Rafia Hussain Productions (RHP) and Touchstones Rochdale have teamed up to deliver “Future Rochdale Theatre Makers” – the first ever training programme of its kind in Rochdale, led by two independent producers who hail from the town.
The pilot programme, for artists 18+ (no age cap), has been running since January of this year, with the inaugural cohort attending two sessions per month delivered by independent producer Rafia Hussain (Founder of RHP and from Rochdale) and co-delivered with Porl Cooper (Senior Producer/Programmer of Your Trust). The course has been designed by Rafia Hussain, shaped by her own experiences of entering the industry via a non-traditional route. Designed to give new and early career artists from Rochdale the tools they need to self-produce their work, the programme is a combination of workshops, mentoring and seeing/critiquing shows.
Rochdale is expected to welcome two new cultural venues opening in 2026 and 2027. RHP, together with Touchstones, is developing theatre makers so that when they do, they will host performances from artists from Rochdale alongside national touring work.
The four Rochdale artists on the 2025 cohort are:
- Leah Wild – a singer/songwriter
- Sam Jamil – writer and performer
- Suzanne Hassett – writer and producer
- Becky Kershaw – writer and producer
RHP will continue to support the 2025 cohort to develop their ideas into tangible projects, with a showcase of their work in development planned for July 2026.
“When I was interested in pursuing a theatre career in Rochdale, it just wasn’t possible at the time. I had no choice but to leave, in order to develop the skills, knowledge and experience I now have. And now I can pass on what I have learned over several years to new artists, a crucial pathway that didn’t exist for me but now can for others. The support also won’t stop here. RHP will continue to support this cohort beyond the programme before we run it again in 2027. – Rafia Hussain, Founder of Rafia Hussain Productions
“I’ve a similar story to Rafia in that previously, limited creative opportunities in the borough meant that for well over 30 years, despite hailing from the town, all my theatre work and experience has happened elsewhere. Recent exciting developments in Rochdale are changing all that and I’ve joined Your Trust and the Touchstones team at a really pivotal time. I was so excited to join forces with Rafia when she pitched us this project – it’s exactly what the town needs ahead of our new cultural venues opening in 2026 and 2027. ” – Porl Cooper, Senior Producer/Programmer of your trust.
“I’m very excited to have the wonderful opportunity to be part of the 2025 Theatre Makers cohort. As well as getting to watch lots of great local theatre performances, I’ve learnt valuable skills on the course, such as how to make a theatre show and where to put it on. In addition, my tutors (Rafia and Porl) have been on hand as fantastic supports and mentors throughout.” – Participant
