Joly Black

producer

Joly Black (Jolly) he/him

Joly is excited by bold and brave new work that is playful with form and strives for exceptional artistic standards. He’s passionate about artist development, and supporting emerging creatives, leading several programmes for emerging artists in York.

Joly is an Independent Producer developing a slate of new work. He works freelance as a Producer, Associate/Assistant Producer and Hospitality & Events Consultant. Recent projects include Buyer & Cellar (Kings Head Theatre, London & Theatre Royal Plymouth) and Gay’s The Word Musical Concept Sharing (London).

Currently, Joly is an Associate Artist of Roots Touring, Associate Producer for Wright&Grainger.

  • As Producer: Hansel & Gretel for The Big House, Islington (29 Nov - 14 Dec 2024, London)

    Gay’s The Word Initial Musical Concept Sharing (08 Nov 2024, London)

    FOUR WHEEL DRIVE various projects (Jan 2023- Present)

    As Co-Producer: Buyer & Cellar (18 Sept - 19 Oct, Kings Head Theatre, London & 29 Oct - 2 Nov, Theatre Royal Plymouth)

  • Currently, Joly is an Associate Artist of Roots Touring, Associate Producer for Wright&Grainger.

    As Assistant Producer, Joly has worked with Wright&Grainger on HELIOS (UK Tour) following previous productions HALF MAN || HALF BULL (Summerhall, August 2024) and THE GODS THE GODS THE GODS (Underbelly Festival, September 2024).

    Previously, he worked with New Frame Productions on There’s No Place Like Home (Lyric, October 2023), a charity concert launching the Charlie Kristensen Foundation.

    In 2022, he worked on Twelfth Night and The Jungle Book with Sixteenfeet Productions as Assistant Producer. Both shows were open-air productions in Kew Gardens and formed the Theatre on Kew season (July -August 2022).

  • Joly invests in artists, offering support and opportunities to develop and share new work.

    Currently, he is producing regular Scratch Nights in York (more info) and providing in-kind producing support to several emerging artists.

    If you’re an artist, feel free to get in touch via email, LinkedIn or Instagram to arrange a chat (preferably over a good cup of Yorkshire Tea!)

COMING UP…

THE WHEEL OF NOUNS - Hook

Rejoice...or beware! The Gender Fairy is loose and has found their way to a city near you…

What is Gender anyway? Discover why it may be easier than you think in Hook’s new cabaret comedy!

HELIOS - Wright&Grainger

From ‘Masters of Storytelling’ (FOURTHWALL) Wright&Grainger, HELIOS is the multi-award-winning follow-up to the internationally-acclaimed ORPHEUS, EURYDICE, and THE GODS THE GODS THE GODS. Join them in a little room with a tape player - and a delicate tale to tell.


A story about the son of the god of the sun, HELIOS transplants the Ancient Greek tale into a modern-day myth wound round the winding roads of rural England - and into the everyday living of a towering city. It’s a story about life, the invisible monuments we build to it, and the little things that leave big marks.

More info: WrightandGrainger.com

JOLY’s Portfolio

  • Joly is passionate about developing new work. From R&D’s to script reads and scratch nights, he loves to support the creation of brave writing.

    Currently In Development (as lead producer):

    A new musical based on the raids of Gay’s The Word Bookshop in 1984. Writing team includes Tom Rasmussen, Brian Mullin, Adam Zmith and Fin Henderson.

    An immersive and interactive drama set in the council chambers of The Guildhall, York.

    A coming-of-age love story set in the 90’s and 00’s, written for stage with a view to future TV adaptation.

    A solo cabaret show exploring gender identity. Brilliantly camp, lighthearted and hilarious.

  • Joly invests in artists, offering support and opportunities to develop and share new work.

    Currently, he is producing regular Scratch Nights in York (more info) and providing in-kind producing support to several emerging artists.

    Previously, he led the Friargate Creative Hub project, a two-week programme of workshops, events and performance opportunities designed for local emerging artists in York.

    Joly was lead producer for CONNECT Festival, a 5-day theatre and art festival at Thetre@41 York (2023). Alongside facilitating several work-in-progress sharing, workshops and readings.

  • Joly is developing a small slate of productions as an Independent Commercial Producer.

    Recently, he was a Co-Producer on Buyer & Cellar starring Rob Madge (Kings Head, London & Theatre Royal Plymouth).

  • Joly works as a consultant for events companies and in hospitality settings. He is skilled in events management, customer service, bar and front of house management across events, hospitality and theatre settings.

    He worked within the Hospitality industry for 6 years, undertaking management roles in various settings.

    Currently, ongoing services for Noble Happenings (York) and Ghost Light Global (New York).

    Previously, Event Management for a New Year’s Eve Ball, welcoming 200 guests, with a three-course dinner, two live bands and multiple event bars.

    Private Client Concierge for Ghost Light Global, an international Arts and Entertainment Travel brand, supporting their annual Edinburgh Fringe trips.

ABOUT FOUR WHEEL DRIVE

Built around collaboration and a drive to create unique excellence.

Co-founded by Joly Black and Anna Gallon, frustrated with the lack of opportunity to create innovative theatre in York. Anna and Joly wanted to build something that was nimble and adaptive to ever-changing industry needs.

The journey continues, as we embrace ‘bumps in the road’ as we pivot to provide ‘off-road’ theatrical experiences for the Heritage Sector.

We hold our core values close; community, collaboration and innovation.