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Lobsterpot Theatre Takes on The Tempest – Youth-led, Whitby-made

Something magical is stirring at Flowergate Hall, and it is not just the sea breeze.

Our youth-led theatre group, Lobsterpot Theatre, supported by Flash Company Arts, is taking on one of Shakespeare’s most powerful plays – The Tempest. But this will not be a traditional version. The young people of Lobsterpot Theatre have created their own abridged adaptation, shaped by their voices, choices and ideas.

From the beginning, this project has been led by the group themselves – our amazing young people aged between 7 and 12. They have explored the original text, debated what to keep, and developed a version that speaks to them and their world. What is emerging is a fresh, energetic production filled with creativity, personality and bold reimaginings.

Lobsterpot Theatre is not just about acting. It is about ownership, decision-making and learning by doing. Whether it is directing scenes, designing costumes, composing music or working backstage, the group are involved in every element of the production process.

Why The Tempest?

It is a perfect choice. With shipwrecks, storms, strange islands and themes of power, identity and freedom, The Tempestoffers huge scope for interpretation. The young company have taken these ideas and made them their own – drawing out meaning, humour and emotion in ways that feel urgent and relevant.

They have worked incredibly hard over the past months, and rehearsals have been full of discovery, challenge and joy. Confidence is growing, skills are developing, and a strong sense of ownership runs through everything they do.

Live at Flowergate Hall – Summer 2025

This brand-new version of The Tempest will be performed in Summer 2025 at Flowergate Hall, right in the heart of Whitby. The production promises to be bold, inventive and full of surprises – a true celebration of youth creativity and collaborative theatre-making.

Follow Flash Company Arts for updates, behind-the-scenes insights and ticket information as the performance approaches. This is The Tempest, reimagined by Whitby’s young artists – and it is one you will not want to miss.

May 28, 2025
🌿 A Hedge, a Song and a Celebration of Whitby: Penny Hedge 2025
This morning, as the tide crept into Whitby’s Upper Harbour, a small crowd gathered for one of the town’s oldest and most curious traditions: the planting of the Penny Hedge. And of course, Flash Company Arts was there to witness it, alongside our friends in the Whitby Community Choir, to mark the moment in our own creative way.

If you’ve never seen it, the Penny Hedge is a quiet but powerful ritual. Every year on the eve of Ascension Day, a symbolic hedge is planted in the mud of the harbour using hazel stakes and woven twigs. It’s an act rooted in legend, penance and centuries of local history. The hedge must be strong enough to withstand three tides — or tradition says dire consequences will follow.

For us, it’s a chance not only to observe a beautiful piece of living folklore, but to come together as artists, singers and proud Whitby folk.

As the hedge was planted, Whitby Community Choir sang our traditional song for the day — a simple, heartfelt moment of reflection and joy. There is something special about singing in the open air, with the harbour behind you and a community around you. This is what Flash Company Arts is all about: connecting creativity with place, people and tradition.

We didn’t stage a performance or take the spotlight. We were there to witness, to sing, and to celebrate a town that inspires so much of what we do. Our presence at Penny Hedge is part of a growing rhythm for us — marking the calendar not just with dates, but with shared experiences and artistic responses.

🪵 Fun “Facts” About the Penny Hedge Legend
- The tradition dates back to 1159, making it over 860 years old.
- Legend has it that three noblemen killed a hermit while hunting near Whitby. As penance, they were ordered to build a hedge in the harbour every year — forever.
- The hedge must be built with a wooden penny knife, without metal nails or modern tools.
- If the hedge doesn’t survive three tides, the tradition says the penalty would return to Whitby’s noble descendants.
- The ceremony is still performed by the Bailiff of the Manor of Fylingdales, and the hammer and horn are kept under lock and key except for when they are used during the ceremony!
To everyone who paused with us this morning — thank you. See you next year, same place, same tide.
May 28, 2025
Coming Together for Whitby’s Children and Young People

A recap from the Whitby Community Alliance meeting – 20 May 2025

On 20 May, a committed group of local organisations gathered at Flowergate Hall for a purposeful and energising meeting of the Whitby Community Alliance (WCA), focused on how we can better support our children and young people (CYP).

The session brought thoughtful discussion, practical ideas, and a real sense of shared direction.

Who Was There?

Representatives attended from:
Carers Plus, Caring Together, Flash Company Arts, Hope Whitby, Living Well, Pannett Art Gallery, Ryedale Community Transport, WHISH, Whitby Group Practice, and Whitby Youth Club.

