A new stage show exploring the online experiences of young people will be performed at Arts Centre Washington next month.
WIRED, devised and performed by young people from the region, will finish a north east tour at Arts Centre Washington on Thursday, April 16.
The show, produced by Mortal Fools Ensemble Young Company, will explore what it really means to grow up in a digital world – the tension, pressure, drama, and connection.
Audiences can expect an original soundtrack, bold set design and a powerful story.
Matt Blyth, Culture and Heritage Officer at Sunderland Culture, who programme ACW, said: “WIRED isn’t just a theatre show, it’s real talk about how social media, AI, and being constantly online shape who we are and how we feel in 2026.”
“Touring the region at a time when the government is considering a possible under-16s social media ban as part of broader online safety measures, WIRED is a relatable must-see for teenagers, young people and anyone interested in understanding the impact of life online.”
Mortal Fools Lead Practitioner and WIRED Director Scott Wilson added: “It has been such a pleasure to work with our Ensemble Young Company to produce WIRED. For every passing generation, the presence of social media and the online world in our everyday lives – particularly through our phones – becomes more immediate and significant.
“WIRED explores both the connections and the challenges that young people find online, in a way that’s witty, emotional and unfiltered. I’m hugely proud of the work that the Ensemble group have put into developing the show.
“It’s a completely original story, where everyone has brought their own experiences – the good, the bad and the ridiculous – to the table, and what they’ve created together is remarkable.”
Zoe Lamming, Mortal Fools Practitioner, said: “You can expect to be entertained, to have lots of fun, and to really enjoy hearing young people’s perspectives about what life is like online for them. It’ll make you think and it’s so heartfelt too; we hope you’ll find that it’ll connect closely to your lives and experiences.”
Mortal Fools are working with Newcastle-based Meerkat Films to bring the production to the screen, ensuring it reaches more audiences across the UK.
The filmed version will act as a resource for schools, youth and community groups, helping to foster vital conversations about life online and will be released later in 2026.
The show is aimed at people aged 11 and over.
For more information, or to book tickets (prices start at £6) go to https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/wired/