Clavin
Carmel is an internationally award winning immersive producer & cabaret host with accolades from Australia to Scotland!

Philip Clifford
Philip Clifford is a Principal Policy Adviser at the Local Government Association and leads the LGA’s policy teams responsible for devolution, inclusive growth and culture, tourism and sport.

Laura Sedgwick
Producer for Theatre Green Book, a grass-roots initiative to move theatre and the performing arts closer towards a greener future, in response to the climate crisis.

Andrew Davis
Meet Andrew Davis – a leading force at the crossroads of digital marketing and generative AI from the UK. Renowned for his compelling keynote speeches and hands-on training, Andrew’s unique style resonates across industries, delivering practical insights that drive real change.

Elizabeth Freestone
Elizabeth Freestone is the Associate Director at the Royal Shakespeare Company, and is the co-author (with Jeanie O'Hare) of 100 Plays To Save The World and the forthcoming (with Katherine Steele Brokaw) Performing Shakespeare on an Endangered Planet.

Photo credit: Dee Patel