R&D into a new community theatre show and pilot engagement model exploring invisible domesticity. |
Extract of Service with a Smile at Bold! Bradford (Nov 2025) |
Photography: Karol Wyszynski
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What?
Extract of Service with a Smile at Bold! Bradford (Nov 2025) | Photography: Karol Wyszynski
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Application for R&D ACE support to explore the social impact of cleaning, especially on identity in different cultures within Bradford. A spoken-word solo show will be co-created with local, working class creatives through exploring Izzie's experiences and community collected testimony.
The R&D will include:
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The Project So Far
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Real and heartwarming. It reminds you everyone's lives have as much depth as yours. |
Why Now?
- Following on from 5+ years of in-kind supported development
- Develop my creative practice as a writer, puppeteer and spoken-word performer
- Develop SWAS beyond a partially-written poetic script by adding staging, character choices through puppetry, and sound design
- Explore how to offer creative opportunities to cleaners to unlock presenting SWAS in non-traditional theatre settings and increase access for communities less engaged with the arts
- Create community-led material using testimony and build an oral history resource about heritage and identity in the cleaning industry (to build upon with further funding as a scalable model)
- Strengthen and develop my connections with local community centres from previous engagement work (We Will Sing, Life Class, Unspun Stories)
- Capitalise on the interest and feedback from scratch night performances
- Capitalise on the legacy of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture in creating high quality performance and visual art with universal themes
Extract of Service with a Smile at Bold! Bradford (Nov 2025)
Work Engaging Communities
Partner Credentials
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South Square Centre - Community Outreach, Marketing & Workshop Venue
Established in 1982, SSC is a visual arts centre for emerging artists and community projects. They support other local grassroot organisations with creative programmes and learning opportunities (e.g. Lower Grange Community Centre's ESOL group with Sowing Connections) . SSC is an accessible, supportive space to build community through art. They have a strong social media presence (4000 IG followers) and widely shared newsletter for upcoming events. See more of their work HERE. Bradford Community Broadcasting - Community Outreach & Marketing
A volunteer-led, community organisation that uses engagement with Community Radio as a tool for personal development, community empowerment and social change. For 25 years, BCB has supported local people to be active in their community, the city, and to have a voice in the media. The station provides interview opportunities for approx 120 community organisations and individuals every week, giving media focus to community issues, people and activities, with a listenership of approx 31,000 people per week. Funded by The National Lottery, West Yorkshire Combined Authorities, and BD25. See more of their work HERE. 509 Arts - Marketing & Future Bid Writing Support
A long-term supporter of SWAS and Izzie's creative development, having offered both acting, presenting and producing opportunities through their innovative arts projects since 2021. Artistic Director, Alan Dix, has over 40 years experience working in the arts and is renowned for his creative exploration of oral history (especially in ageing and Bradford's textile legacy) to educate and engage new audiences. Regular funders include NLHF, ACE, BD25, Bradford Council, and The Space CIC. See more of their work HERE. Arts at the Arms - Community Outreach & Marketing
A performing arts organisation based in Yorkshire aiming to support local creatives share their practice by showcasing original work and developing regional talent in a relaxed setting. Regular showcases take place at Leeds Playhouse, Sunnybank Mills and Seven Arts. Co-founded by Leeds based writer Chris O'Connor, arts facilitator Lily Craig, and actor/writer James Underwood. Supported by Red Ladder, Proper Job and Patreon, with good connections to social theatre touring circuits. See more of their work HERE. Beardance Theatre - Writing & Multidisciplinary Mentorship
London-based theatre company co-created by Rory Francis and Charlotte Blandford, specialising in combining artforms to share stories in new ways. Proud supporters of SWAS since 2024 and a strong contact for future scaling in new regions. See more of their work HERE. |
Participate Projects - Social Business Mentoring, Community Outreach & Skilled Volunteers
A Bradford-born social organisation aimed at supporting local projects in areas of deprivation tackling social issues. With additional bases in Manchester, Leicester and Birmingham. Providing 1-1 social business mentoring to develop Rags to Stitches as a scalable, fully funded model with their peer network. In the pilot stage Participate are also offering community outreach support for participation recruitment. Their Skilled Volunteers will join the workshops for childcare and wellbeing support. See more of their work HERE. The Unit - Technical Hire
A free, open-access creative space funded by Channel 4, Bradford Council, and supported by Screen Yorkshire. It offers weekly workshops, industry-standard equipment hire, post-production facilities, and a hot-desking space. Supporting the documentation and technical requirements of the WIP sharings. See more of their work HERE. Bold! Bradford - Dramaturgy & Future Development Support
Founded by producer Andrew Wilson and dancer Ella Tighe in 2022, supported by BPH and Bradford Council. With a mission of supporting Bradford artists to develop innovative creative work, their funded scratch nights include details audience feedback and next-step support. Andrew and Ella are both experienced bid writers with regular ACE R&D funding. SWAS featured in November 2025's Bold! night at The Underground. See more of their work HERE. Mind the Gap - Rehearsal Space
Bradford-based inclusive theatre company and nationally recognised arts charity. The home of SWAS's first public extract sharing at Freedom Studios' Bradford Voices Showcase in 2024. See more of their work HERE. DIY Dave - WIP Sharing Set Build
A Bradford-based handyman with experience providing backstage and set-build support for Upstagers Youth Theatre. Providing tools, time and expertise to support the WIP sharings of SWAS. A proud member of Menston Business Association. |
Audiences and Impact
The use of words and duality was incredible. The use of language and movements to convey highs and lows were clever. The beautiful and raw writing was such a special thing to experience. I loved it! We all had a really special day. Izzie took really good care of us and was responsive to our needs. |
I was captivated throughout, I want to see the whole thing. It was absorbing, Incredible - it reminded me of caring for my mum and challenges it brought. Excellent communication. Kept us all in the loop. Lots of encouragement. |
Letters of Support
Izzie's organisation and strong understanding of creative, social spaces is an asset to any project. She leads a team compassionately with clear communication and wellbeing at the forefront.
~ Alan Dix, Artistic Director of 509 Arts
Working with Izzie on We Will Sing and LMGM was a joy. She embraces challenges and delivers high quality pieces of work, both as a producer and performer.
~ Dr Claire Wellesley-Smith
We see great potential in the project as there is a gap in the market for a social business aimed at supporting cleaners. We are excited to explore this possibility and support its development.
~ Saffiyah, Business Volunteer Co-Ordinator at Participate Projects