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Theatre ought to be accessible, affordable and aspirational. People shouldn’t have to travel to see professional-quality theatre: it should be on our doorstep.

Thus Theatre Nation was born. Last July, Patrick and myself began a creative journey: we began a theatre company, my first child. Hastings is rife with exceptional artistic talent, and we want to work with a wealth of artistic disciplines. We want to harness this talent into exceptional theatre productions: creating new work & adapting classic pieces alike.

We are passionate about inspiring young people: about encouraging creative opportunities, and about the possibility of performing what is possible. I would not be working as a creative artist were it not for the support I have received from Patrick. I hope to do the same with Theatre Nation. I hope to help young people find their talent, and to contribute to the unleashing of it. This might be through creative workshops, with school-specific matinees, providing volunteering opportunities and any number of things. To encourage self-belief.

Tom Daldry