Wykeland champions creative sector

Regeneration specialist Wykeland Group is working with leading arts organisations to bring unforgettable performances to Hull’s distinctive Stage @TheDock outdoor venue.

The waterfront amphitheatre provides a striking setting for open-air theatre, arts, music, cinema and comedy performances.

Stage @TheDock opened in summer 2016, in time for Hull’s year as UK City of Culture 2017. A £650,000 investment by Wykeland transformed the derelict, listed former Central Dry Dock into a spectacular performance space.

Hull-based property development and investment business Wykeland continues to own and operate the 350-capacity venue in the Fruit Market creative quarter and it is integral to the company’s commitment to championing culture and the arts.

In its latest key cultural partnership, Wykeland helped to create the new Fresh Ink playwriting festival. Delivered by Hull-based theatre company Middle Child, Fresh Ink will provide a stage for writers to create and develop new plays, with performances at Stage @TheDock over a weekend in July.

Wykeland Managing Director Dominic Gibbons said: “Stage @TheDock is now very well established as a venue, with the programme of productions growing year on year.

“Having a venue such as this is a major asset for the Fruit Market, the city and wider region. It offers arts organisations within the region and touring companies the opportunity to perform in a unique setting and reach new audiences.

“We’re proud to play our part in bringing innovative, inspiring and powerful productions and performances to our home city and to support the development of vital creative skills.”

With the Humber estuary and iconic The Deep visitor attraction providing a dramatic backdrop for performances, Stage @TheDock has established itself as a leading destination for touring theatre and performance companies.

Wykeland has developed strong relationships with national touring theatre companies, including Dorset-based SISATA, Gloucester’s IK Productions and York’s Story Craft Theatre – with all three returning to Stage @TheDock this year.

This year’s programme at Stage @TheDock kicks off in April and features Middle Child’s production of Baby, He Loves You. The new play explores the themes of family and love in the setting of a wedding, all taking place inside a decorated marquee by the Humber.

Natalia Blogg, Wykeland’s Culture and Events Manager, said: “As the arts sector continues to face challenges in the funding and delivery of events, it’s vitally important that businesses support creativity and culture in whatever way they can.

“We’ve developed excellent relationships with arts and theatre companies, and we’re now looking to further extend our network to bring more high-quality performances to Stage @TheDock this year and in coming years.”

The power of outdoor theatre was highlighted last year when touring theatre company SISATA brought Shakespearean classic “The Tempest” to Stage @TheDock.

Recent performances also include the fiery circus spectacular Dante, delivered by theatre company From Below, and A Tale of Orpheus and Eurydice by Opera North, while, in 2021, Hull Truck Theatre brought a three-week run of Shakespearean classic Romeo and Juliet to Stage @TheDock (pictured).