Project Dance, in partnership with the Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue, has secured £49,768 from Arts Council England to take its dance production, BUSK, on a national tour in spring 2027.
The public funding, supported by The National Lottery alongside local councils, trusts, and private donors, will fund a tour across English venues between March and April 2027.
Originating as a youth project with Project Dance Company, BUSK has evolved into a professional touring production. The creative team features Yeovil-born choreographer James Bamford and composer Charles Harrison, who developed the piece within the local community.
The tour will feature 27 funded school workshops, including 15 in the Yeovil area. Additionally, the production will integrate two local young dancers into the professional cast at select tour stops, including Westlands Entertainment Venue.
Adam Burgan, Director of Culture at Yeovil Town Council and Venues Manager for the Octagon Theatre and Westlands, stated that the initiative aligns with efforts to nurture local artists and expand access to performing arts in Somerset.
Executive Director James Bamford noted that the national tour represents a major milestone for the company, demonstrating how grassroots youth initiatives in regional areas can transition into professional touring productions.
The national tour opens on 2 March 2027 at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil, before visiting locations including The Blakehay Theatre in Weston-super-Mare, South Hill Park in Bracknell, The Lights in Andover, The Atkinson in Southport, Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple, Key Theatre in Peterborough, The Albany Theatre in Coventry, Mansfield Palace Theatre, Exeter Northcott, and the Redgrave Theatre in Bristol.
Tickets for the national tour will be made available via the production's official website starting 28 August 2026.
