Regeneration specialist Wykeland Group is working with leading arts organisations to bring unforgettable performances to Hull’s distinctive Stage @TheDock outdoor venue.
The waterfront amphitheatre provides a striking setting for open-air theatre, arts, music, cinema and comedy performances.
The venue has established itself as a leading destination for touring theatre and performance companies, having seen its programme of cultural and arts events grow year on year.
Stage @TheDock opened in summer 2016, having been delivered in time for Hull’s year as UK City of Culture 2017. A £650,000 investment by Wykeland transformed the derelict, listed former Central Dry Dock into a spectacular performance space.
With the Humber estuary and iconic The Deep visitor attraction providing a dramatic backdrop for performances, Stage @TheDock has become a mainstay of the region’s cultural scene.
Hull-based property development and investment business Wykeland continues to own and operate the venue in the Fruit Market creative quarter and it is integral to the company’s commitment to championing culture and the arts.
In its latest key cultural partnership, Wykeland instigated and helped to create the new Fresh Ink playwriting festival.
Delivered by Hull-based theatre company Middle Child, Fresh Ink will provide a stage for writers to create and develop new plays in the city.
Taking place at Stage @TheDock over a weekend in July, six new plays from writers all with connections to Hull will be commissioned for the festival.
Wykeland Managing Director Dominic Gibbons said: “Stage @TheDock is now very well established as a venue, with the programme of productions growing year on year.
“Having a venue such as this is a major asset for the Fruit Market, the city and wider region. It offers arts organisations within the region and touring companies the opportunity to perform in a unique setting and reach new audiences.
“We’re proud to play our part in bringing innovative, inspiring and powerful productions and performances to our home city and to support the development of vital creative skills.”
The 350-capacity venue hosts performances throughout Hull’s Freedom Festival – the region’s leading cultural event, which Wykeland has supported since its very first year in 2008.
Stage @TheDock is also part of Hull’s popular Humber Street Sesh music festival, hosting the Hip Hop stage which over the years has featured breakdancing, scratch DJs and graffiti artists.
Wykeland has developed strong relationships with national touring theatre companies, including Dorset-based SISATA, Gloucester’s IK Productions and York’s Story Craft Theatre.
All three touring companies will return to Stage @TheDock this year, bringing to Hull popular productions Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid and a pirate-themed bonanza called The Big Pirate Party.
This year’s programme at Stage @TheDock kicks off in April and features Middle Child’s production of Baby, He Loves You. The new play explores the themes of family and love in the setting of a wedding, all taking place inside a decorated marquee by the Humber.
Natalia Blogg, Wykeland’s Culture and Events Manager, said: “When we created Stage @TheDock, we wanted to provide a space for new and emerging writers and artists to showcase their work to broader audiences.
“As the arts sector continues to face challenges in the funding and delivery of events, it’s vitally important that businesses support creativity and culture in whatever way they can.
“We’ve developed excellent relationships with arts and theatre companies, and we’re now looking to further extend our network to bring more high-quality performances to Stage @TheDock this year and in coming years.”
The power of outdoor theatre was highlighted last year when touring theatre company SISATA brought Shakespearean classic “The Tempest” to Stage @TheDock.
Recent performances also include the fiery circus spectacular Dante, delivered by theatre company From Below, and A Tale of Orpheus and Eurydice by Opera North.
In 2021, Hull Truck Theatre brought a three-week run of Shakespearean classic Romeo and Juliet to Stage @TheDock.
The performances attracted fresh audiences for Hull Truck Theatre as the streets of Verona in Italy were transported to Hull to share one of the greatest love stories ever told.
Hull playwright John Godber endorsed Stage @TheDock when he brought Moby Dick to the venue, featuring references to the city’s maritime history during a successful run over 12 summer evenings.
As Stage @TheDock cements its reputation as one of Yorkshire’s most distinctive arts venues, Wykeland remains open to approaches from touring theatre and production companies looking for the perfect outdoor location for their performances.
- To enquire about availability at Stage @TheDock, contact Natalia Blogg via stage@wykeland.co.uk or call her on 01482 320968.
