Theatre company to stage unique performance honouring the life of Arthur Berry
A brand new theatre performance honouring the life of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous artist of the 20th Century is to take place.
Arthur Berry – who was also a poet and playwright – was born in Smallthorne on 7 February 1925, and went on to produce art which was well rooted in the local North Staffordshire culture.
In 1976 he also staged his first play at the New Vic Theatre, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which was called ‘The Spanish Dancer from Pinnox Street.’
(Image supplied by Claybody Theatre: CREDIT: ‘Arthur Berry, sculpture by Anil)
Arthur Berry has continued to be celebrated over the years and in 2025 Claybody Theatre joins a host of local organisations, led by the New Vic Theatre, in a Heritage Lottery funded programme of activities and events.
On Sunday 27 July, Claybody Theatre will be staging two performances of “Ode to Arthur” at The Dipping House, on Spode Works in Stoke Town.
The show is being created in response to the works of Arthur and will feature Cor Bach and ACCELER8 Band.
“Arthur Berry’s wonderful work is unmistakable,” says artistic director of Claybody Theatre, Deborah McAndrew.
“As an artist, poet, and playwright – Arthur was a true original. Responding to his work in the creation of a new piece containing music, song, storytelling and poetry has been incredibly inspiring.”
Deborah adds: “Ode to Arthur not only coincides with 100 years of Arthur’s life, but also the centenary year for the City – which is very apt, as he took so much inspiration from the industrial landscape and the people of Stoke-on-Trent.”
Ode to Arthur is part of a wider offer from Claybody, which includes creative workshops (fully booked) and a talk about Arthur’s life and work.
More information and booking for Ode to Arthur on Sunday 27 July, 8:30pm visit www.claybodytheatre.com and
Facebook page @claybodytheatre
Event details
A Portrait Of Arthur
Talk by Amanda Bromley (Barewall Gallery), Romy Cheeseman (Victoria Theatre Archive) and Ray Johnson (Staffordshire Film Archive)
Saturday 19 July, 1:30pm – 2:15pm
The Dipping House, 5 Spode Courtyard, Church Street, Stoke, ST4 1BU.
Free. No booking required
A unique performance inspired by the life and work of Arthur Berry, featuring Cor Bach and Acceler8 Band.
The Dipping House, 5 Spode Courtyard, Church Street, Stoke, ST4 1BU.
8:30pm Tickets £15
Sponsored by KMF
