This Spring we will be co-creating a brand new show, Once Upon a Time in Fenland, working with 250 stories written by school children in Cambridgeshire and Fenland. Stories which have been inspired by ancient artefacts from the area, kindly loaned from Wisbech and Fenland Museum and Cambridge Archaeological Unit.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for playful artists with strong devising, music, storytelling & ensemble skills to make this show with us. We welcome approaches from artists who have links to Fenland or wider Cambridgeshire, and/or artists from a global majority background.

A recent DBS check will be required for the tour – applicants must be willing to undergo one if not currently held.

Audition Dates

We will be holding half-day workshop sessions on 19th & 20th February ’26. At Oxford House in Bethnal Green, London. (Successful applicants will be invited to one of these sessions.)

Tour Dates

• 3rd-5th March ’26 – R&D London
• 16th-20th March ’26 – Rehearse & Perform Cambridge
• 5th -22nd May ’26 – Rehearse London & Perform Fenland
• 1st – 20th June ’26 – Touring Fenland
• You must have availability for these rehearsal/tour dates.

Fee

We contract in line with the ITC standard rates, and provide accommodation and subsistence allowances.

How to apply

To be considered for the workshop audition please send:

• *A short statement (up to 500 words) or video (1 minute long) saying why you are interested in this process and this project to tour Fenland in a Yurt
• *A CV or document or video sharing your experience to date

To ukoffice@nie-theatre.com by 9am GMT on Wed 11^th February ’26. We will get back to all applicants by Friday 13th February ’26.

This film, from a previous co-creation project in the area gives a feel for what we’ll be creating this year:

“Story-telling, music, songs and humour … with a focus on Fenland history and folklore. Excellent. Innovative, inventive and engaging show!”

Deborah Curtis, City of Cambridge Council On ‘Legends of the Fen