Claybody Theatre to collect memories of Burslem Market Hall

A new community heritage project is set to open in Burslem, inviting local people to celebrate and preserve the stories of one of the town’s most loved landmarks, which has been closed to the public for 23 years.

Delivered by Claybody Theatre in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, STALL STORIES: Collecting Memories of Burslem Market Hall transforms Shop 32 on Queen Street into a community engagement and exhibition space during the redevelopment of the market.

This summer, the shop will feature a viewing window onto the ongoing market works, alongside exhibition boards displaying potential redevelopment ideas for the future. Local residents will also be invited to contribute their own photographs, memories and stories of the Market, creating a growing community-led exhibition celebrating the building’s history.

The team from Claybody will be in the shop every Saturday morning between 10am and 1pm from 20 June – 25 July inclusive, with additional dates and times to be confirmed.

Claybody Theatre’s longer-term ambition (subject to obtaining funding) is to develop the collected stories into a new theatre production to be performed inside the Market when it reopens in 2027.

The theatre company are renowned for transforming found and heritage spaces into thriving cultural venues, having previously revitalised The Dipping House on the former Spode Works site into a theatre with sell-out performances and community events.

Deborah McAndrew, Co-Artistic Director at Claybody Theatre said:

“We love Burslem and it’s so exciting to see the Market coming back to life.  We’re looking forward to meeting local people and hearing their memories which will, no doubt, inspire a play. We then hope to secure further funding and fulfil our long-held ambition to put on a production inside Burslem Market Hall.”

Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The is a very exciting announcement on the back of the £4 million transformation of Burslem Market Hall and is a project that puts people right at its very heart.

“So many residents and visitors to Burslem will have wonderful memories of this building stretching back decades - and their stories definitely need documenting and preserving.

“We work closely with Claybody Theatre at their Dipping House venue on the Spode Works site so we know how talented they are and what a fantastic job they will do in collecting these stories and encouraging people to make contributions.”      

Further information about dates and opportunities to contribute stories will be announced soon at claybodytheatre.com