By the time Lee Waddingham returned to Lincolnshire, he had over 200 professional theatre credits under his belt. But something was missing.
In London and across the South, actors had access to workshops, rehearsal spaces, and industry networks that helped keep their careers alive between jobs. In North East Lincolnshire, there was nothing like it.
So Lee created something new.
> “Actors in London have networks everywhere. I wanted to bring some of that connectivity and community here — to make the industry feel closer, more accessible, and more supportive.”
Acting Lincs was born from that idea — a grassroots initiative that has since grown into a thriving community for actors of all backgrounds and abilities. Today, it’s helping hobbyists find confidence, professionals book paid work, and young people discover the power of creative expression.
🌱 A Space to Belong — and Grow
Acting Lincs began as a support network for professional actors but quickly evolved into something more. It now offers:
🎠A weekly adult hobbyist group (currently at capacity)
🌟 A youth group for 14–18 year-olds with 17 active members
🎬 A professional group with 30 members from across the region
Each group meets regularly for drama training, peer support, and creative development. Lee has also introduced combined sessions, bringing youth and professional actors together to learn from one another in powerful, cross-generational exchanges.
> “It’s about personal growth just as much as professional development.”
Whether someone is working toward a theatre career or simply wants to build confidence and communication skills, Acting Lincs offers a supportive environment that helps them thrive.
đź’ˇ Real Change, Close to Home
What makes Acting Lincs special isn’t just what happens on stage — it’s what happens beyond it.
Actors have booked paid roles after taking part in workshops and showcases.
Young people have found their voice through drama.
Other local theatre groups have benefitted from the experience and skills shared by Acting Lincs participants.
And the ripple effects are growing. Lee and his team also support organisations with everything from better rehearsal techniques to social media content and production planning.
> “We’re helping raise the standard for everyone — and creating more opportunities for theatre to thrive locally.”
🧱 The Space Barrier — and the Need for Inclusion
But there’s one challenge Lee is still working hard to overcome: finding truly accessible performance spaces.
Acting Lincs currently operates from Grimsby Central Hall — a building filled with character but lacking in inclusive infrastructure. One of the group’s actors is a wheelchair user, and the stage is not accessible. They rehearse in front of it instead, which limits creative possibilities.
Previously, the group used Grimsby Institute’s theatre, which is fully accessible and ideal for their needs. But due to new security procedures under Martyn’s Law, external organisations are no longer permitted to use the space.
> “The Institute’s theatre was perfect for us — it welcomed everyone and allowed us to do professional-level work. I’d love to find a way to work together again.”
Lee has tried contacting the Institute to explore solutions that meet both safety requirements and community needs — but so far, he hasn’t heard back.
His hope? That someone from the Institute sees this case study and reaches out to start a conversation.
> “We’ve got a 400-seat theatre here in Grimsby that barely gets used — and yet we’re having to go out of town just to put our work on stage.”
🚀 What’s Next for Acting Lincs?
Lee is clear-eyed about what’s needed to move forward:
đź“Ť A permanent home base in Grimsby
🎠More produced work and paid acting opportunities
🏢 A network of accessible venues across Lincolnshire
đź’Ľ Business partners to help sponsor events and venue access
🤝 New directors to join the board and help steer future growth
His message is simple:
> “Theatre belongs in every town — and everyone, regardless of background or ability, should have a chance to be part of it.”
đź’¬ How You Can Help
âś… Do you own or manage a venue that could host accessible performances?
âś… Could you offer business sponsorship, professional support, or become a director?
âś… Want to help raise the profile of inclusive theatre in our area?
Visit www.actinglincs.co.uk to learn more, connect with Lee, or explore ways to support.
Together, we can help Acting Lincs take centre stage — and show what’s possible when the arts are truly for everyone.
