Meet the independent theatre company founder about to debut third original play at ‘hidden gem’ venue in Northampton
Meet the founder of an independent theatre company, which is about to debut its third original play at what has been described as a “hidden gem” venue in Northampton.
Mia Ballard launched Nerve Theatre in January 2025, after she had been directing locally for years and finished her creative writing studies. This was the right step to take things to the next level.
“We’re an independent theatre company specialising in original storytelling and the scripts have been written by myself so far,” Mia told the Chronicle & Echo. “We explore the darker side of human condition through thriller and horror.”
The first production was called Broken Party, a single location classic murder mystery, which went brilliantly and pretty much sold out at a venue in Rugby. Then followed a modern retelling of Frankenstein, which was Nerve Theatre’s first professional booking at Winwick Hall.
The commissioned show was also performed at Rugby Theatre and there were great ticket sales across the board, as audiences loved Nerve Theatre’s dark, gritty and gory approach to storytelling.
When asked what she believes sets Nerve Theatre apart and makes it unique, Mia said: “We prioritise original work. So far it’s been from me, but I want to expand that network to a wider spectrum of writers. Platforming new writing is huge.”
Nerve Theatre’s third production is called The House She Built and the 1950s Hollywood set thriller will be performed at The Black Diamond for three days only from September 24 to 26. The daily performances, which feature filmed content and original music, start at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at £12 per person.
The horror-thriller is inspired by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Julie Garland, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, and what they represented in pop culture. Equally, it explores the exploitation of women in that era and the abusive studio system they experienced.
Mia believes The Black Diamond on Lower Harding Street is the ideal location for the show and said: “It elevates it massively as an art deco and vintage inspired space. It’s a complete hidden gem right in the heart of Northampton, and it’s a breathtakingly gorgeous space that will take people back in time.”