After the recent success of The Trials, we want to highlight the ways in which we worked collaboratively across departments to create and produce the production in a environmental and sustainable way. Guided by the principles of the Theatre Green Book, sustainability was considered throughout the show's creation, from early conversations to final performances.

Written by Dawn King, The Trials asks a provocative question: Who pays for the end of the world? Set in the near future, the play imagines a courtroom where teenagers serve as jurors, tasked with deciding who is responsible for environmental collapse. Are they delivering justice, or simply seeking revenge? It's a gripping, urgent story and our young performers are diving into the story with lots of passion, curiosity, and courage. 

Theatre Green Book is an industry-wide initiative to work more sustainably in response to the climate crisis. The Theatre Green Book sets four steps to net zero: Preliminary, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. 

To meet Theatre Green Book basic standards, at least 50% of materials used in a show (costumes, props, set) should be sourced from reused or recycled materials and at least 65% should go on to be reused or stored for future use. 

Overall, for The Trails 95% of our production was recycled or made from recycled materials. See below for production breakdown:

Sets and Scenery - 88%
Costumes - 100%
Props and Furniture - 100%

% Recycled or made from recycled materials.

Alongside the production, programs for the show were printed on FSC (forest management certification) certified paper. 

FSC certified paper comes from forests that are managed responsibly, protecting wildlife, plant life, and local workers rights. 

In addition to this customers were encouraged to use their e-tickets as apposed to physical printed tickets. In turn, reducing paper waste. 

Sustainability is an ongoing process an every production is an opportunity to learn. We are incredibly proud of achievements during this production, reaching the advance level of the Theatre Green Book. 

The process reinforced the idea that creating exceptional theatre and reducing environmental impact are not competing goals. Instead, sustainability can inspire creativity, encourage innovation, and help ensure that our work contributes positively to the future.