Meet Our Autumn/Winter 2025 Artist in Development
2025 October 14We’re delighted to welcome the super talented Matthew J Tweedle as our Artist in Development for Autumn/Winter 2025.
Each season we support an artist or company at our theatre, offering time, space and expert guidance to help them explore, experiment and grow. Whether they’re nurturing the very first spark of an idea, developing a work-in-progress, or preparing something ready to share, we support artists at every stage of their journey.
Matthew J Tweedle
Matthew J Tweedle is a theatre maker and writer-performer, he has recently graduated from University of Huddersfield with a first-class degree in Drama. He enjoys experimenting and combines autobiographical and informational elements into his theatre work.
About his project
Matthew’s debut project D is for Dyslexia is a one man show that explores his personal history with dyslexia and how his neurodivergence has shaped what he expects from his life. The show interweaves dialogue with himself, where he answers back to create a playful, intriguing, energetic and honest performance.
Audiences called D is for Dyslexia “An absolute must-see”, “hilarious moments and some bits that will make you cry”, “a brilliant piece of theatre dispelling dyslexia myths.”
Matthew has created an amended version of the show which has been selected to be part of Arts at the Arms autumn shows and he would like to develop his work further with the support of our theatre.
Olivia Race, Head of Creative Programme at Lawrence Batley Theatre, said:
"We're really excited to be working with Matthew. Matthew has just graduated from the University of Huddersfield completing a theatre degree and we'll be working with him throughout this next year as he starts to develop his professional practice. He's developed a autobiographical piece D Is For Dyslexia which will be our central focus as we support him to navigate the murky landscape of funding applications, tour booking and ultimately creating cracking good theatre."
There’s no expectation to produce a finished piece – just space to get creative, experiment and be supported along the way. Discover more about our Artists in Development programme and how to get involved here.
Why supporting new talent matters
We’re proud to support and celebrate local talent, giving artists the time and space they need to grow. Our Artist in Development programme is one of the ways we invest in emerging voices, nurture creativity, and keep the arts thriving in our community.
In the past year alone, we provided over 1,400 hours of free rehearsal space – worth more than £41,000 – to help artists develop groundbreaking new work.
With your support, we can do even more: offering additional rehearsal space, funding new commissions, and creating meaningful opportunities for artists to connect with local communities.
If you believe in the power of fresh perspectives and new stories, please consider donating today. Together, we can help the next generation of bold talent shine on stage.
