
How Catrina McHugh MBE is Changing Lives with Theatre (S5:E12)
From 'Fear Less, Do More' by 'Fear Less, Do More' with Square One Law
July 17, 2025 · 1h 1m · Season 5 · Episode 12
About this episode
Catrina McHugh MBE discusses her journey from activism to theatre and the transformative power of art for social change.
In Season 5’s final episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter has an uplifting and inspiring conversation with Catrina McHugh MBE, Co-Founder of Open Clasp Theatre Company, a feminist theatre company based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Catrina shares her story from activism to theatre, and highlights the transformative power of art for social change. She also emphasises the importance of collaboration, storytelling and empathy in creating change, while also reflecting on the challenges and hopes for the future of social justice and prison reform. Highlights include: Catrina’s background and her journey into theatre and activism. A look back at her time spent at Greenham Common and her involvement in the miners strike. The work of Open Clasp Theatre Company, a feminist theatre company focused on the power and value of arts for social change. How Open Clasp Theatre gives voices to marginalised communities, including women in prison. Catrina’s perspective on the role of the arts and theatre in addressing social issues and driving change. Her work on government advisory panels and the importance of having a seat at the table as an advocate for change. Catrina’s involvement in her…
People in this episode
Host: Gill Hunter
Guest: Catrina McHugh MBE
Topics covered
- theatre
- social change
- activism
- collaboration
- storytelling
- prison reform
Keywords
- theatre
- activism
- social justice
- Open Clasp Theatre
- Catrina McHugh
- prison reform
- storytelling
- collaboration
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Open Clasp Theatre Company, The Camp Vamps
Places: Newcastle upon Tyne, Greenham Common
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