“Bold, big hearted. Local but universal. A defiantly live experience.” — ★★★★ The Stage

An Unfolding Theatre and Northern Stage Co-Production

Creative Team

Director
Annie Rigby

Performers and Co-creators
Daniela, Doaa, Finn, Harmony, Joshua, Jasmine M, Jasmine T, Lavender, Lexi, Mason, Melissa, Mohammed, Princess, Sarah, Tosin, Tally, Alex Elliott and Kay Greyson

Writer
Luca Rutherford

Designer
Simon Henderson

Songwriter
Kay Greyson

Sound Designers
Garry Lydon and Alex Elliott

Lighting Designer
Nick Rogerson

Dramaturg
Natalie Ibu

Choreographer
Patrick Ziza

Assistant Director
Liv Hunt

Stage Manager
Chloe Ribbens

Assistant Stage Manager
Grace Branch

Executive Producer
Michael Barrass

Photography
Luke Waddington

Graphic Design
Wayne Gamble

What if we let the kids cook up a storm?

During the pandemic someone gave kids a food parcel with 10 cheese slices, a Frube and half a carrot. The kids are pretty outraged. They think people deserve better than that. So they’re taking over and turning the tables, dishing up delicious bites, brilliant beats and tastes of a better future.

The Future is a restaurant run by children. They’re serving up super fresh ingredients and a healthy portion of home truths. Will you book a table and digest what they have to say?

Free School Meals was inspired by Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child food poverty. The show was co-created with over 50 children living in the Byker and Walker areas of Newcastle upon Tyne.

We wanted to make a show where children were powerful. Where children were in charge. Where they talk about the change they want to see in the world. This show is about believing that the world can be better. About not accepting the things we know are not good enough. Most of all, it is a show made with a remarkable group of children.

Free School Meals was a co-production between Unfolding Theatre and Northern Stage. The show premiered at Northern Stage in August 2021 and featured a cast of 16 children, rapper Kay Greyson and pot washer Alex Elliott.