What We Talked About

The Local Picture

Children and young people in Whitby face a range of complex challenges, many shaped by rural isolation, limited transport, and restricted access to suitable activities and spaces. These concerns reflect themes in the Child of the Northreport, which outlines persistent regional inequalities across the North of England.

Inclusion and Diversity

WHISH shared powerful insights from their work with young people who live with over 50 different impairments and syndromes — many of them rare. Their input reminded us how important it is for services to be flexible, inclusive, and responsive to the full range of needs in our community.

Youth Voice in Practice

There was shared agreement that embedding Youth Voice in service design and delivery is vital. We need to involve young people not just in feedback, but in shaping the work we do from the ground up.

Access, Aspiration and Opportunity

We discussed the need to open up more facilities and create more opportunities for youth volunteering. Helping young people build confidence, skills and real-world experience will strengthen the future of our community. Volunteer experiences create a virtuous circle of community action — sparking engagement, ownership, and long-term involvement.

As one participant put it: “You have to see it to be it.” Providing visibility of opportunities and role models helps to broaden young people’s horizons.

FORGE and Creative Connections

We also looked at the work of FORGE, the Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP) for North Yorkshire. FORGE connects schools, arts organisations and community groups to improve access to creative and cultural opportunities for children and young people. Aligning Whitby-based efforts with this county-wide network could open up valuable new partnerships and projects.

What’s Next?

The group agreed to establish a new Children and Young People Action Group under the Whitby Community Alliance. The group will focus on identifying shared priorities and developing collaborative strategies to improve opportunities and outcomes for local CYP.

It will be co-chaired by Rebecca (Flash Company Arts) and Yvonne (WHISH).

If you’d like to be part of the Action Group, please just send me an email — we’d love to have you involved.

Save the Date

Our next Whitby Community Alliance meeting will take place on:

Monday 17 June 2025
Theme: Vision for Volunteering in Whitby

We’ll be exploring how to grow a strong and inclusive culture of volunteering — one that works for young people, older volunteers, and everyone in between.

May 20, 2025
Whitby Community Alliance

Next meeting – Tuesday, May 20th 9-10 am

We would love for you to attend our monthly Community Alliance Meeting at Flowergate Hall Community Arts Centre, Flowergate, Whitby YO21 2QP.

This month, we will focus some of our time on how we can embed Youth Voice into our work, and what we can all do to support children and young people in the area.

If you would like to know more about the experiences of children and young people on the North Yorkshire coast, you could look at this consultation conducted by FORGE and COAST a few months ago.

Our meetings are relaxed and inclusive. They allow us to discuss local issues and explore common challenges.
Pass it on! If you know someone who would like to attend our monthly meetings, please pass this along to them. We will add them to our mailing list when they attend their first meeting!

Future meetings
June Tuesday 17th 9 -10:30 (Follow up to Vision for Volunteering)
July Tuesday 15th 9 -10
August Tuesday 19th 9 -10 (Zoom)
September Tuesday 16th 9 -10
October Tuesday 21st 9 -10
November Tuesday 18th 9 -10
December Tuesday 16th 9 -10

May 18, 2025
Whitby Community Choir Shine at Fish & Ships Festival

On Saturday 17th May, the Whitby Community Choir brought something truly special to this year’s Fish & Ships Festival with a stunning pop-up performance at Dock End.

Singing entirely a cappella, the choir stopped people in their tracks with their rich harmonies and warm presence. Their songs filled the air and lifted spirits, drawing a crowd who stayed, listened, and joined in the applause.

A standout moment was The Lifeboat Song, written especially to mark the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. Deeply moving and perfectly placed, it paid tribute to the courage of lifeboat crews and Whitby’s strong ties to the sea. Their pop up performances were all met by a wave of heartfelt clapping.

But it’s not just about the music. One choir member said, “Singing with the choir is the highlight of my week. It makes me feel proud to be a part of the group” That pride and sense of belonging came through in every note.

Their performance was one part of a packed weekend that celebrated Whitby’s maritime heritage in true community style. Just across the way, the Flash Company Arts team held brilliant drop-in sessions where families helped make beautiful handmade bunting, which was proudly displayed around the Fish Craft Marquee — a vibrant splash of colour hanging proudly above the seafood demonstrations and smells of freshly cooked catch.

From music and making to storytelling and sea shanties, Fish & Ships once again brought people together to celebrate the soul of the town — and the community that keeps it thriving.

