On Sun 21 Jun, Theatre Royal Plymouth is opening its doors wider than ever, transforming our Front of House spaces into vibrant places where we will welcome communities from across the city to come together to connect, share stories and celebrate culture.
Through food, music, visual art, creative writing and live performance, this building-wide programme will create moments of warmth, curiosity and conversation, inviting audiences to experience the richness of Plymouth’s diverse communities in new and meaningful ways.
As a City of Sanctuary, Plymouth is home to people from many different backgrounds and experience, using our public spaces, from our foyers to The Drum, to foster belonging, understanding and exchange. By creating an atmosphere of openness, care and welcome, we aim to create spaces where migrant and sanctuary-seeking communities feel safe, represented and connected, while encouraging all audiences to come together as part of the city’s shared story.
Join us for a full programme of live music, workshops and performance. We will have food vendors available, plus our café and bars will be open during the event.
No booking required, you can just walk in throughout the afternoon from midday to 5pm.
Important information
On Sun 21 Jun, our Front of House areas will be open from midday until 5pm for walk in activities across our spaces.
On Sat 20 Jun, we will be inviting community groups to join us for an afternoon of activities and workshops in The Drum. If your group are interested in joining us for one of these events please get in touch.
Please note
On Sun 21 Jun, although our doors will be open, our Box Office will be closed. You will still be able to book your tickets online.
Ground Floor
Ground Floor Stage
12pm-1pm Real Steel
Internationally acclaimed and proudly Plymouth based, Real Steel Band are a self-funded, volunteer powered steel band bringing the rhythms of the Caribbean to every stage they grace. Crowned Best Steel Band at Notting Hill Carnival for the last two years in a row, they’re known for infectious energy, dazzling musicianship and a community spirit that shines through every note.
2.30pm-3.30pm Ukrainian Singers of Plymouth
Through traditional Ukrainian songs, USP brings the spirit of Ukraine into British society, sharing its rich culture and heritage. Singing together, they support one another, finding strength in music as they live through both joy and sorrow. USP is truly a “Story Without Borders”, and a symbol of unity, resilience and hope.
4pm-5pm Otto & the Mutapa Calling
Otto & The Mutapa Calling is a colourful celebration of southern African culture through rhythm and song. The London-based marimba band plays a blend of music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana. A four piece with three marimbas, drumkit and mbira (African lamellaphone). The set includes some story telling and songs on migration, freedom struggle, and acceptance.
Ground Floor Café
12pm-2.30pm DJ Jozzy
DJ Jozzy is a dynamic DJ and artist with a lifelong passion for music and entertainment. His journey began after winning a music competition in East London at a young age, an experience that solidified his commitment to the art of performance.
12pm-1.30pm Jewellery Making Workshop with Keren Riches
Participants will be able to make either a pair of earrings and a bracelet, a pair of earrings and a necklace, two pairs of earrings, two bracelets, or two necklaces. There will be a variety of styles to choose from, including minimalist designs as well as colourful and vibrant pieces. The final choice of jewellery and style will be made by each participant. During the workshop, participants will explore how Keren’s two cultural heritages have influenced and shaped her jewellery-making practice as an artist.
Ground Floor Exhibition
All day Multi Story
Multi Story is a travelling installation of illuminated box portrait dioramas which pairs twelve Cornwall based artists with twelve local people who were born outside the UK but who now make their home in Cornwall. Each box has been devised to celebrate that person’s unique identity, collectively illustrating the diversity which enriches our community and demands to be more widely celebrated in a world where people are not always respected, listened to or understood.
First Floor
First Floor Café
12pm-1pm Farewell Jamaica
These excerpts from Farewell Jamaica follow Neville, a Jamaican World War II veteran who leaves his homeland in the late 1940s to help rebuild Britain. Through storytelling, the performance explores themes of migration, identity, belonging, resilience, and the Windrush experience, while reflecting on the meaning of home and heritage.
1pm-2.30pm Patrice Naiambana and Tribal Soul Arts CIC
Experience an interactive storytelling performance for all ages. Followed by a joyous drumming workshop with West African percussion and strings where every voice finds common ground.
3pm-4pm Panel Q&A
A panel of special guests will be hosting a live Q&A session. More information about guest speakers is coming soon.
Mezzanine
12pm – 1pm The Stories We Carry
Join cultural educator Nadia Lewis Gorton for an interactive workshop inspired by stories of movement, belonging, and home. Through creative activities and shared conversation, families will explore the memories, traditions, and experiences that connect us, no matter where we come from.
2pm-4pm Above Bounds
Join Above Bounds Theatre for a fun, relaxed craft activity where children can design and make their very own Moon Monster puppet. Using craft materials, children will create their own unique puppet and decide what their monster enjoys doing — especially if it ever came down to Earth and visited a theatre! This is a drop in craft activity for ages 3+.
First Floor Gallery
All day DCRS Exhibition
Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support group have installed an exhibition in our First Floor Gallery space based on the theme of this year’s Refugee Week, Courage.