New Producers Spotlight: Al Gregory

As our New Producers 2025 spotlight series continues, we’re introducing the inspiring individuals bringing creativity, community and fresh perspectives to the programme delieverd with China Plate Theatre.

Today, meet Al Gregory, a spoken word poet, community-minded creative and proud yam yam from Stourbridge. Al brings warmth, humour and a genuine passion for connection to everything she does, and her dream is to create spaces where everyone feels seen and celebrated.

First memories of live culture

“The Hi-Five (Australian kids band) when I was around 3 … I think of it often.”

A carnival to remember

“During the second year of my degree, I had the delightful opportunity to help run a community project in New Brighton on Victoria Road called ‘Victoria, Victorious’. I was working with the wonderful ‘Company of Friends’, a Liverpool-based theatre group for adults with additional needs.

There were many community groups involved in the project, and we organised a carnival day with puppets, songs and mini performances all along Victoria Road, celebrating the wonderful history of New Brighton. This project was very special to me as ‘Company of Friends’ were such a talented, respectful and electric group to work with.”

Why Al applied for New Producers

“I applied for the Producers Programme for the fantastic opportunity to learn more skills in the creative sector. Collaborating with local creatives and learning about the steps towards bringing an event to life has always interested me, and this course has allowed me to do that!”

The best part so far?

“Aside from the obvious tea and biscuits kindly given to us by the team, meeting fellow local creatives has been amazing. I love connecting with people and getting to know what they’re up to!”

On being proudly Black Country

“I was born and bred in the Black Country and have always admired how us yam yams pride ourselves on community spirit. I also love orange chips.”

A dream for the future: queer creative spaces

“I would love to host and produce my own Queer open mic nights and creative events. As a spoken word poet, I love to listen to other peoples work and gain insight on their perspectives. The LGBTQIA+ community is a strong and accepting one that has supported me throughout my life, and I would love to give back and allow my fellow creative queers a chance to shine and meet new people.”

And finally, a very helpful fact…

“I am 6 feet tall which means I’m very good at getting things down from shelves. If you’re ever stuck in the supermarket, look for me!”

Whether it’s lifting ideas off the page or lifting shopping off the top shelf, Al brings  brilliant ideas to the New Producers 2025 cohort. We’re excited to see how her journey unfolds and we’d absolutely go to her open mic nights.