HULL TRUCK THEATRE ANNOUNCE ‘THEATRE OF SANCTUARY’ STATUS

04 Jun 2025 | Press Release

We are proud that Hull Truck Theatre has been awarded ‘Theatre of Sanctuary’ Status by City of Sanctuary UK, the only theatre in the East Yorkshire and Humber area to achieve this prestigious accreditation.  

Recognising the positive contribution that Hull Truck Theatre has made in going above and beyond to engage and welcome the local sanctuary seeker community over the past few years, the accreditation will be in place until 2028. During this time we will build on our outreach work, partnering with a number of different specialist groups within the city. We will continue to engage refugees and sanctuary seekers through a varied range of activities – both on and off stage. From hosting coffee mornings at our venue on Ferensway, to programming work made by sanctuary seekers on our stages – we are keen to embed sanctuary seekers and their lived experiences into all parts of our organisation, closely aligning with our values of inclusion. 

In addition, sanctuary seekers and their families will be offered opportunities to attend Hull Truck Theatre as both audience members and participants. With subsidised tickets for Hull Truck Theatre productions, access to family work – including the Great Adventures programme, and bursary places for Youth Theatre participants, there will be opportunities for everyone to be involved. Hull Truck Theatre will also tour family work into venues off-site with the hope of breaking down barriers to attendance, ensuring that theatre is accessible to everyone. 

Tom Saunders, Associate Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said: 

“This recognition reflects several years of meaningful work, building relationships with refugees and asylum seekers whilst also promoting a culture of sanctuary within our organisation. It is a proud statement of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our spaces, projects, and productions remain welcoming, safe, and inclusive places for all sanctuary seekers. We look forward to building on this further over the coming three years.” 

Hull Truck Theatre’s Community Ambassadors champion important relationships and connections between the theatre and local community groups. Working closely with ambassador Cecil Jones at Open Doors Hull, and Jayne Mercer at Hull City of Sanctuary has enabled us to to more deeply connect and learn about the lives of sanctuary seekers with the opportunity to explore how the theatre could be a more welcoming, helpful and inclusive space. The team will continue to learn, embed and share as they move forward into their ‘Theatre of Sanctuary’ tenure – leading by example and demonstrating best practice to other organisations across the region and beyond. 

Jayne Mercer, Chair for Hull City of Sanctuary, said: 

“Hull City of Sanctuary is delighted to recognise Hull Truck Theatre as a Theatre of Sanctuary. Hull Truck Theatre's commitment and dedication to supporting a warm and welcoming environment for people fleeing persecution, finding sanctuary in Hull is inspirational. The theatre joins our growing family of accredited sanctuary organisations that seek to support Hull as a City of Sanctuary. The announcement of this fantastic achievement ahead of Hull Refugee Week 2025, celebrating the contribution of sanctuary seekers through performances and cultural events, will help to break down barriers across a wider audience. It is going to be so exciting to see the amazing and thought-provoking work that’s to come!” 

As part of Hull Refugee Week and in celebration of its new official sanctuary status, Hull Truck Theatre will be holding a special FREE ticketed public event on Tuesday 17 June at 6pm. Celebrating Sanctuary will showcase some of the powerful work made in collaboration with sanctuary seekers, including music from Open Doors service users and storytelling created by members of the Ukrainian community. The evening will feature a mix of short performances that includes music, monologues, storytelling and more, celebrating the creativity of refugees and sanctuary seekers who call Hull their home.  

This year’s theme for Hull Refugee Week is ‘Community as a Superpower’ where everyone is encouraged to build new connections in and beyond their neighbourhood, sharing feelings of welcoming and belonging. To find out more about the week-long programme, please search @hullrefugeeweek on Facebook or via https://bit.ly/3HnZLgG 

Cecil Jones, Project Co-ordinator for Open Doors and Community Ambassador for Hull Truck Theatre, said:  

“Hull Truck Theatre deserves the status of Theatre of Sanctuary because of its engagements with the community by opening its doors and its heart to everyone, using the power of drama and storytelling to build empathy, belonging, and creating a safe space where all voices are heard and valued. For me being a Community Ambassador means I’m able to represent, advocate for and support people in my community. I find it rewarding meeting with people from other organisations connecting, sharing information, and promoting positive changes that will benefit the people we represent.” 

To book your FREE ticket for Celebrating Sanctuary, please visit: Celebrating Sanctuary | HullTruckTheatre