Theatre by the Lake (TBTL) welcomes LEE MATTINSON, LOUIE WHITEMORE and MELINA BARNETT as Associate Artists.
Mattinson is a playwright. His most recent play, Hares, was shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize, and he is currently working with TBTL, Southpaw Dance, The Letter Room, Kielder Observatory and Elevator Productions.
He said: “It’s a joy to be invited to be Associate Artist at Theatre by the Lake. I grew up just twenty miles away in a town that felt a solar system away from the Lake District. I’m interested in developing ideas which bridge this divide, engage makers from all corners of the county and turn the volume up on all those unheard voices.”
Whitemore is a theatre designer from Ullswater, Cumbria. She has worked with TBTL to design various productions including Tom’s Midnight Garden, Single Spies, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Dear Uncle and Handbagged.
Whitemore commented: “It has been a tough few years for the arts but I know we are back to being more creative, more diverse and even more exciting than we were before. I can’t wait to be a small part in helping Theatre by the Lake realise their forthcoming plans, providing entertainment and enjoyment for the community and visitors alike.”
Barnett is a creative facilitator, producer and director. She has worked with the local community in Cumbria, where Barnett first engaged with TBTL on a production of Jacaranda in 2021.
Barnett said she is looking forward to building relationships, bringing new work to TBTL and finding, developing and nurturing talent within and across Cumbria.
TBTL will support the Associate Artists in developing their skillset, exploring their vision and bringing their inspirations to life in new creative projects.
Artistic Director LIZ STEVENSON said the trio have already shared their ideas, support and creativity over the last few years.
“This announcement acknowledges their value to the organisation and commits to a longer period of involvement that will undoubtedly enrich the theatre. We are grateful to them and to the community of artists who are passionate about supporting creativity in Cumbria, and we are excited about our future.”