Art of Collaboration

Welcome to the very first episode of The Art of Collaboration, a new experimental podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that explores the magic and mechanics of working together in the arts.In this premiere, our hosts Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph are joined by two incredible creative leaders: Lisa Mallaghan (former Executive Director at BPH) and award-winning theatre director Joyce Nga-Yu Lee. Together, they unpack the journey of creating Zara, a collaborative masterpiece and epic outdoor production by Mind the Gap, England’s premier learning disability performance company. This episode was recorded in Spring 2025.View images of this workWhat’s inside this episode:The Big Idea Hear how a wild vision for a giant baby puppet — the size of two double-decker buses — grew from a simple conversation into a £1 million national production.The Mechanics of PitchingLisa and Joyce share valuable insights on how to sell a big idea, from informal office chats to five-minute pitches at national conferences.Scaling UpDiscover how the project evolved over six years through different stages, including forum theatre (Anna), a national touring show (Mia), and finally the large-scale spectacle (Zara).A Village EffortLearn about the village required to bring such a project to life, involving over 400 collaborators, from puppet makers and scientists to community choirs and local councils.Bradford PrideOur guests discuss the enormous investment and creative transformation currently lighting up Bradford, making it one of the most exciting places for artists to work today.Whether you are an emerging artist or a seasoned producer, this episode offers a warm and honest look at the power of persistence, partnership, and inclusive practice.