Outdoor spectacle to open Culture House

A new cultural venue in Sunderland is set to open with a large-scale outdoor performance designed to bring the city together and showcase local creative talent.

Culture House Sunderland has announced plans for a bespoke opening production, created by Sunderland-based Southpaw Company, to mark the venue’s launch in Spring 2026. 

The large-scale performance, titled HOME, will combine live music, dance, aerial performance and cinematic projection mapping across the exterior of the building.

Officials say the production will feature a cast of up to 100 community participants alongside professional dancers, reflecting the venue’s ambition to place participation and accessibility at the heart of its programme. 

While Southpaw Company has delivered ambitious performances internationally, including projects in Australia, the commission represents a significant opportunity to create a major show in its home city.

Robby Graham, artistic director at Southpaw Company, which is based in Sheepfolds Stables, said: “The concept of the show is based around the Overview Effect, which is what astronauts experience when viewing Earth from space and the spiritual impact of there being no borders, just everyone that has ever existed on this pale blue dot. 

“From that perspective, we then zoom in on Sunderland as our HOME – it will bring to life Sunderland’s history of shipyards, glass, football and music before looking towards the future and the fantastic opportunities on the horizon – a nod to the ambitious regeneration that is going on in the city.

“Culture House will be a place for people to meet and connect, and we wanted to reflect that in this performance and also showcase how beautiful and welcoming Sunderland is – it will be a real kick off for the venue.”

Robby added: “We’re really excited to have this opportunity and bring something pretty special to the city where we’re based and to bring the community together. 

“We’ve created 18 large-scale productions in the last 13 years and every time it’s incredible to see people getting involved who may never have performed before. 

“It brings people out of isolation and builds their confidence and physical fitness. 

“Anybody from 16+ can take part and there’s no need to have previous experience. 

“I’d encourage anyone who is interested to come along to our open calls.” 

Councillor Beth Jones, cabinet member of communities, culture and tourism at Sunderland City Council, added: “I’m delighted to be able to announce this fantastic production as part of the opening programme of Culture House Sunderland. 

“Southpaw Company have a track record of not only delivering unique and spectacular performances but also making a real difference to communities.”

Culture House Sunderland is a multi-million-pound, four-floor cultural destination located at Keel Square. 

Designed as a welcoming, everyday space for residents and visitors, the venue aims to act as a living room for the city, supporting creativity, learning and social connection.

Construction is progressing, with phase one of the build nearing completion and the handover to Sunderland City Council expected ahead of the second-phase internal fit-out. 

Once open, the venue will host a broad programme including talks, live music, comedy, film screenings, gaming events and creative gatherings.

Gallery spaces will showcase national exhibitions alongside local artists, while the new city library will offer extensive physical and digital collections, local history archives and genealogy resources. 

Dedicated areas for children and young people will include storytelling spaces, creative play areas, gaming stations and study zones.

Councillor Jones added: “Culture House Sunderland will be a fantastic addition to the city, providing a key city centre focal point and a really great attraction for both residents and visitors to enjoy. 

“The mix of events, exhibitions, top of the range tech, resources and outstanding food offering will make it a standout venue in the region, if not nationally.”

Members of the public interested in taking part in the opening production can register their interest at southpaw.org.uk or through the Linktree on its Instagram page @southpawcompany. 

More information about Culture House Sunderland can be found here.

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