New Vic seeks local people for Rachel Shenton’s Gladstone Girls

Local people are being invited to help bring the Potteries’ working life to the stage in Gladstone Girls, a new play by Stoke-on-Trent born Oscar winner Rachel Shenton.

THE SIGNAL BRIEF

What’s new: The New Vic Theatre is recruiting adults aged 18 and over for its Gladstone Girls Community Theatre Company, with opportunities both on stage and behind the scenes.

Worth knowing: Previous acting experience is not essential. The theatre also wants to hear from people with pottery decorating skills who could share their knowledge with the cast.

What’s next: Expressions of interest close on Sunday 22 November 2026. The production runs from Saturday 6 to Saturday 27 February 2027.

The skill, friendship and determination of Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery workers are at the heart of Gladstone Girls. Now, the New Vic is inviting local people to help tell that story.

Written by Rachel Shenton, known for The Silent Child and All Creatures Great and Small, the play follows a group of women whose treasured factory tradition comes under threat.

Every Friday, the skilled lithographers turn their work room into a bustling hair salon as they prepare for a night out at the local nightclub. But when the floor manager tries to put an end to Curl Friday, the women respond with a peaceful protest that reaches far beyond the factory walls.

Blending humour, history and warmth, the production celebrates working women and their determination to stand up for something that matters to them.

A chance to take to the stage

The New Vic is looking for adults aged 18 and over to join a community company that will help recreate the working world of Gladstone Pottery.

You do not need previous performing experience to put yourself forward. The theatre is looking for people who feel comfortable on stage and are ready to take on the challenge.

It offers local residents an opportunity to be part of a production rooted in the industry that helped shape Stoke-on-Trent, representing the people whose craft and skill filled its factories.

Sharing the skills of the Potteries

There is also an opportunity for people with pottery industry experience to contribute away from the spotlight.

The theatre is particularly interested in hearing from anyone with skills in slide-on lithography, banding, stippling or hand painting ceramics.

With the action taking place in Gladstone’s decorating room during the working day, those joining the company behind the scenes will be invited to share their knowledge and practical skills with the acting cast.

That experience will help the production portray the working lives of pottery decorators authentically.

From podcast to theatre

Gladstone Girls is based on the original scripted podcast from Slick Films, created and written by Shenton and directed by fellow Oscar winner Chris Overton.

The podcast premiered at the Tribeca Festival, where it was nominated for The Independent Audio Fiction Award. Its cast included Anna Madeley, Dot Atkinson, Adrian Rawlins, Rachel Shenton and Freddie Fox.

The New Vic production brings the story to the stage in February 2027.

How to get involved

Expressions of interest in the Community Theatre Company must be submitted by Sunday 22 November 2026.

Full details about the opportunities and how to take part are available in the New Vic’s community company information pack.

Gladstone Girls runs at the New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, from Saturday 6 to Saturday 27 February 2027. Tickets cost £17.50 to £44 and can be booked through the New Vic website or by calling 01782 717962.