Mad Friday Productions joins Cast as Associate Artist – bringing bold northern stories to national stages

Cast is thrilled to welcome Mad Friday Productions as its latest Associate Artist; a dynamic, women-led company founded by Doncaster-born childhood friends Danielle Phillips and Lauren Yvonne Townsend.

Known for championing bold ideas from Northern, working-class and neurodiverse artists, Mad Friday Productions made waves with their debut show Children of the Night, which sold out at Cast in 2023. Now, the production returns home in February 2026 to launch a major UK tour, cementing Doncaster’s place on the national cultural map.

Deborah Rees, Director at Cast, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Mad Friday Productions as Associate Artists. Their work is fearless, authentic and deeply rooted in Doncaster’s stories. This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for voices that deserve to be heard on the biggest stages. We can’t wait to see how their journey unfolds, starting right here at Cast.”

Danielle Phillips and Lauren Yvonne Townsend, Co-Founders of Mad Friday Productions, said:
“Becoming Associate Artists at Cast is a dream come true. Doncaster is the beating heart of our creative identity, and this partnership allows us to build something lasting for our hometown. Children of the Night began here, and now it’s going national, proving that Northern stories can compete with anything created in London. We’re excited to collaborate with Cast to champion local talent and create work that matters.”

Children of the Night, a clubland coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Doncaster’s nightlife during the UK’s first heterosexual HIV cluster, returns to Cast from 4–14 February 2026 before touring to venues including The Lowry, Hull Truck, Birmingham Rep and Southwark Playhouse. The production blends kitchen-sink drama with spoken word and dance-floor euphoria, celebrating resilience, 90s nightlife culture and the cultural pulse of the North.

As Associate Artists, Mad Friday Productions will work with Cast over the next three years, receiving financial and production support, rehearsal space, and strategic development opportunities. Alongside touring Children of the Night, the company hopes to launch a Creative Think-Tank programme, commission new work from Doncaster writers, and deliver grassroots engagement projects – ensuring local voices are heard and celebrated.

Children of the Night plays at Cast Doncaster Wednesday 4 to Saturday 14 Feb 2026. Tickets are available here.