TOMMY & TERESA

We’re absolutely delighted to announce that Southpaw Company has been awarded Blueprint Funding to support the research and development of our new outdoor dance-theatre production, Tommy & Teresa.

Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, Tommy & Teresa reimagines the classic story through the lived experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities. Blending live rap, dance theatre and cinematic storytelling, the production explores love, identity and belonging across cultural divides.

The project builds on the creative partnerships formed during RIDE, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture’s landmark production exploring GRT life in Holme Wood. Once again, we’ll be collaborating with Romany Gypsy rapper Big Deli (Will Keet), producer Sarah Shead of Spin Arts, and a brilliant creative team to develop a new work rooted in lived experience and community collaboration.

The Blueprint award will enable us to spend time with GRT communities, develop the story and music, test choreography and staging, and explore how the production can tour nationally from 2027, reaching audiences in outdoor festivals, community spaces and places connected to Traveller culture.

This opportunity feels particularly special for Southpaw. Outdoor arts is where our journey began with Faust in 2013, touring nationally through Without Walls festivals. To be returning to outdoor performance with such an ambitious and timely new project feels like coming home.

We’re beyond thrilled to be part of this incredible Blueprint cohort, alongside artists creating bold new work for the outdoor arts sector. We can’t wait to get back on the road, to the celebration that is outdoor arts festivals across the country, and to share the next chapter of Tommy & Teresa with audiences.

We’ll be sharing updates as the project develops over the coming months. Thank you to Blueprint and everyone who continues to support Southpaw’s work.