About Middle Child Theatre
What is Middle Child Theatre?
Middle Child are a new writing theatre company and registered charity, rooted in Hull. From the /about page: "Middle Child are a new writing theatre company rooted in Hull. … We bring people together for unforgettable experiences full of big ideas. Every day we work towards a fair and equitable world where anyone's story can be told and heard. We commission the writers of tomorrow to tell untold stories that make sense of the world today."
The company's aesthetic and mission are distinctive: "We set fire to expectations of what a night at the theatre can be. From electrifying gig theatre in Hull nightclubs to drag inspired cabaret in London and family shows in Salford parks, we deliver unmissable performances in unexpected places, now bringing this raw and experimental energy to our very own space on Humber Street." The Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival (co-founded 2024 with Wykeland), a Theatre Library, and a renowned workshop programme provide accessible routes into the industry.
The organisation is registered as Middle Child Theatre Ltd (Company No. 09921306) and Charity No. 1188756. It is an Arts Council England national portfolio organisation, a Resident Company of the National Theatre, and receives significant support from Hull City Council.
Where will I work?
Middle Child are based at 69 Humber Street, Hull, HU1 1TU — their first permanent venue, a studio theatre that opened in 2026. Productions tour to venues across the UK (London's Bush Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe, London's Arcola Theatre, Salford parks).
What is the Middle Child Theatre team like?
A small core team of 8 named staff supported by a freelancer pool, a board of trustees, and named founders. Core team (verbatim from /about): Paul Smith (Artistic Director and CEO), Emily Anderton (Executive Director), Sarah Penney (Senior Producer), Jamie Potter (Audience Development Manager), Danielle Harris (Production Manager), Matthew May (Literary Manager), Molly Mortimer (Apprentice Community Administrator, supported by Generation Hull), Beth Murrell (Heritage Engagement Producer). Board chair: Amanda Smethurst. Founders (2011): Mungo Beaumont, Ellen Brammar, Emma Bright, Sophie Clay, Edward Cole, Marc Graham, Matthew May, Paul Smith, James Stanyer.
The culture is explicit on wellbeing: "We always prioritise wellbeing, in the stories we tell, the artists we develop and the people we employ. The social value of increasing access to great art drives everything we do." Member of Cultural Collisions, the regional NPO leadership network.
Work-Life Balance
Middle Child publishes its 4-day week directly on /about with full context (verbatim): "Middle Child are a 4 Day Week and Living Wage employer and a PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) Charter Partner." The PiPA partnership is significant: PiPA Charter membership requires demonstrated practices supporting carer- and parent-friendly working in the performing arts. Combined with the Living Wage commitment, it places Middle Child among the most progressive small theatres in the UK on staff working conditions.
Perks and Benefits
Confirmed via /about:
- 4-day week — verbatim "4 Day Week … employer"
- Living Wage employer — verbatim
- PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) Charter Partner — verbatim, signalling carer-friendly practice
- Wellbeing prioritised across "stories we tell, artists we develop and people we employ"
- Artist development programme funded since 2018 ACE NPO membership — supports career growth alongside core staff roles
- Permanent studio theatre at 69 Humber Street (since 2026) — secure base location for the team
The organisation does not currently advertise open jobs ("We do not currently have any jobs or casting calls available" on /jobs-and-casting-calls); applicants can introduce themselves via an online form and updates are first shared through the artist-development mailing list, Instagram and Facebook.