Business Details
33 Years
experience
Transformative Theatre for Social Change
Established in 1993, Dead Earnest is a pioneering applied theatre company headquartered in Sheffield. Our work bridges creative practice with social impact, delivering transformative performances and collaborative projects across health, education, and community sectors. With over three decades of experience, we specialise in Forum Theatre, film production, and interactive training programmes tailored to client needs. Our team of professional artists and practitioners partners with public institutions, charities, and academic bodies to address complex social issues through innovative storytelling.We maintain a client-centred ethos, adapting our methodologies to create meaningful engagement while upholding rigorous artistic standards. Our track record includes over 150 commissioned projects addressing themes from patient care to social work training. As a registered charity, we combine artistic excellence with measurable social outcomes, prioritising accessibility and participatory approaches in all our work. Our Sheffield base serves as a creative hub for national touring productions and bespoke organisational partnerships.
Services
Health and Wellbeing
Research and Public Engagement
Education and Training
Forum Theatre
Film Production
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30 years of specialist experience in applied theatre practice
- Proven track record with 150+ commissioned projects since 1993
- Expertise in health sector collaborations with NHS organisations
- Innovative combination of Forum Theatre and digital media
- Client-centred approach with measurable social impact outcomes
Associations and certifications
- Charity Commission
Services
Health and Wellbeing
We develop bespoke theatre productions and training programmes for healthcare organisations. Our work addresses patient experiences, medical training, and public health awareness through interactive performances. Collaborating with NHS partners, we create impactful narratives that improve healthcare practices and patient outcomes.
Forum Theatre
Our specialist methodology enables audiences to intervene in performances addressing social issues. This participatory approach empowers communities to explore solutions to real-life challenges through dramatic action. Widely used in education and community settings, it fosters critical thinking and collective problem-solving.
Education and Training
We deliver curriculum-linked theatre projects and staff development workshops for educational institutions. Our programmes enhance learning through experiential methods, covering topics from citizenship to mental health awareness. Tailored for all key stages, they meet Ofsted standards and learning objectives.
Film Production
We create animated and live-action films for public engagement and training purposes. Our productions combine theatrical techniques with digital storytelling to communicate complex messages effectively. These resources support organisational training and public awareness campaigns across multiple sectors.
Research and Public Engagement
We collaborate with academic institutions on research initiatives using theatre methodologies. Our public engagement projects translate research findings into accessible performances, fostering dialogue between researchers and communities. This approach enhances understanding of social and scientific issues through creative expression.
People
Charlie Barnes
Creative Director
With 30 years' experience in applied theatre, Charlie leads Dead Earnest's artistic vision. He develops innovative projects combining performance with social impact, maintaining partnerships across health and education sectors. His work focuses on participatory methodologies that empower communities through storytelling.
Corinne Begluk
Actor
Professional actor specialising in immersive theatre experiences. Brings characters to life in educational and healthcare settings, facilitating interactive workshops that engage diverse audiences. Contributes to both performance delivery and project development across the company's portfolio.
Gareth Bennett-Ryan
Actor
Experienced performer in community and healthcare theatre projects. Skilled in adapting performances for different audiences, with particular expertise in mental health awareness initiatives. Supports training programmes through character-driven narrative techniques that enhance learning outcomes.
Nadia Emam
Director
Award-winning theatre director specialising in participatory drama. Leads project development and delivery, ensuring artistic quality across all productions. Develops innovative staging solutions for community venues and healthcare environments, maintaining Dead Earnest's high creative standards.
Blue Merrick
Forum Theatre Facilitator
Specialist in interactive performance techniques, guiding audience participation in problem-solving scenarios. Trains professionals in educational and healthcare settings to use theatre methods effectively. Develops workshop structures that maximise engagement and practical learning outcomes.
Questions
What areas do you operate in?
We work across South Yorkshire and nationally throughout the UK, delivering projects in both urban and rural communities.
How do you adapt performances for different audiences?
Our participatory approach tailors content to specific group needs through pre-project consultations and flexible performance structures.
What sectors do you work with?
We specialise in health, education, and community sectors, creating bespoke solutions for organisations in these fields.
Can you accommodate specific project requirements?
Yes, our client-centred approach ensures all projects are custom-designed to meet your organisation's unique objectives and challenges.
How do you measure project impact?
We use post-project evaluations and feedback mechanisms to assess effectiveness, with case studies demonstrating tangible outcomes.
What performance formats do you offer?
We deliver live theatre, film productions, interactive workshops, and combined digital/physical performance formats to suit different contexts.
