Commission to create an immersive murder mystery drama piece in celebration of the British Library Living Knowledge Network Exhibition Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery
Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries Closing date: Mon, 01 Jun 2026
- Full time
- £30k-£40k
- Apply now
Thu, 14 May 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire are members of the British Library Living Knowledge Network (LKN). LKN is a UK-wide partnership of national and public libraries. Together we share ideas and spark connections between libraries, their collections and their people.
Created by the British Library to explore new ways for libraries across the country to work as one, the network currently includes over 20 public libraries, the British Library itself, the National Library of Scotland and the National Library of Wales.
The Living Knowledge Network is the only network of its kind in the UK and is centred on exchanging knowledge and developing memorable experiences for public library users, from simultaneous UK-wide exhibitions to leadership and development.
living-knowledge-network.co.uk
We are establishing a city/county partnership model across neighbouring library services. The commission will reach communities in the following Libraries:
Nottingham Central, Strelley Road, Hyson Green, St Ann's
Mansfield Central, Kirkby in Ashfield, Sutton in Ashfield, Hucknall.
This opportunity is funded by Arts Council England.
Proposed timeline:
Development - June 2026 - August 2026
Performances - 30/10/2026 - 29/06/2027 There will be 1 performance at 8 library venues across the exhibition tour period. Performance dates are to be negotiated and will not be on consecutive days
Fee:
Immersive drama murder mystery development fee £1000
8 performances £450 per performance,
Total fee £4600
NB. No additional budget for travel and accommodation.
Job Requirements
The theatre/drama practitioner(s) will:
Work collaboratively with Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire
Take inspiration from Agatha Christie to create an immersive drama murder mystery suitable for young people and families to be delivered in library settings
Deliver the immersive drama murder mystery performance in the 8 libraries named above
Performances will be bookable (2 for YP and 6 for families) for 25 people per performance
Travel around Nottinghamshire between venues with props and equipment as needed
Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery Exhibition, touring libraries from 30/10/2026 - 29/06/2027
Delve into the remarkable life and legacy of the bestselling novelist of all time, Agatha Christie, at an exhibition opening at the British Library and Living Knowledge Network partner libraries in October 2026.
https://events.bl.uk/exhibitions/agathachristie
Job Responsibilities
Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire will:
Work collaboratively with and support the theatre/drama practitioner(s) to deliver the project
Engage with family audiences and young people through both the City Cultural Education Partnership (CEP), Challenge and the Ashfield and Mansfield CEP Captivate
Programme performances in libraries
Manage communication and bookings for the performances
Promote the tour through Nottingham City Libraries' and Inspire's Marketing and Communications team/channels
Record the project through photography, film and an evaluation process
Our aims are to:
Support and enhance engagement with the national tour of the British Library Living Knowledge Network exhibition: Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery
Commission an immersive drama piece inspired by Agatha Christie and the notion of "Body in the Library"
Actively engage with all ages from 7+
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Commission to create an immersive murder mystery drama piece in celebration of the British Library Living Knowledge Network Exhibition Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery
- Salary: £30k-£40k
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Combined arts
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Temporary
- Closing date: Mon, 01 Jun 2026
-
Location:
East Midlands
How to Apply
Submissions should be made by 9am on Monday 1 June 2026 to [email protected]
We encourage individual or joint applications.
What we need from you:
1. Your creative response!
Tell us how you will use your talents to meet the aims. Below are some prompts to help you think about what you might tell/show us:
• What could you do?
• How will you deliver it?
• What will you need?
• How will it engage our audience?
2. We want to work with new and/or established theatre/drama practitioner(s) but would like to see some examples of your work, that will help us know more about your practice, and a CV which includes your experience. We will accept these in any format. This might be:
• Showreels
• Weblinks
• Photos
• Social media account links
• Podcasts
• Something else…?
We will accept any form of application:
• Written (Max one side of A4)
• Audio (Max 2 mins)
• Drawn (Max A2)
• Filmed (Max 2 mins)
• Something else…?
We are always looking for new ideas and approaches.
- Contact name: Sarah Baker
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries
Nottingham City Libraries is operated by Nottingham City Council, delivering the public library service across the city, including the Nottingham Central Library.
Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries is a charitable community benefit society delivering cultural and learning services across the county of Nottinghamshire. Our mission is: “To inspire people to read, learn and enjoy culture”.