ABout US
Special Measures exists at an intersection where the exceptional stories of ordinary people meet urgent battlegrounds in the modern-day fight against inequality.
Our plays are alive, of the moment and often evolving with the stories they represent. Our writer Nathaniel’s process is rooted in in-depth research, developed from within the communities they highlight. The people represented in the plays, are in the audience and often join us for talks afterwards.
THE TEAM
Nathaniel McBride
Artistic Director & WriterNathaniel McBride is a writer and translator. His plays include Dictating to the Estate (2022) and Block the Block (2025).
His translations include works by the German playwright Heiner Müller and the filmmaker Alexander Kluge.
JOe Gilmour
Associate DirectorJoe has previously created socially engaged work with the Royal Exchange, the Lowry and Leeds Playhouse.
While Youth Theatre Director at the Octagon Bolton, he commissioned new scripts, developed partnerships with top drama schools LAMDA and RADA, and launched the actor training programme Young Octagon.
He has worked as Associate Director for Told by an Idiot, and Resident Director on productions of Evita, A Chorus Line (Leicester Curve) and My Beautiful Laundrette (National Theatre/Curve).
DEBBIE BEEKS
ProducerDebbie produces political theatre that activates, from a place of community engagement and hospitality.
She has worked with Curious Monkey, Cardboard Citizens, Factory International, Seven Stories, Helix Arts, Queens Hall Hexham, The Word, Gateshead Arts Development.
Partners
We work closely with community groups and other partners like universities and theatres to make our work.
Previous partners, supporters and venues have included:
