Earth Day 2025 – Inspiring change through creativity
This Earth Day, we’re excited to share what we’ve been up to at Cap-a-Pie over the last year. We’ve been working on some amazing projects that combine creativity, science, and a passion for looking after the planet. Here’s how we’re helping to build a greener future with young people, researchers and the community.
One of the highlights this year has been ‘The Vanishing Act’, a show that raises awareness of insects and their vital role in our ecosystem. In collaboration with Dr. Vivek Nityananda from Newcastle University, we’ve created a performance that helps young people and adults understand the importance of these tiny creatures. Recently, ‘The Vanishing Act’ was performed to a sold-out audience at Northern Stage, bringing this important issue to a wider public audience of families. We’re proud that the project won the Newcastle University Engagement & Place Award for Engaging for Health, Wellbeing, and Societal Benefit!

We’ve also worked with the Living Deltas Research Hub at Newcastle University, along with partners in India and Bangladesh, to explore how culture and nature shape our understanding of climate change. By sharing film exchanges and running workshops with children, we’ve helped young people from different parts of the world gain a new perspective on environmental challenges.
Young people are at the heart of everything we do at Cap-a-Pie. Our ‘Marvellous Microbes’ workshops have been a huge hit since we launched the project last year, sparking curiosity about the world of microorganisms and their role in sustainability. This summer, we took ‘Marvellous Microbes’ on the road to Barnard Castle and the Great North Museum: Hancock, engaging families in fun, interactive performances that teach about the importance of microbes. From breaking down waste to supporting agriculture, microbes are vital to a healthy planet, and we’re helping children and families learn about them in creative ways.

We’re also continuing to take ‘Climate Change Catastrophe!’ into schools, where we use drama to help students understand the climate crisis and how they can get involved in solving it. It’s all about making complex science feel accessible and inspiring the next generation to take action.
In addition to all the creative work, our Producer Katy had an inspiring chat with secondary school students as part of Green Careers Week at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle. She spoke about Cap-a-Pie’s work to tackle climate change and engage young people through theatre. It was fantastic to connect with the students and hear their thoughts and hopes for a sustainable future.
Brad also took part in a film for Newcastle City Council’s Youth Council, where he spoke about the connection between theatre and green careers. It’s a great reminder that careers in the green sector aren’t just about working outdoors – there’s a huge impact to be made through the arts as well.
We also ran a CPD event for educators, scientists and creatives focused on how science is helping protect our planet. The event explored creative ways to engage young people with complex environmental issues and climate change, and it was fantastic to see so many passionate people coming together to share ideas and strategies.
We’re excited about what’s coming next. With ongoing support from funders like the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, we’re continuing to bring theatre and science to classrooms across the North East. Whether through performances, workshops, or creative projects, we’re working hard to ensure young people are inspired to make a difference.
Together, we can make a real impact for generations to come.
Read more: read last year’s blog post on how we’re using theatre to tackle climate change and engage young audiences.
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