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 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.

We want to see creative communities work together to deliver extraordinary arts experiences that fire the imagination, affect positive change and are open to all.

In 2025/26, we created, toured, and programmed live productions, exhibitions, and digital work for 20,821 people locally, nationally, and internationally. We delivered a range of opportunities through our Creative Development and Training & Development programmes, engaging 3613 participants. We also supported 6 artists across 6 commissions, and hosted 27 residencies for creative practitioners, based in and outside the UK.

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 public art co-created with communities through projects like On Our Way. 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 (NPO), which means funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work.