New Producers Spotlight: Imogen Wood

As part of our New Producers 2025 series delivered with China Plate Theatre, we’re meeting the inspiring creatives stepping into the world of arts producing with bold ideas, lived experience, and bags of local pride.

Today, meet Imogen Wood, a Wolverhampton-based theatre-maker and actor who’s swapping reliance for independence and taking the lead on her creative future.

Local legends and village talent shows

“My earliest memory was probably our local village talent show! An array of performances, from kids choreographed routines to live singing to the local legend doing a pretty risqué dance to ‘Big Spender’ (as per tradition)!”

Edinburgh Fringe and the full spectrum of culture

“I think my most meaningful cultural event was attending the Ed Fringe. It is such a vibrant and exciting place and you can find absolutely ANYTHING! You can be inspired, disgusted, made to cry, made to laugh… it’s just a perfect example of how different every person is and their tastes but also how culture can bring a city to life!”

Why Imogen joined New Producers

“I am a Theatre-maker and actor and I hit a wall on how I could expand my work and reach more people. I made the decision to start producing my own work and not relying on others to call on me. And then as if by luck, this programme came along at the perfect time to teach me just that!”

A people-powered process

“The best thing about being on this programme has definitely been meeting people and exchanging ideas!”

What she loves about the Black Country

“The people and the stories.”

Looking ahead

“In 5 years time I would love to have a co-creation project made by and performed by the community of Wolverhampton. Inspired by their stories.”.

One last fact…

“I’m learning to play the accordion! Apologies to the neighbours!”

Stay tuned as we continue to introduce the rest of this year’s brilliant cohort, each one exploring what it means to produce creative work with care, purpose and local pride.