Across the Way 2: Sharing Real Stories, Building Real Connections
Brighton-based theatre company Hydrocracker is back with Across the Way 2, continuing their impactful community storytelling project in East Brighton. Originally launched in 2021, the project set out to celebrate the humour, resilience, and passions of local people – stories that are far too often overlooked, undervalued or misrepresented. After a pandemic-related pause, the project was back in late 2023, with the Hydrocracker team gathering a rich and eclectic array of stories from over 30 local people. Produced in partnership with Wellsbourne Health Centre, Across the Way 2 is about the power of storytelling and shining a light on real lives. East Brighton Trust is proud to support this life-affirming project and we caught up recently with Co-Founder & Artistic Director Jem Wall to find out more about what we can expect from Across the Way 2.
Finding the extraordinary in the everyday
For Jem Wall, Across the Way goes beyond storytelling – it’s about building connection and celebrating the diversity of people’s experiences. “When we started, we wanted to challenge the narratives so often imposed on this community. The people I’ve met in East Brighton have extraordinary stories, but they don’t always get the chance to tell them. This project creates that space. It’s about real stories from real people.”
One of the most powerful aspects of the project is helping people see the value in their own experiences. “So many people think their lives are too ‘ordinary’ to be interesting,” Jem says, “but what seems ordinary to you might be extraordinary to someone else. Storytelling has this way of breaking down barriers – you stop seeing someone as a stranger and start seeing them as a neighbour.”
And the project isn’t just about words – it’s about the shared experiences that unite us. “There’s something ancient about sitting together and telling stories over food. Human beings have done it for aeons. That’s why working with BELTA Community Hub in the Bristol Estate has been so special. They started as a food bank but evolved into a kind of dinner club, serving restaurant-quality meals. It’s about dignity, not charity. And that’s the atmosphere we want to create – somewhere warm, welcoming, and full of life.”
February events: memory, reflection, and cream tea
The next phase of Across the Way brings two special events in February, adding new dimensions to the project. On February 3rd, Walter May House will host a performance of Krapp’s Last Tape by Samuel Beckett, starring acclaimed actor David Westhead – a long-standing friend of Jem’s – who many will recognise from his appearances in high-profile TV dramas like Bodyguard, Lovesick and Strike. “Krapp’s Last Tape is an extraordinary one-man play about memory – about a man listening to recordings of his younger self, reflecting on love, regret, and time passing. It felt like the perfect fit for what we’re exploring with this project,” Jem says.
After the performance, David will take questions from the audience, offering insights into both the play and his career.
Then, on February 10th, the focus shifts back to the community, with a storytelling event inspired by Krapp’s Last Tape. “We’re inviting people to reflect on their own memories – asking questions like, ‘What would you say to your 18-year-old self?’ or ‘What would your younger self think of you now?’ It’s a way to spark deeper conversations about how our past shapes us,” Jem explains.
True to the project’s signature blend of storytelling and hospitality, the afternoon will feature a proper cream tea – fresh scones, jam, and vintage china – all provided by Sussex Surplus and funded by the East Brighton Trust.
Storytelling and wellbeing: a powerful connection
From the stories Hydrocracker have already collected, Jem has been struck by the sheer variety of experiences. “We’ve heard about ballroom dancing, cold-water swimming, running as a blind athlete, standing up to racism – it’s funny, moving, sometimes heartbreaking, but always real. What’s important to understand is that these aren’t famous people or public figures – they’re our neighbours, the people we pass every day. There’s extraordinary beauty in the ordinary, and that’s what Across the Way celebrates.”
Jem is strongly convinced that the project also has a tangible impact on health and wellbeing, something reinforced by Hydrocracker’s partnership with Wellsbourne Health Centre. “Being heard – feeling like your story matters – has a huge effect on mental health,” he says. “But it’s not just about speaking. Listening to other people’s stories builds empathy, connection, and resilience. And there’s evidence that social connection has real physical health benefits too. It’s not just emotionally enriching – it genuinely makes a difference.”
Looking ahead: the future of Across the Way
Jem hopes the February events will deepen the connections already built and spark new ones. “I’d love to expand Across the Way – maybe work with Whitehawk FC, or reach parts of East Brighton we haven’t yet connected with. In these difficult times, it’s harder than ever for people to feel a sense of community. But storytelling can cut through all that. It reminds us we’re not alone.”
Jem’s long-term goal is to make this a sustainable, ongoing project that continues to spark joy and strengthen local bonds. For anyone looking to experience this inspiring project firsthand, Across the Way invites you to pull up a chair, share your story, and help shape a stronger, more connected community.
To find out more, contact Jem at jem.wall@hydrocracker.co.uk