Southpaw Company, founded in 2013 under the artistic direction of Robby Graham, has consistently pushed the boundaries of dance theatre. From intimate touring pieces to large-scale outdoor spectacles, we blend innovative choreography with compelling storytelling, creating performances that are as emotionally resonant as they are visually spectacular.
Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to craft performances that are reflective of the communities we engage with, driven by authentic collaboration and co-creation. Through dance, we aim to inspire, empower, and foster a sense of connection—not only within our audiences but also among our performers, many of whom come from the communities in which we perform.
At Southpaw, we are passionate about creating meaningful participatory experiences. Whether it's working with local residents on mass-movement pieces like RUSH and RISE or touring narrative-rich productions like Speakeasy, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to spark dialogue, promote empathy, and celebrate the diverse cultural voices across the UK.
Based in Sunderland, a hub for cultural regeneration, we focus on bringing high-quality, inclusive dance experiences to areas with traditionally low cultural engagement. Our work has reached over 320,000 people, engaged more than 1,800 community performers, and been commissioned for over £2 million in funding. We’ve performed at prestigious events like the National Theatre’s Pericles and the opening of Brent’s London Borough of Culture, cementing our role as both a local and national cultural leader.
As a charitable organisation, we are committed to ensuring that our work remains accessible and continues to break down barriers to participation, whether through live performances, digital platforms, or our educational outreach programs.
Join us in our mission to make dance a shared experience that moves and connects us all—whether you're watching, participating, or partnering with us.
See below for ways you can Join The Movement