Unlock your creativity, grow in confidence and have fun with performance and writing. For children, families and adults around Blackpool, Lancashire.
About The Electric Sunshine Project
The Electric Sunshine Project* CIC (TESP) was formed in July 2016 by Melanie Whitehead.
We are a collective of high-quality workshops, events, projects and performances, primarily produced in Blackpool, that seek to engage those who are least connected to the arts and which can be taken elsewhere.
Melanie is currently undertaking a Masters in Applied Theatre at Derby University, here’s some extracts from the essay she is writing as part of a work-based learning module in which she was hoping to use TESP’s Drop-in-Drama sessions as an activity for reflection… On Monday 16 March 2020 at 5pm, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave… Read more »
…Our Fabulous Community Advisory Group! This amazing (unintentionally all-female) group have said “Yes, Let’s!” to our call-out for a diverse group to advise us on next operational steps… We can’t wait to get going – thanks gals x Ruth Collinge Lives and works in Blackpool full-time as Operations Manager at Blackpool Fulfilling Lives, a Lottery… Read more »
In the spirit of making good resolutions, I have decided to try and write a monthly reflective round-up of creative experiences; I being Melanie (Artistic Director of TESP), unless we have any willing guest writers who would like to take the mantle at any point, and those experiences being largely viewed through a Blackpool lens…. Read more »
Melanie drives complex, multi-venue, creative programmes from concept to completion, working in partnership with a variety of creatives, educators and agencies. She has a strong sense of vision and the ability to win the commitment and involvement of those she works alongside
Gillian Sherwood, Head of Learning & Engagement, The Lowry
During her time as a member of Geese Theatre Board, Melanie was a dynamic presence; willing to ask challenging questions and to push the company to consider alternative perspectives. A particularly notable feature was her highly motivated and collaborative approach.
Melanie has a wealth of experience and creativity. She has a generous and developmental approach to her work which is targeted, well-focussed and delivers every time. She can see opportunities in all she undertakes which means those she partners with give their very best to projects.
Arts & Engagement Manager, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Was lucky enough to catch George and The Dragon this weekend! As usual for TESP I loved it. It was my favourite yet. The use of the umbrellas for the dragon was so creative and clever, script was relevant to present day and strong without being preachy and the company really entertained us, suc(...)
Audience member, St George & The Dragon April 2019
Over my life I've been involved with many projects but TESP Drop In Drama which resulted in a performance at North Pier stands supreme as being the most enjoyable and happiest project I've ever worked on. A heartwarming, enriching and beneficial project full of genuine goodwill, enthusiasm and (...)
My involvement with Th’ESPs has unpicked and freed my soul. They allow you a voice; you’re suddenly a someone. It’s unfamiliar and I reverted to old coping mechanisms "make people laugh - they will like you" I would say to myself. But Th’ESPs dig deeper than that and reveal I’m loved without th(...)
