Newby Square: Play to honour Bradford's Black community

The story of Newby Square, an estate off Manchester Road which was pulled down in 1987, will be told by Theatre in Flow.

The play is in its early stages, with rehearsals being held next week, explained creative director Liz Mytton – whose mother lived in a high-rise flat on the estate in the early 1970s.

A diverse area home to people of many different cultures, Newby Square was, in particular, seen as a hub for Bradford’s Afro-Caribbean community.

The play follows on from Newby Square Stories, a series of interviews held with people who lived on the estate.

Newby Square residents protest against conditions on the estate in 1982 (Image: File)

Liz said Theatre in Flow is hoping to use Black actors from Bradford in the play, and to later take the story of the estate into local schools.

“I was aware that the elders from Bradford’s Black community were passing away, so I wanted to capture their memories with a sense of urgency,” she said.

“As someone born and bred in Bradford, I wanted to capture the essence of that era while honouring the community.

“We’re always open to new stories, and we invite people to send them through the Newby Square Stories website."

It can be accessed at theatreinflow.com/newby-square-stories