New blue plaque installed honouring founding of Hull Truck Theatre
A new blue plaque honouring Hull Truck Theatre in its 50th year has been installed at the house in the city where it all began. It was unveiled today at 71 Coltman Street, with Mike Bradwell, founder of Hull Truck, and Mark Babych, the company’s artistic director, in attendance. Mr Babych is directing Hull Truck’s headline play, 71 Coltman Street, telling the origin story of the theatre.
Click here for more Hull and East Riding news This week’s productions of the play, officially launching Hull Truck’s 50th anniversary year, had to be halted yesterday after a Covid outbreak among company members. Actors Kieran Knowles, playing Mike Bradwell in 71 Coltman Street, and Joanna Holden, playing landlady Mrs Snowball in the play, were missing from the plaque unveiling today as a result.
From left, Mark Babych, artistic director at Hull Truck Theatre, Mike Bradwell, Hull Truck founder, property owner Helen Ball, Lord Mayor Cllr Lynn Petrini and Graham Petrini at the blue plaque unveiling (Image: HullLive/Donna Clifford)
Hull Truck Theatre was founded in 1971 by Mike Bradwell, when he and a group of fellow actors moved into 71 Coltman Street, Hull, to improvise and rehearse a new form of theatre that put real people and real stories centre stage.
To commemorate the anniversary and in partnership with Hull City Council and Coltman Street Community Association, the blue plaque has been installed bearing the words: “In 1971 Hull Truck Theatre was formed in this house by Mike Bradwell.” Mike Bradwell said: “I’m amazed that Hull Truck is still going strong after 50 years.
I was surprised when we lasted for five.
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“I’m flattered that anyone would want to write a play about me, let alone see one, and I’m excited that Hull Truck continues to provide provocative entertainment after half a century. Keep on truckin’.” Mark Babych said: “It’s wonderful to celebrate the vision and determination of our founders who 50 years ago laid the foundations for a theatre company who flouted conventions and had the courage and determination to follow their own path.”
Helen Ball, who lives at 71 Coltman Street, said: We have owned 71 Coltman St for 20 years and had no idea of the history of it till recently.
Close-up of the new blue plaque commemorating the foundation of Hull Truck Theatre 50 years ago (Image: HullLive/Donna Clifford)
“To say I was gobsmacked is an understatement. I’m absolutely delighted there will be a blue plaque on the house to mark the history of Hull Truck Theatre and our house, especially as it is 50 years exactly since Hull Truck Theatre began.” Simon Kelsey, of Coltman Street Community Association, said: “I remember seeing Mike Bradwell going around in a truck.
It’s great that what he started is still in place today and it’s brilliant to see 50 years along, that we can celebrate this anniversary.
It’s great for the street and it’s great for Hull.”
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