DCP graduate set to direct acclaimed production at CONTACT Theatre
22 April 2026
Connor Goodwin, graduate of BA (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance, is set to direct a new production at CONTACT theatre
Theatre Director, Maker & Community Engager Connor Goodwin, graduate of BA (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance, is set to direct a new production Bears Bears Bears at CONTACT theatre from May 6-16. The production is also produced by award-winning theatre company Divided Theatre which was set up by Connor in 2021.
Speaking on Divided Theare Connor Goodwin explained: “We formed Divided Culture Co. in 2021, just after we premiered our sell-out, award-winning new writing production of ‘Toxic’. Sick of the over-spotlighting of London in the culture sector, we formed to promote Northern talent - across new writing, new production styles and move into different venues. After the reception of Toxic, we knew that there was potential - and began building the company from the ground up. Networking all across Greater Manchester and trialling new production ideas all across the North of England - for five years we’ve been shifting and moving with the tide of theatre and finding our identity - one that is unique to us, and sets us apart from the rest. As we celebrate our fifth birthday this year, we believe that our identity is rooted in our ethos just as much as it was on day one: to promote Northerners, by breaking down barriers to opportunities and engagement. As a company ran by a diversity spanning class, ethnicity, ability, sexuality - we’re rich with lived experience that is fed into the futuSre of our work and direction that we go, ultimately, always, to add value and enrich our Northern towns and communities”.
The upcoming production Bears Bears Bears is a wild and electric drama that explores power dynamics within relationships, nature vs nurture, and what it means to be a feminist. It is written by Natalie Beech, directed by Connor Goodwin, and produced by Divided Culture Co. The play was the winner of Divided Theatre’s 2025 DCC Playwriting Prize.
Connor explained why Bears Bears Bears was chosen as the winner: “Bears Bears Bears was selected as the winning play in our inaugural DCC Playwriting Prize in 2025, out of around 120 applications - and after a longlist and shortlist, Natalie Beech’s play stood out as fiercely feminist, stylistically unique and absolutely hilarious. After working on the play for over 6 months in R&D and rehearsals, it’s already one of my favourites. It follows Jen, an artist, struggling to make her new show. Battling with the question: “Would a woman rather be alone in a forest with a man or a bear” - she meets Jake, her partner, and takes us on her journey through her vivid, disturbing and all-to-familiar situation. It’s a play unlike any other, with the most amazing cast. You’ll laugh and cry and then laugh again or do both at the same time”.
Divided Theatre has a strong focus on builing community and championing creative talent in the North-West. Connor explained why he feels this is so important: “Community can be really important for creatives, especially (in my opinion) in Manchester - where the mass of venues, and lack of opportunity still exists. There is huge disparity, and still an excessive amount of gatekeeping in the city and surrounding regions, where talent is no longer nurtured and expected to turn up with all the skills required. It’s a difficult time to make work - and it has been for a while. Pacting up, and promoting eachother - is a way of gaining support and critical feedback, whilst putting you into the eyes of those at the helm. We’re culturally rich in the United Kingdom, and the more we celebrate the whole span of culture - and engage those who are traditionally excluded and left to feel unwelcome - the stronger and more inclusive we become. If we don’t work together, we are ultimately blowing up the creative industry”.
After studying BA (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance at Manchester School of Theatre, Connor has gone on to lead theatre workshops, direct numerous public shows, become the creative director of Divided Theatre and become a trustee for the multi-award winning theatre company imitatingthedog.
Speaking on his time at Manchester School of Theatre, Connor said: “DCP was a hoot. First of all the experience of the lecturers was incredibly enriching - and I continue to speak to so many of my lecturers now. Many support our work in Divided Culture and we’re finding new ways of working together to support the next generation of talent. Secondly - access to equipment, space and time for free - what I would do now for free resources! Everything costs when you leave Uni - but, using those resources wisely, means you can learn the skills and knowledge to operate a lighting desk, sound software, learn the language and acronyms that we use every day in performance - you save money, you add more tools to your kit and I believe, become a more rounded artist. I’ve found it easier to get my own work off the ground, because of the tools DCP gave me. I’m eternally grateful to my peers and lecturers for their generosity”.
