About us
Open Clasp is a women's theatre company and we specialise in creating high quality theatre from a female gaze for mixed audiences. All of our work is created in collaboration with women from the North East.
Links and useful info
Reports
Annual Review 2010-11 - Information on all Open Clasp's projects in 2010-11.
One in Four report 2011 - One in Four examined and challenged the myths that protect perpetrators of sexual violence and culminated in the creation of BlueGiro a play informed by survivors of sexual violence, professionals and young women from groups around the region. You can download the executive summary of the report here.
Herstory Told Report 2010 - Herstory Told provided an insightful and thought-provoking look into what life is like for women and young women living with with issues including sexual exploitation, losing children to adoption, addiction and homelessness.
Stand 'n' Tan Report 2009 - Stand ‘n’ Tan provided audiences in the North East of England with an eye opening look into the experiences of Maryam, an Iranian woman seeking asylum, as well as the McNulty family who deal with all that life throws at them in the run up to Joanne McNulty’s wedding day.
A Twist of Lemon Report 2008 - The Friends of Dorothy project, which culminated in the smash hit play A Twist of Lemon provided an eye opening look into the experiences, views and opinions of lesbians in our region.
Mind the Gap/Tonic Report 2007 - The Mind the Gap project, which culminated in the smash hit play Tonic, examined women’s attitudes and experiences relating to mental health and wellbeing and the factors that affect it.
Sources of Support and Information
If you've been affected by any of the issues addressed in Swags & Tails you may find the following sites useful.
Lesbian Line - 0191 261 2277
National Centre for Independent Living
Older People's Advocacy Project (part of Newcastle Advocacy Centre)
Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Funders
The links below are some of the organisations who have generously provided grants to support our work over the years. See the Our Work pages for information on which projects these funders supported.
Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear & Northumberland, funds including the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund, Rington's Fund and Women's Fund.
Dickinson Dees Charitable Trust
The Equality & Human Rights Commission
"At once endearing, hilarious, passionate and tear-jerking."
"Open Clasp is truly a treasure of the north east that must be supported and encouraged to become a treasure of the nation"
"Open Clasp have the balls, the brains and above all, the sense of humour, to tackle issues in a fresh and beguiling way"