HEARTWOOD

HEARTWOOD explores the very edge of human endurance.
The worlds of an ultramarathon runner, arboriculturist and transplant surgeon collide in a moving, contemporary parable about gift-giving.

Make sure you're one of the first to see this ground-breaking collaboration between curious directive, NHS Blood and Transplant and New Earth Theatre.

HEARTWOOD marks the company’s return to Norfolk & Norwich Festival for the first time in a decade. The production is supported by an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant.

What is HEARTWOOD going to be like?
We're still devising/creating Heartwood alongside our collaborators at the NHS and New Earth Theatre, but our mood-board includes The Rise of the Ultra Runners by Adharanand Finn, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben and real-life testimonies from transplant surgeons, specialist nurses and NHS Ambassadors. To follow the creation process, be sure to keep an eye on our Instagram account, as well as our Spring newsletter in April/May.

Where can I see the show? 
We're back premiering work at curious directive's making space on Elm Hill, Norwich (NR3 1HG)

How much are tickets?
Previews are on the 8th and 9th May (all tickets £10) with a further 11 shows between 13-23 May. We also have a limited capacity on our Early Bird deal (£14 tickets, which includes a free drink (alcohol/non-alcohol)). This deal ends on May 1st.

LENGTH - 75mins

LOCATION
curious directive, Main House, 49 Elm Hill, Norwich, NR3 1HG // Entry is via Botanical Garden Bar, which opens at 1hr 15mins before the show and is open afterwards for drinks.

REVIEWS on recent work:

‘the always excellent, curious diretive.’
The Guardian

'Witty and thoughtful... subtle and skilful... ultra-high concept.’
★★★★ Time Out on Gastronomic (2023)

'Superbly intelligent and subtle.'
★★★★ The Stage on Spindrift (2022)

'A love letter to learning, brimming with curiosity and suffused with a childish sense of wonder.'
★★★★ The Guardian on Deciphering (2021)

'curious directive are theatre pioneers.'
Daily Telegraph

About curious directive:

curious directive is an internationally touring, multi-award winning theatre company. Our work starts on Elm Hill in Norwich. Since 2008, 11 major productions have been presented in 100+ venues, to 270,000 audience members worldwide. HEARTWOOD was conceived as part of a Science Club in 2023 and premieres in our making space, on Elm Hill, Norwich.

HEARTWOOD // Creative Team: 

to be announced

HEARTWOOD is a new curious directive production, co-commissioned by Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2026 and New Earth Theatre in association with NHS Blood and Transplant. HEARTWOOD is generously supported by an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant.