The impact of TramShed on my life and practice by Marge Bradshaw

I first learned about TramShed when I met Zac (the Artistic Director) in around 2007 when we were both on the same British Sign Language course at Blackpool and Fylde College. I didn’t know anything about inclusive theatre at that time and, as is often the case, thought it was a disability arts company. How wrong I was.

Marge Bradshaw (Photo Credit: Chris Payne)

I’ve fond memories of my very first TramShed Christmas show that I attended that year, at the Layton Institute. The place was packed out and had an incredibly welcoming feel. Watching the performances on stage, I was astounded at how inclusive theatre involved everyone, no matter what their ability or background. This wasn’t about focusing on disability, but ability – with labels left at the door and everyone working together to achieve something very special.

I knew on my way home that I’d be involved in some way with the TramShed family. From volunteering at shows (you may have bought a raffle ticket or glass of wine from me at some point in the past!) through to using my marketing background to help build a new website. I loved being part of something meaningful, something important, and something much needed in our community.

Fast forward to 2012 and I became a Trustee, then in 2017 Interim Chair – a temporary role which led me to laying the foundations for a new strategic vision, and the growth and diversification of the Board. It was no mean task – an incredible amount of hard work goes on behind the scenes of a charity like TramShed, and as a small team we spent many hours problem-solving, developing ideas, managing finances, and – most excitingly - starting to dream about what TramShed could become with greater investment, a shift in positioning and a more widely skilled Board. I handed over the reins in 2018 after a new talented team of Trustees were recruited – and the rest is history. The new trustees have taken up the strategic challenge with gusto; they’ve steered the organisation through the choppy waters of the pandemic and successfully led the transformation of TramShed from a small, grassroots community charity to a much more financially stable, respected arts company which can hold their own against the very best - not just locally and regionally, but within the wider UK arts and culture scene as well.

After leaving TramShed’s Board I took all the inclusive training and experience with me, directly changing the way I worked with arts and heritage organisations in my career as a freelance cultural consultant. I lived and breathed the inclusive ethos of TramShed in everything I did, sharing my learning with clients and encouraging a more inclusive approach to participation and audience development. In 2019 I started a side hustle in professional photography and began working as a socially engaged artist with community groups. I’ve recently completed a photographer-in-residence commission with Open Eye Gallery at The Watch Factory in Liverpool. I was working with an inclusive group of participants and felt confident in doing so because of my training at TramShed.

At the same time, I also started to work commercially with cultural organisations to document their activities; and was delighted to be asked back to TramShed to photograph a series of workshops early in 2020, and again in 2021. I love working with the talented members and continue to be captivated by the magic of inclusive practice and performance, just as I was back in 2008.

The pandemic demonstrated how much we need arts and culture in our lives; how important it is to us all, not just those who are privileged. I’m sure TramShed will go from strength to strength in delivering its mission of having a life changing impact on everyone - whether participants, volunteers, or audiences. It certainly did with me. I’m looking forward to continuing being part of its story: here’s to another 15 years and more!

#15yearstogether

Marge Bradshaw