Rose Illingworth: Born to the Boats was a brand-new immersive theatre experience from Northern Duck Productions, performed aboard Kennet — a historic Leeds Liverpool Canal short boat.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Bingley Five Rise Locks and the Saltaire, the production followed Rose Illingworth as she navigated love, identity, and the difficult choice between life on the water and the expectations of life on land.
“The canal teaches you one thing — the water keeps moving, whether you’re ready to or not.”
The project also featured accessible outdoor performances, school performances, and community engagement activity, helping to connect new audiences with the heritage of the Leeds Liverpool Canal.
Rose Illingworth: Born to the Boats was supported by Arts Council England, Bradford 2025, Kennet – Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society, and The Bradford Playhouse
Blending storytelling, local history, and site-specific performance, the show invited audiences directly into the world of the canal boat families who once travelled the waterways of Yorkshire. With performances taking place inside the boat itself, audiences experienced the story in an intimate and unforgettable setting.
