Crafting Artistry. Cultivating Community.

Discarded Nut is a female-led organisation that is run by two local women who have grass-roots involvement, a deep understanding of the changing landscape of Winchester and who have worked across the creative industry for over two decades specialising in working with young people, participatory projects, programming and small-scale community and touring theatre. We support the wealth of talent within our city, collaborating with local creatives - championing children, young people and emerging talent, and shouting to the world that Winchester is a thriving dynamic cultural destination.

The reputations of Discarded Nut Theatre Company Ltd and The Nutshell CIC, for professionalism, resilience, and unswerving determination place then as one of the most exciting creative organisations in the South. They are driven to opening access to inclusive, artistic opportunities for all by creating a welcoming, kind and fun environment where everyone is valued, supported and able to fulfil their greatest potential.

Discarded Nut will be a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that has three brands under its umbrella including Discarded Nut Theatre Co, Discarded Nut Youth Theatre and The Nutshell.

Vision

Dedicated to enriching people’s lives through the power of the arts.

Mission

To inspire and challenge people with a passion for theatre at every stage of their lives from their first steps on stage to their first professional engagement.

To provide a vibrant, safe and welcoming venue facilitating high-quality opportunities for local creatives, young people, emerging talent and members of the community.

To produce work that gives our members and audiences thought-provoking and life-enhancing experiences.

To remove financial barriers to participation in high-quality culture and creative activity.

Values

CREATIVITY - We will ignite creativity by supporting and developing creative talent.

EXPERIENCE - We will give everyone unique, high-quality, joyous and life-affirming experiences.

INCLUSIVITY - We will embrace ‘you’ no matter who you are or where you are from and make our space accessible and supportive for all.

AUTHENTICITY - We will educate, entertain and excite our audiences and members whilst remaining authentic in all that we do.

COLLABORATION - We will work collaboratively, take creative risks and be experimental.

Our story so far…

Winchester is a city brimming with talent and creative ideas but with a lack of spaces to rehearse, exhibit and perform. In 2018 three local creatives (Harriet Morris, Noël Jones and Anna Harding) decided to do something about it. They went on a hunt to find a suitable building that had a mixture of history, intrigue, creative flair and potential. Their search led them to Winchester’s former Antique Market, and with great support from Winchester City Council, renovations started in mid 2018. With little in their back pockets, and thanks to the support of the local community through their Crowdfunder campaign, The Nutshell opened in January 2019.

In 2020 they faced their most challenging year yet as creative businesses across the county closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Harriet, Noël and Anna are now working hard on the creative vision for the next 3-years of The Nutshell and are looking forward to sharing their future plans soon.

Picture © Jack Etheridge | “You’re Dead Mate” 2019