CRAFTING ARTISTRY.
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY.
Discarded Nut is a female-led charity rooted in Winchester and powered by the belief that creativity belongs to everyone. Founded and run by two local women with deep grass-roots connections, we bring over two decades of experience across the creative industries - specialising in young people’s work, participatory projects, programming, and small-scale community and touring theatre.
We champion the wealth of talent within our city and beyond, collaborating with local artists, supporting emerging voices, and celebrating the creativity of children and young people. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to building an inclusive, welcoming, and joyful space where everyone is valued, supported, and encouraged to fulfil their potential.
As a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Discarded Nut now brings together three strands of work under one umbrella:
Discarded Nut Theatre Co. making bold, small-scale theatre with a contemporary edge
Discarded Nut Youth Theatre nurturing the next generation of creatives through inspiring, playful and high-quality experiences
The Nutshell Winchester’s intimate, independent venue for adventurous performance and community connection
Our reputation for professionalism, resilience, and unswerving determination has established us as one of the most exciting creative organisations in the South. Together with our audiences, collaborators, and community, we’re shouting loud and clear that Winchester is a thriving, dynamic cultural destination.
VISION
Dedicated to enriching people’s lives through the power of the arts.
To inspire and challenge people with a passion for theatre at every stage of their lives from their first steps on stage to their first professional engagement.
To provide a vibrant, safe and welcoming venue facilitating high-quality opportunities for local creatives, young people, emerging talent and members of the community.
To produce work that gives our members and audiences thought-provoking and
life-enhancing experiences.
To remove financial barriers to participation in high-quality culture and creative activity.
MISSION
We will ignite creativity by supporting and developing creative talent.
We will give everyone unique, high-quality, joyous and life-affirming experiences.
We will embrace ‘you’ no matter who you are or where you are from and make our space inclusive and supportive for all.
We will educate, entertain and excite our audiences and members whilst remaining authentic in all that we do.
We will work collaboratively, take creative risks and be experimental.