Red Rose Chain

Since Artistic Director Joanna Carrick formed the company in 1990, Red Rose Chain has been a beacon in the community for those needing a place to belong.

Over the years, we have worked with remarkable groups of people on theatre and film projects, changing the lives of drug-addicts, women involved with street prostitution, prisoners and young offenders, disadvantaged young people and adults with disabilities and mental health diagnoses.

We have a long track record of supporting young people facing barriers to the arts, with alumni including Mark Grimmer, founding director of 59 Productions, actor Jack Laskey, animator and director Joseph Pierce and Oscar winning writer/director & diversity campaigner Aneil Karia. 

Our objectives are: 

• To provide free at source, high quality, professionally led drama workshops and volunteering opportunities
• To produce high quality, accessible, professional theatre productions
• To provide high-quality early years projects for underserved families & children
• To give a voice to young learning-disabled actors, adults with disabilities & mental health issues, & life sentence prisoners to create work which challenges society’s views about their potential & the value of their contribution
• To create pathways to creative careers for disadvantaged young people through tailored placements, supporting their journeys & broadening their horizons
• To develop partnerships with leading companies to collaborate on innovative new work & inspire participants.

We also produce critically acclaimed shows that have taken us across Suffolk and beyond…