Touring Together Local Engagement Specialist – Northampton

In the lead up to Once Upon a Time in Sokoto going on tour, as the first production from Touring Together – a new national touring initiative led by China Plate and Fuel – we are introducing each of the 5 Local Engagement Specialists (LES) who are embedded in each of the venue partner locations.

First up, we’re delighted to announce Banke Adetumbi, professionally known as Banke Naya as the Local Engagement Specialist at Royal & Derngate in Northampton. Banke will be our local eyes and ears, connecting communities to Once Upon a Time in Sokoto and the Touring Together programme.

Banke Adetumbi, professionally known as Banke Naya, works in the creative industry because she is passionate about people, storytelling, and the power of the arts to bring communities together. She believes creativity should be accessible to everyone, and she is committed to creating opportunities for diverse voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Banke is from Nigeria, where she studied Music and specialised in Performance. In 2024, she completed an MSc in Project Management, combining her creative background with strong skills in leadership, partnership building, and programme delivery.

Prior to joining Fuel as the Local Engagement Specialist for the Touring Together programme at Royal & Derngate, she worked as a Project Manager leading cross-functional initiatives within the technology sector. Alongside this, she organised employee engagement activities across strategic UK locations for the Black Professional Resource Group, creating opportunities for connection, representation, and community building.

As an artist, performer, and creative producer, she has performed both locally and internationally, collaborating and co-creating with artists across music, theatre, and community projects.

Tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Northampton.

My name is Banke Adetumbi, professionally known as Banke Naya. I am a singer and Performer, and I am the Local Engagement Specialist in Northampton for Touring Together. I’ve called Northampton home for several years and have built much of my creative journey here.

Through my work in music and events, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with people from many different backgrounds and I’m so proud to call Northampton my home.

What drew you to becoming involved in Touring Together and, this first year, on Once Upon a Time in Sokoto?

What drew me to Touring Together was its commitment to making theatre more accessible to local communities. I’m passionate about creating stories and opportunities for people to see themselves reflected in the stories.

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto particularly resonated with me because it celebrates African storytelling.

What excites you most about bringing this production to audiences in Northampton?

Northampton is a wonderfully diverse town, and Once Upon a Time in Sokoto offers audiences an opportunity to experience a story that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and rooted in culture.

I’m especially excited for people who may not usually see their experiences, heritage, or traditions represented on stage.

What makes your local community unique, and what stories or conversations do you think are important here right now?

Northampton is a town full of creativity, entrepreneurship, and people who care deeply about their communities.

I think some of the most important conversations right now are around belonging, representation, connection, and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to participate in arts and culture. Stories that celebrate different perspectives while bringing people together are incredibly valuable, especially at a time when many people are looking for spaces where they feel seen and heard.

What would you say to someone who doesn’t usually go to the theatre about why they should come and experience Once Upon a Time in Sokoto?

I’d say this is a great production for people who think theatre isn’t for them.

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto is full of energy, humour, culture, and storytelling that is engaging. You don’t need any previous theatre experience to enjoy it. It’s an opportunity to be entertained, experience something different, and connect with a story that might introduce you to a new perspective while still feeling relatable.

Theatre is one of the few places where people can come together, share an experience in real time, and leave with something to think about, and this production does exactly that.

Favourite local place

One place that reflects my connection to Northampton is the town centre and the cultural hubs around Royal & Derngate. It’s where creativity, community, and storytelling come together, and it reminds me of how arts and culture can create meaningful connections.

A local recommendation

I’d encourage visitors to explore Northampton’s growing creative scene. Whether it’s attending a local performance, discovering independent businesses, enjoying one of the town’s community festivals, or simply spending time in the cultural quarter, there’s always something happening that reflects the creativity and diversity of Northampton and its people.

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto will be playing at Royal & Derngate, Northampton from 28th September – 10thOctober 2026. To book tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/RDNOUATIS

Our Local Engagement Specialists are looking to connect with schools, youth groups, community centres and grassroots organisations, including societies, clubs & collectives. If you are interested in connecting with your local LES, or finding out more information about what activity will be happening in your area for Touring Together, and how you can get involved, please email: les.Northampton@fueltheatre.com

For more information about Touring Together, visit: https://bit.ly/TouringTogether