We launched B&R Productions in 1998 to produce new work and revivals of contemporary classics. From 1998-2008 we produced and toured over 14 shows, including nationally, internationally and in the West End. During this time we also worked in various freelance roles, Christine as a writer, director, dramaturg and arts educator at organisations such as Soho Theatre, Paines Plough and National Theatre Studio whilst Ian was Executive Director at Cambridge Arts Theatre until 2004.

Our combined strengths, experience and contacts, Ian’s in producing and negotiating deals and Christine’s in directing, writing and dramaturgy have been at the heart of our work ever since, producing a range of transferable skills to apply to a range of projects and passions.

Moving to the south coast in 2003 threw up a number of challenges, not least the wake-up call of being outside the London bubble, in an area with very few performance spaces. But necessity has proven time and again to be the mother of invention. We have become seasoned spotters of opportunities: presenting work in unusual spaces, taking de-commissioned buildings and transforming them into vibrant and sustainable creative hubs, orchestrating mutually (often surprisingly) satisfying relationships between commerce, local authorities, voluntary and statutory bodies and the arts.

We have successfully navigated increasingly complex funding criteria, attuned ourselves to the nuance of deliverables and targets, kept our focus on the goal posts as they shifted around the pitch and retained our sense of humour in order to nourish the imagination and inventiveness of new generations, supporting and guiding them to achieve their creative aspirations and develop the profile of the arts as a key part of a happy and functional society.

On a one to one basis, we work with writers, musicians, performers and arts leaders to inspire, encourage, challenge and support creative practice alongside sustainability and organisational resilience and growth. We work with local authorities to help them develop their cultural infrastructures and with businesses to support creative innovation.

Over the years we have taken risks, underwritten projects we believed in, championed emerging talent, navigated our setbacks and celebrated our successes in the unpredictable, sometimes scary, often exhilarating world of the freelance creative. We have driven through blinding rain at 3 O’clock in the morning to check that the roof was holding up at The School Creative Centre, negotiated and delivered a £7 million capital project to create JVHome in Ashford, Kent, nurtured the voices and imagination of countless young people and showcased a host of emerging comedians, many of whom are now household names.

Six years ago we were lucky enough to be able to move into the countryside where we are growing our own produce and have developed a residential offer called Time to Stare. Both are informed by our growing awareness that artists and creatives need time; time away from daily demands, time to think, time to imagine and dream. Our offer here is very simple. The Studio is a peaceful environment, a tabula rasa which you can make your own, with or without colleagues. We invite you to go walking and explore the stunning 1066 routes, to pick your own veg and say hello to our chickens. We are available to talk through ideas, act as a sounding board, offer advice or just chat – as you wish.

With over 40 years in the arts we have each amassed a significant heap of experience, knowledge and insight which we are keen to dig back into the creative landscape of the future!