Newcastle’s Kema Kay: ‘We’re Building Something Bigger Than One Production’

Newcastle artist Kema Kay has announced a £237,084 investment in his latest theatre project, funding that aims to create lasting opportunities for Black creatives in the North East.

For Kay, the investment in new theatre goes beyond simply putting on another production.

“It’s an incredible moment for me and the communities I represent,” Kay said. “This investment lets us build something bigger than one production.”

Kay, Northern Roots and Live Theatre have formed a new partnership backed by a grant from Arts Council England’s Theatre Breakthrough Fund. The funding will support Kay’s upcoming theatre work, Bred and Roses, as well as a broader initiative aimed at strengthening Black-led theatre in the North East.

However, Kay recognises the potential of the partnership to extend beyond his own project.

“With Northern Roots and Live Theatre, we’re creating a programme that nurtures Northern Black talent, opens real opportunities for Black theatre makers, and brings audiences together to listen, learn and celebrate our voices,” he said.

The programme will offer paid opportunities, mentorship and leadership pathways for Black, Asian and ethnically diverse creatives. It also aims to cultivate audiences for a wider variety of stories.

“This investment lets us build something bigger than one production.”

A Wider Investment in Theatre

The Newcastle partnership is one of nine projects sharing £2 million through the Theatre Breakthrough Fund, established by Arts Council England in response to the closure of Eclipse Theatre Company. The investment is expected to support new productions, commissions, performances, job creation and talent development.

For Kay, the funding comes at a pivotal moment in a creative career rooted in Newcastle. As a writer, rapper, actor and performer, he has built a body of work that draws from his experiences and identity. He has also become actively involved in developing opportunities for other creatives through Northern Roots.

Bred and Roses now gives him the opportunity to take that work further while helping to create a stronger platform for other Black theatre makers in the region.

Building Beyond the Headlines

The announcement has brought wider attention to the project, with ITV News Tyne Tees featuring Kay and the investment in its 18 September bulletin.

But perhaps the most significant part of Kay’s response lies beyond the headlines and the funding announcement. His ambition extends beyond simply producing another show. It aims to foster a creative environment that gives more Black artists from the North East the opportunity to develop their work and reach audiences.

According to Kay, this is where the true investment begins.