About

Developing a new model of creating and producing theatre that opens up the way performance is made, who makes it and who it’s experienced by. 

Launched in 2006, China Plate is an independent theatre producing studio based in Birmingham and working across the UK. As an arts charity, we help people to make creative projects happen – from theatre shows, to audio anthologies, to bus stop galleries.

Our vision is that creative communities work together to deliver extraordinary theatre experiences that fire the imagination, affect positive change and are open to all.

In 2022/23, we created, toured, and programmed live productions, exhibitions, festivals, and digital work, for over 30,600 people across venues (locally, nationally, and internationally), with a creative programme of shows and events. We delivered a range of opportunities through our Creative Development and Training & Development programmes, engaging 4456 participants. We also supported 24 artists across 16 commissions, 7 of which were public art commissions, and hosted residencies for 31 creative practitioners.

Our past work has included mid-scale musical Gin Craze! (“raucous fun” ★★★★★ Observer), Caroline Horton’s All of Me (“shakes you…with a sense of awe” ★★★★★ Independent) and Birmingham Festival 2022 Commission To The Streets! – a civil rights musical by Roy Williams and Tim Sutton, previewing in West Midlands parks last summer. We’ve won multiple industry awards including five Fringe Firsts and numerous Offies and have been nominated for an Olivier.

We’re an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, which means funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work. We are also resident Associate Producers at Warwick Arts Centre and partners in Derby CAN, Derby Theatre’s Arts Council England Producing Hub.