Flash Company Arts

Tag: writing

  • Whitby Works! – Community Trailblazer Sessions

    Creative sessions to build confidence, learn new skills, and move forward — your way.

    Whitby Works! brings Better Connect’s Community Trailblazer programme to Whitby, offering friendly, hands-on sessions for people who want to grow skills, explore new ideas, and build confidence at a pace that feels right for them.

    This is not a classroom. It’s relaxed, practical, and designed around you. Whether you want to get growing, get cooking, get creative, or try something completely new — Whitby Works! gives you space to explore, feel supported, and take the next step.

    🌟 What you can get out of Whitby Works!

    Our sessions are designed to help you build confidence, learn new skills and take positive steps forward.

    You’ll have the chance to:

    • Try creative, practical activities in a relaxed and supportive space
    • Build confidence through doing, experimenting, and getting stuck in
    • Learn skills in growing, cooking, creative making — plus music and event management
    • Mix and match activities to suit your interests
    • Get support with CVs, job search, and interview preparation
    • Receive optional Food Hygiene Certification to strengthen employability
    • Meet people, socialise, and feel part of a welcoming community
    • Gain a reference for volunteering or employment
    • Be signposted to other support or opportunities if helpful
    • Access ongoing pastoral support if you move into work

    Whether you’re ready for a fresh challenge or just need help taking the first small step — we’re here to walk it with you.

    🖌 What will the sessions be like?

    Sessions are practical and hands-on — you won’t just be sitting and listening.

    You might be:

    🌱 planting seeds
    🍳 cooking a meal
    🎨 making something creative
    🎶 playing or exploring music
    📅 helping plan or run a small event

    You choose what interests you. Take part in one strand or try a mix — there’s no pressure, no wrong way to take part, and plenty of encouragement along the way.

    Who is Whitby Works! for?

    Whitby Works! is open to adults in Whitby and surrounding areas who’d benefit from a confidence boost, a new skill, a fresh start — or simply a supportive place to be.

    If you feel a bit stuck, unsure of your next move, or want to build skills in a friendly environment, this could be for you.

    We welcome people who are:

    ✔ looking for work
    ✔ thinking about volunteering or training
    ✔ building confidence after time out
    ✔ wanting to try something new
    ✔ exploring work for the first time
    ✔ rebuilding skills and motivation

    If you’re unsure — get in touch. We can chat it through with you.

    Ready to join us?

    Get in touch right now!

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  • Flash Company Arts Founder Awarded British Empire Medal – and we are so proud!

    Flash Company Arts Founder Awarded British Empire Medal – and we are so proud!

    Flash Company Arts is proud to share that its founder, Rebecca Denniff, has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours List as a recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM) for exceptional services to music education.

    This national honour recognises decades of work supporting young people and communities through creative music-making, performance, and inclusive, community-rooted arts practice. Based in Whitby, Flash Company Arts has become known for its commitment to reaching those often excluded from mainstream opportunities and for its nurturing, youth-led approach to arts engagement.

    The award also acknowledges the challenges overcome by Rebecca in bringing this work to life, including the social and structural barriers faced by many working-class and rurally based women.

    Reflecting on the award, she shared:

    “This kind of recognition is never something I imagined. It’s not something I’ve ever worked toward or expected. But when I saw that the award was specifically for music education, and for the work we do through Flash Company Arts, I felt I had to accept it – not for myself, but for everyone who’s been part of this journey.

    As a northern, working-class woman who has lived through domestic violence, and the isolation that comes with being a rurally based parent to children with disabilities, I know how often opportunities and recognition are out of reach for people like me. To have the work we’ve done in Whitby acknowledged in this way means more than I can easily put into words.

    This medal may have my name on it, it belongs to many. To the young people who’ve trusted us with their creativity. To the artists who’ve walked alongside us. To the communities who’ve welcomed and supported what we do. And to every individual who’s helped make space for our work to thrive.”

    Flash Company Arts continues to work at the heart of its community, championing inclusive, accessible, and creative opportunities for all. This recognition marks a powerful milestone in that journey.

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

    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.

  • 🌿 A Hedge, a Song and a Celebration of Whitby: Penny Hedge 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.

    The Penny Hedge

    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.

  • Whitby Community Choir Shine at Fish & Ships Festival

    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.

    The Whitby Community Choir performing a cappella at Dock End during the Fish & Ships Festival, dressed in white attire, with a historic ship and colorful flags in the background.

    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.