Threads is a poignant and powerful story about mental health, friendship, and identity, designed especially for young people aged 12 and up. Drawing on real stories from teens across the North of England, Coalesce Dance Theatre brings these experiences to life through an inspiring and emotional mix of contemporary dance and physical theatre.
Diving into the challenges of growing up and the importance of friendships and support when navigating adolescence, Threads shines a light on mental health and reminds us that none of us have to face difficult times alone.
Set on a stage filled with tossed away clothes and a large wardrobe, two dancers take you on a physical, dynamic journey of intertwined experiences that are both heartfelt and visually stunning.
While especially relevant for young audiences, Threads has also struck a deep chord with adults too, who have praised its emotional resonance and universal themes. As one audience member shared, “It was intimate and moving. I was really touched by the repetition of needing support and giving support—it resonated deeply with me. We all need help, but it’s not always easy to ask.” Another attendee said, “The storytelling was so powerful and beautifully delivered, it almost made me cry.”
Young audiences remarked that threads was “Amazing, original, and creative...it told a story in a way I’ve never seen before.”
With its heartfelt message of resilience, support, and connection, Threads is not only a compelling performance for young people but an experience that leaves a lasting impact on hearts and minds across generations.
Coalesce invites audiences to experience this socially urgent new work, threads.
Choreographed by: Fern Wareham & Rachel Maffei
Artists: Janice Ho & Luke Speddings
Composer: Richard Smithson
Original story development: Rory Aaron
Set Design: Caitlin Mawhinney
Set Build: Hornsby Carpentry Projects
Visual Artist: Aaron Howell
LX Designer: Barnaby Booth
Technical Manager: Tristin Aplin
Photography/Videography: Elly Welford and Aaron Howell
Produced by: Spin Arts
Supported by:





SHOW FEEDBACK
“Never seen anything like that before, it was intimate and moving.”
“I just thought it was remarkable, I just absolutely couldn't take my eyes off the pair of them."
"It's like being immersed in a book that you just don't want to put down."
"I thought the way that the story was told was incredibly beautiful"
'"I've got a teenage son and I thought, my goodness, the world he inhabits. That piece really spoke to me about how he is navigating that world."
"Beautiful dancing, beautiful layering of textures, and all expertly crafted"
February 2023
Blackburn Central Library
Burnley College
March 2023
Urmston Library
The University of Salford
November 2023
York Theatre Royal
April 2024
Beverley Youth Group
May 2024
Boston Spa
Bradford Museum and Galleries
July 2024
Bridlington Spa
September 2024
Burnley College
TOUR HISTORY
13th September 2025
Theatre Porto
30th September 2025
Rotherham Theatres
21st October 2025
Sale Waterside Theatre
UPCOMING DATES
January 2025
NSCD
May 2025
Ipswich Library
Gainsborough Library
House of Wingz
June 2025
Leigh Library
North Cestrian High School
Bury Library
Manchester Central Library
