For Gary Ward, theatre was never just a hobby, it was a calling. A quiet, persistent pull
that began in childhood and never really left him, even when life took him in other
directions.

As a boy, Gary was drawn to the world of theatre having watched and supported his
mother perform in amateur dramatic productions. But it wasn’t just the actors on stage
that captivated him, it was what happened in the shadows. 

The moment he glimpsed the action in the wings, watching the magic unfold from backstage, he felt something click. That moment, seeing the lights, the props, the actors, hearing the whispered cues, opened a door in his heart. He knew this was his world.

Still, like many, Gary felt the pressure to pursue a “proper job.” Despite having a varied
career, he always felt that he didn’t quite fit in. But the pull of theatre never went away.
In 2014, he answered the call for the first time and launched Oil Lamp Productions. It
was a valuable experience, but it wasn’t quite the right time. Life moved on, and so did Gary.

Then in 2019, a new spark lit the fire again. His wife, Beth, an English teacher, wanted her students to experience a meaningful and powerful adaptation of Macbeth something real, accessible, and engaging. Together they saw an opportunity not just to produce a play, but to make a difference. They poured their hearts into the development of their production of Macbeth, preparing to launch the show at the historic Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle. And then, COVID hit. The world stopped and so did the production.

By 2022, Gary had been working full-time at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House. But a
moment arose that forced him to stop, reflect, and finally listen. Not to the world’s
expectations but to his own heart.  That’s when Theatre Creative Productions was truly born.

Theatre Creative Productions isn’t just a company. It’s the embodiment of everything Gary believes theatre should be – accessible, inclusive and inspirational. It exists because, in Gary’s words, “it’s the only thing I’ve ever truly loved doing.” It doesn’t feel like work it feels like it’s part of who he is.

But Theatre Creative Productions is more than personal fulfilment. Gary wants to do theatre differently. He’s on a mission to break down barriers and open the doors of the arts to everyone especially those who’ve never had a chance to step into the spotlight.  Whether it’s giving first-time performers a place on stage, collaborating with communities, or pushing boundaries with innovation and accessibility, Gary is building a company where no one feels like they don’t belong.  Because for him, the theatre will always be where he feels most at home and now
through Theatre Creative Productions, he’s inviting others to find their place there too