Whitby Community Choir is open to everyone — no auditions, no need to read music, just a love of singing and connection. They meet every Wednesday from 7:15 to 9:00pm at Flowergate Hall Community Arts Centre. The choir is led by local musician and community music specialist Rebecca Denniff, who brings warmth, creativity and a deep belief in the power of group singing.

If you’re curious, you’re very welcome to come along — whether to join in or just listen. Find out more on their Facebook page: Whitby Community Choir.

Whether performing at a festival or gathering midweek, this choir is a joyful reminder of what happens when voices come together.

May 18, 2025
Follow the Fish – Join Us for a Creative Splash at the Whitby Fish & Ships Festival!
The sea’s calling, and it’s bringing bunting, singing, and celebration with it!

Over the past few weeks, Flash Company Arts has been hard at work alongside young people and community groups in Whitby, creating something truly special. At the welcoming creative hub of Flowergate Hall, we’ve been running lively, hands-on workshops to make herring-themed bunting—and now, we’re ready to unveil it at this year’s Whitby Fish & Ships Festival, happening Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 May 2025.

Wist a bit of imagination, and lots of laughs, these community sessions have produced vibrant strings of herring bunting that will decorate the festival in true Whitby style. It’s a celebration not just of our fishing heritage, but of what happens when people come together to make something joyful.

🎶 And that’s not all…

Get ready for a surprise performance from Whitby Community Choir—they’ll be appearing as a cheeky “splashmob” choir at 3pm on Saturday at Dock End!

They’ll be performing “Herrin’s Head”, a rousing traditional tune about—you guessed it—the herring. Don’t worry if you don’t know the words. They’ll bring lyrics with them, so you can sing along and be part of the celebration.

🦞 What else is on at the Fish & Ships Festival?

This fabulous weekend is packed with activities and entertainment:
- Cooking demos from top local chefs
- Fish filleting and shellfish prep displays
- Live music and sea shanties
- Children’s crafts and storytelling
- Street theatre, pirate walkabouts, and more
📍 Find out more here: Whitby Fish & Ships Festival 2025
May 15, 2025
A Right Royal Day Out!

On April 3, 2025, Rebecca and David had the honour of representing Flash Company Arts at a Community Music reception hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. Rebecca was not only there to represent Flash Company Arts but also as the chair of Sound Sense, celebrating the incredible work of community musicians across the UK and beyond.

The event, held in St George’s Hall and the Waterloo Chamber, was a warm and welcoming gathering that brought together community musicians and organisations from all over the country. Performances were a real highlight — from the Sing for Freedom Choir and Songs for Ukraine Chorus to the London Gay Men’s Chorus (who greeted guests with songs from the balcony), the Royal College of Music Quartet, and the talented YolanDa Brown. Even the London Vegetable Orchestra joined in, leading a playful micro-workshop where the King himself had a go at playing a carrot recorder.

Windsor Castle illuminated at night, the venue for a Community Music reception hosted by King Charles III.

“It was an honour to meet the King and to personally thank him for shining a light on the incredible work of community musicians, especially in Whitby,” said Rebecca. “His recognition of the sector is invaluable, and it reinforces the importance of continuing to support and celebrate grassroots music-making across the UK.”

Rebecca and fellow attendees with King Charles III during the Community Music reception at Windsor Castle.

That moment with the King perfectly summed up the spirit of community music — it’s playful, inclusive, and open to everyone, whether they’re a seasoned musician or picking up a vegetable instrument for the first time. For Rebecca, attending alongside fellow Sound Sense board members and members of the wider network was both inspiring and a powerful reminder of the collective impact of community music on wellbeing and community resilience.

Rebecca and David pose for a photo outside Windsor Castle after attending a community music reception hosted by King Charles III.

“This kind of recognition matters,” Rebecca noted, “but so does the ongoing work of advocacy. We need to keep making the case for our sector to ensure that community music continues to be supported, valued, and sustained for the long term.”

May 10, 2025
Grow your own!

Flash Company Arts is a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Whitby and proudly serves as the town’s designated Community Anchor Organisation (CAO). We are committed to empowering local communities, with a special focus on children and young people (CYP). We provide spaces for their voices to be heard and their ideas to shape our work.

Our home, the Flowergate Hall Community Arts Centre, is a vibrant hub for arts and culture. It also hosts The People’s Fridge, a food surplus initiative that provides free food to families in need, tackling food insecurity in our community. By engaging with CYP in co-designed projects, we amplify their voices and ensure their aspirations guide our programming.

