As we continue our New Producers 2025 spotlight series, today we meet Denise Amory-Reid – a multi-disciplinary creative, community organiser, and lifelong storyteller whose practice is deeply rooted in movement, culture, and connection. Splitting her time between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, Denise brings a rich blend of lived experience and bold creative vision to the programme.

A first taste of culture

“My incredibly talented late father was involved in the music industry and when I was around 12 years old he took my brother and I to what I believe was the inaugural ‘Reggae Sunsplash’ at Crystal Palace. I didn’t know the magnitude of the event at the time. I remember going backstage with my dad, meeting the artists and seeing the mass of people in the crowd.

Looking back, it was an awe-inspiring experience that left an indelible mark on me.”

A powerful moment of representation

“One of the most powerful early cultural experiences I’ve had was seeing a show called ‘Black Heroes in the Hall of Fame’, at the Alexandra Theatre. I was around 16 at the time. I was so moved and inspired by the performances and learned about Black inventors, scientists, and leaders I had none or very little knowledge of, that I wrote a letter to the cast and waited at the stage door the next night to give it to them in person.

Powerful stories and historical facts were shared on stage, and seeing people who looked like me being so beautifully celebrated, left a deep impression.”

Why Denise applied for New Producers

“Capoeira has shaped so many parts of my life – as a mother, a community organiser, and a creative. It’s been a source of inspiration, a space for joy and expression, and a sanctuary during challenging times. It’s helped me stay healthy both physically and mentally, and it’s brought me beautiful friendships and connections across the world. Most meaningfully, it’s something I’ve shared with my son since before he could walk, a language we’ve spoken together through movement and music…

Last year, I gave a talk at Millennium Point for BLAST Fest/Black STEAM, sharing how martial arts and dance has influenced me and impacted my life. After the talk, a member of the audience approached me with the warmest smile and said, “Your story needs to be a production.” That moment lit a spark.

I shared some of my ideas with two friends – one a creative producer, the other a promoter and producer. They both encouraged me to apply for this programme, reminding me that I already have the vision but I need the skills and support to bring it to life. Over time I’ve been gathering stories, artefacts, and memories, slowly shaping my vision. This programme feels like the right next step: a place to nurture the vision and give it the foundation it deserves.”

From dreamer to doer

“I’ve enjoyed all of this course! It’s making me realise just how multifaceted the role of a producer really is. I’ve always been a dreamer, full of ideas about telling my stories through music, photography, spoken word, film and movement.

This course is showing me that my ideas are possible. It’s giving me the tools and confidence to turn my vision into something real and impactful… transformational perhaps.”

On Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Black Country creativity
“I’m from Birmingham, but because of work and life, I move between the two cities, so I get the best of both worlds. Growing up in the 80’s during the evolution of hip hop I remember incredible dancers coming to Brum from Wolves for All Dayers! There’s a raw, creative energy here.

The world’s first B-Girl is a good friend of mine and she’s from Wolverhampton. Another close friend of mine, also from the city, has been in conversation with Number 10 and is leading powerful work against racism in sport. That kind of legacy says a lot about the depth of talent, leadership, and cultural power rooted in the Black Country.”

Looking to the future

“I’d love to create a touring production and community project that uses Capoeira, spoken word, and a fusion of hip hop and traditional Capoeira music as a vehicle for change. It would blend storytelling, rhythm, and movement to share untold stories of Black history, explore the language of Capoeira, and pass on ancestral knowledge, reimagining people and events in powerful, accessible ways.

This project would bring families and communities together in a beautiful ‘ginga’, flowing together, honouring Black culture, and exploring how rhythm, music, movement, and tradition can reconnect us to each other and to ourselves—mind, body, and spirit; past, present, and future.”

And finally, a fun fact…

“Haha! My creative mind is always buzzing! I’m like a swan: calm and composed on the surface, but beneath the water, a million unseen ripples!”

Denise brings passion, purpose, and power to the New Producers 2025 cohort and we’re honoured to be part of her journey.

This programme has been delivered by Wolverhampton Arts Centre and China Plate Theatre.

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