Design for Digital Media Students University of Salford

We teamed up with the University of Salford's Design for Digital Media students and set the challenge of designing a logo for Happystorm Theatre.

Something that reflected our dynamic approach to theatre making, connections with Salford and clearly identifiable as 'theatre'. The winning logo was designed by Larry Chikara.

Training Lawyers Gateley

Students from MMU School of Business have been attached to our company for a year as part of their professional training.

They will be supported by Gateley Lawyers in advising us on legal matters. Gateley are one of the top 50 lawyers in the country!

Arden School of Theatre Performing Arts Students

10 budding actors took part in our 2011 hit promenade play, The Crypt Project. They gained experience working with a professional theatre company, a professional CV credit and the chance to work with acclaimed director Sarah Meadows.

Many have gone on to professional acting work, further training or setting up their own companies.

MSc Marketing Students Manchester Metropolitan University

As a live brief, a group of MSc Marketing students are working on a research project for Happystorm Theatre. After 6 months of market research, reporting, developing strategies and marketing ideas, the group will present their findings to Happystorm.

We will be able to implement their marketing suggestions and act on their findings to help the company grow. They will be able to build a real life portfolio of their work as well as having professional references and recommendations to help with finding further work.

Our City

The city of Salford covers 37 square miles and is made up of the districts of Salford, Eccles, Worsley, Irlam and Cadishead, and Swinton and Pendlebury.

220,000 people live in Salford.

Salford was one of the world's first industrial cities and is proud to have had the world’s first free public library.

There are 40 miles which make up the Duke of Bridgewater’s underground canals and they are on track to getting UNESCO World Heritage status!

The recently refurbished Ordsall Hall has 600 years of history and is said to be the place where Guy Fawkes plotted against the monarchy.

We also like the LifeTimes display at Salford Museum and Art Gallery which celebrates Salfordians who have achieved recognition within their fields. Maybe we'll be up there one day!

Salford's main commercial theatre is The Lowry, home to big touring shows, concerts and stand-ups as well as developing new talent in their studio space. Porl Cooper, who does the programming, really does support new work and is always getting out there to see stuff. Good on him!

There's the vibrant Salford Arts Theatre in the heart of the community, Islington Mill - a hive of activity of all sorts, Studio Salford for new work and scratch performances, The Black Lion - a newly established venue run by Future Artists and there's also the Library Theatre Company who are temporarilyworking from The Lowry.

And of course there's the new development at Salford Quays housing the BBC and University of Salford students. We work with the Disability Support Office to provide assistance to students with additional needs and have been supporting students studying TV and Radio in the new premises. They have incredible tutors and fantastic equipment, it really is an exciting time for Salford.

"Happystorm have produced some of the finest and most ambitious plays to come out of Salford in recent memory."

Salford Online

"Happystorm are becoming something of a brand where you don't need to know the details.

You just turn up expecting something off the wall and different.

They set up strange scenarios and immerse you right in there."

Salford Star

Community Engagement

Happystorm Theatre works closely within the Salford community to strengthen links with local businesses and artists.

Our involvement in local networks and groups means we can really listen to what Salford residents want to see in their local theatres (or other unusual spaces!)

Our plays are relevant and accessible to all, not only regular theatre-going audiences, but to everyone who enjoys an evening of entertainment!

We aim to provide professional work experience for talented local people with a view to supporting them in finding future employment within their area of expertise.

Here are some of the organisations and artists we have linked up with.....