About

Developing a new model of creating and producing theatre that opens up the way performance is made, who makes it and who it’s experienced by. 

Launched in 2006, China Plate is an independent theatre producing studio based in Birmingham and working across the UK. As an arts charity, we help people to make creative projects happen – from theatre shows, to audio anthologies, to bus stop galleries.

We want to see creative communities work together to deliver extraordinary theatre experiences that fire the imagination, affect positive change and are open to all.

In 2024/25, we created, toured, and programmed live productions, exhibitions, and digital work, for over 15,000 people across venues (locally, nationally, and internationally), with a creative programme of shows and events. We delivered a range of opportunities through our Creative Development and Training & Development programmes, engaging 3056 participants. We also supported 7 artists across 7 commissions, and hosted 78 residencies for creative practitioners, based in and outside the UK.

Our past work has included mid-scale musical Gin Craze! (“raucous fun” ★★★★★ Observer), Caroline Horton’s All of Me (“shakes you…with a sense of awe” ★★★★★ Independent) and Birmingham Festival 2022 Commission To The Streets! – a civil rights musical by Roy Williams and Tim Sutton, previewing in West Midlands parks last summer. We’ve won multiple industry awards including five Fringe Firsts and numerous Offies and have been nominated for an Olivier.

We’re an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), which means funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work.