Through ongoing collaboration with local families and organisations, we are building a stronger, more connected community where creativity, compassion, and support thrive.

Flash Company Arts is excited to launch our new Grow Your Own project at the Prospect Hill Allotments in Whitby. This initiative aims to provide local residents with the opportunity to connect with the land, learn new skills, and grow their own food in a supportive, community-focused environment. The project is designed to encourage sustainable gardening practices, with a focus on local food production and environmental stewardship. By offering access to an allotment space, we hope to inspire individuals and families to take control of their food sources and gain a deeper appreciation for nature and the seasons.

At the heart of the Grow Your Own project is a commitment to community engagement and inclusion. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to the world of allotments, the project is open to all. We are particularly focused on providing a space for families and individuals to come together and grow their own fresh produce. The allotment at Prospect Hill is not only a place to cultivate food but also a thriving, shared space for learning, creativity, and building lasting connections within the Whitby community.

May 6, 2025
Flowergate Hall’s Community Fridge Thanks Whitby Co-op for Outstanding Support

April 2025

The People’s Fridge at Flowergate Hall, a community-led project dedicated to reducing food waste and supporting local residents, is celebrating a wave of support from the Whitby Co-op.

The People’s Fridge, managed by Flash Company Arts, offers free surplus food to anyone in the community. Operating four days a week, the fridge provides a vital resource for individuals and families, especially during challenging times.

Thanks to the generosity of Whitby Co-op, the fridge has been consistently well-stocked with fresh food and essentials. Their regular donations have made a significant difference, ensuring that good food reaches those who need it while helping to cut down on waste.

“The support from Whitby Co-op has been absolutely incredible. Their commitment to the community is inspiring, and we’re proud to work alongside them to make Whitby a stronger, more caring place.”

The People’s Fridge is open to everyone and operates on a “take what you need, leave what you can” basis. It is open from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at Flowergate Hall Community Arts Centre, Flowergate, Whitby YO21 3BA.

Alongside the fridge, Flowergate Hall runs a wide programme of creative workshops, music groups, fitness sessions, and social activities — all designed to bring people together and support wellbeing in the local area.

The People’s Fridge invites anyone — businesses or individuals — who would like to donate food, volunteer their time, or learn more about getting involved to visit the project or follow them online.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepeoplesfridgewhitby

April 29, 2025
Celebrating FEAST at Easter with Flash Company Arts

This Easter, Flash Company Arts had the huge pleasure of delivering FEAST activities across Whitby and the surrounding villages as part of North Yorkshire Together’s FEAST programme.

Thanks to the support we received, we were able to offer free, creative, and welcoming sessions that brought local children and young people together for a brilliant few days of art, movement, games, food — and lots of fun.

A Youth-Led, Creative Approach
We made sure our sessions were flexible, energetic, and youth-led. The children had a say in what we did — inventing games, choosing activities, and bringing their ideas to life. Over the course of the project, we wrote songs, made snacks, painted portraits, played games, tried yoga, and explored all kinds of creative activities. The vibe was lively, supportive, and full of energy, with lots of chances for the kids to try new things, show off their skills, and have fun.

Building Confidence and Community
What really stood out for us was watching the kids grow in confidence as the sessions went on. Some arrived feeling shy or low in mood, but with the right support, we saw real change. New friendships blossomed, creativity took off, and children who struggled at first became more engaged, more confident, and really proud of what they were achieving.

Food, Wellbeing, and Sustainability
Healthy eating and wellbeing were at the heart of everything we did. The children helped plan and prepare snacks, tried new fruits and foods, and learned simple ways to stay active and feel good. Physical activity was part of every session — around 90 minutes a day — with lots of fun and movement rather than just sports.

We also take sustainability seriously. Through our Surplus Food Project, we help reduce food waste, and we’re proud of our Carbon Literacy Award. We also encouraged the children and families to think about their own environmental impact and small changes they can make.

Strong Foundations
We put safety, inclusion, and support at the core of everything. All of our staff are well-trained, and we made sure there were clear policies in place so every child could join in at their own pace. Accessibility and fairness were key to how we worked.

Looking Ahead
The impact of FEAST at Easter will last long after the holidays. The connections made, the confidence built, and the creativity sparked have made our work even stronger.

If you want to get involved in what’s coming next, we’d love to see you! Pop into Flowergate Hall for a chat with Rebecca and the team — we’ve got some exciting plans for the summer ahead, and we’d love for you and your family to be part of it.

April 28, 2025