Sustainability Level Achieved: Intermediate
Materials Reused and Recycled: 70% (previous life), 86% (future life)

• Successes:

  • Leeds found innovative uses for set materials:

    • The floor was repurposed by their deputy theatre manager for his home.

    • Blue flats were taken by Rute for an upcoming show.

    • Canvas was retained for underlay lining in future productions.

    • Aluminium elements were salvaged for reuse.

  • All props and costumes were returned to storage for future use.

• Challenges:

  • Achieving Intermediate sustainability required early concept design meetings, which proved crucial in sourcing a second-hand floor early on.

• Transport Summary:

  • One truck and one van were used for most moves, reducing the usual transport footprint.

  • More vans than usual were needed due to second-hand sourcing and rehearsal locations split between London and Leeds.

Venue: Minerva Theatre, Chichester
Sustainability Level Achieved: Theatre Green Book Basic Standard

Overview:
This production turned the Minerva Theatre into a luxurious kitchen, complete with a working sink, fridge, dishwasher, and stunning marble-effect kitchen island. Despite the ambitious set design, the team prioritized sustainability at every stage. By reusing flooring from A View from the Bridge and implementing creative material sourcing, The House Party became a testament to eco-conscious theatre-making.

Key Results:

• Set and Scenery:

  • 59% made from reused or recycled materials.

  • 69% will be reused or recycled after the production.

• Costumes:

  • 66% were reused or made from recycled materials.

  • 100% will be reused or recycled.

• Props and Furniture:

  • 73% were reused or made from recycled materials.

  • 90% will be reused or recycled.

Fun Fact:
The functional kitchen sink was so realistic that audience members often asked if it was actually plumbed in—and yes, it was!

Press Night: 15 June 2022
Tour Locations: Old Vic, London – Oldham Coliseum – Worthing – Bath – Cambridge
Cast Size: 9
Sustainability Level Achieved: Baseline (close to Intermediate)
Materials Reused and Recycled: 80% (source), 75% (destination)

• Background:

  • This was a re-mount of a Leeds production, with a new cast but the same creative team.

  • Sustainability efforts included a £2.5K budget for materials disposal and accommodation prioritizing sustainability.

• Issues and Lessons:

  • Limited creative team involvement due to the re-mount nature of the production.

  • A dedicated sustainability lead (Kat Ellis) was instrumental in achieving goals.

Press Night: 24 November 2022
Tour Locations: Globe, London (Sam Wanamaker) – Leeds – Worthing – Northampton
Cast Size: 10
Sustainability Level Achieved: Baseline (close to Intermediate)
Materials Reused and Recycled: 70% (source), 89% (destination)

• Background:

  • Adapting the intimacy of the Sam Wanamaker Theatre to larger venues required innovative solutions.

  • Lightweight staging and modular elements ensured sustainability while maintaining creative vision.

• Issues and Lessons:

  • Larger organizations need to adapt their processes to achieve sustainability.

  • Continuity of staff with sustainability expertise is essential but must be paired with cross-team collaboration.

Press Night: 18 September 2023
Tour Locations: Bolton Octagon – Chichester Festival Theatre – Rose Kingston
Cast Size: 8
Sustainability Level Achieved: Below Baseline
Materials Reused and Recycled: 32% (source), 49% (destination)

• Challenges:

  • Early changes to the creative team caused delays and compromised sustainability planning.

  • Frequent production manager turnover further hindered continuity.

• Lessons Learned:

  • Sustainability efforts struggle under high-pressure timelines.

  • Consistent team members and early planning are critical for success.