Atlas Theatre Company CIC

08/03/2026

Along the River Wear, around 700 women worked in the shipyards during World War II when many male shipyard workers had gone to fight. They were trained to do jobs such as welding, riveting, and fitting, helping build and repair ships needed for the war effort. The story has become an important part of Sunderland’s industrial and social history and is commemorated by the “Women Shipyard Workers of the Wear” (often called Molly).

As part of Willows on the Wear, we are excited and grateful to announce that Andy J Fraser & The Tunstallachia Upland Boys have kindly allowed us to use their song “700.” The song celebrates the incredible story of the 700 women; Their strength, determination, and resilience remain an inspiring part of our history.

We are honoured that “700” will feature in both our community company performance and our school performances, helping us share and celebrate the story of these amazing women with audiences of all ages.

A huge thank you to Andy J Fraser & The Tunstallachia Upland Boys for supporting the project and helping bring this powerful story to life. Do check the song out!

⭐️ If you have any amazing facts, stories or photos during this time do feel free to drop them in the comments we’d love to hear them! ✍️

Happy International Women’s Day! You all continue to inspire change. 🚢

07/03/2026

Delivery! Did you get the Your Sunderland Magazine through your door this week?

We’re really pleased to be part of the Sunderland: Untold Stories project. It’s a brilliant initiative celebrating the voices, memories and hidden histories that make Sunderland such a special place.

Last month our Artistic Director, Holly James, was interviewed at the theatre space at Monkwearmouth Academy as part of the project.

We’re excited to see the stories that emerge and to play a small part in sharing Sunderland’s rich and often untold heritage.

06/03/2026

A little celebration from us at Atlas Theatre Company CIC for International Woman’s Day!

Today is a nice moment to remember how far theatre has come. There was a time when women weren’t allowed to perform on stage at all in England. In Shakespeare’s day, female roles were played by boys because women were banned from acting in public theatres. It wasn’t until later that women were finally allowed on the professional stage.

Since then, women have gone on to shape theatre in every way imaginable! As performers, writers, directors, producers and leaders.

We’re proud to be part of that ongoing story. Three women running a theatre company might not have been possible centuries ago, but today we get to build, create and support others to do the same.

Here’s to the women who came before us, the brilliant artists working today, and the next generation ready to take on the boards!

05/03/2026

We love it when drama club falls on world book day!!

03/03/2026

Back in the rehearsal room with director Holly James and our community company yesterday! We are having a great time working on ‘Willows on the Wear’ 🍃

Holly rocking local artist hoodie design!

02/03/2026

Some of the youngest Atlas Theatre Company CIC members getting in on the 'Willow's on the Wear' fun! We are so excited to have over 70 people performing as part of this project and many more involved. It is so wonderful to be able to share and celebrate the voices of those living in our fantastic city and wider region... including those little ones who are still finding their voices!

Special thanks to Hays Travel Foundation Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust June Rose Project Barbour Foundation Monkwearmouth Academy

23/02/2026

Lots of fun in our community company this evening with our little mole getting lost in the wild wood!

Willow’s on the Wear!
📍 studio!

11/02/2026

We wanted to share this lovely piece of artwork by

The Sunderland seagulls are a key feature of our Willows on the Wear project, celebrating the amazing work of and commemorating friends and family who were Sunderland supporters and are no longer with us.

We love the idea of the seagulls always being present in our lives – on the wing, with their white feathers, and of course swooping down at the end of the match – very much present in our lives, just like those who are gone but never forgotten. We feel this artwork beautifully captures that sense of presence and remembrance.

We’re also thrilled to share that Nicola Leonard at Small Squares Art is jumping on board the Willows on the Wear boat this spring/summer to create a piece of artwork that you’ll be able to see as part of our performances. We’re so excited to have local talent involved in the project and to showcase some of the incredible work being created in our city.

Give her page a follow to keep up with updates on how this will come together – and to purchase her work too!

10/02/2026

Thank you Sunderland Experience for sharing our story! 🍃

https://sunderlandbid.co.uk/news/a-sunderland-community-theatre-is-once-again-putting-local-people-centre-stage-with-its-latest-project-that-gives-a-wearside-twist-to-the/

With thanks to
Monkwearmouth Academy Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust Hays Travel Foundation Barbour North East BIC June Rose Project

A Sunderland community theatre is once again putting local people centre stage with its latest project that gives a Wearside twist to the ...

09/02/2026

Far be it for us not to join in on the fun! 😂

Our team Holly, Abi and Sarah hard at work!

04/02/2026

Willows on the Wear to bring a Mackem twist to classic children's story. Find out more below.👇