Inspired By Theatre is a York-based theatre company founded by director-producer Dan Crawfurd-Porter and choreographer Freya McIntosh. Established in 2023, the company has quickly gained a reputation for bold, emotionally intelligent productions that centre community, creativity, and care.
Originally launched as a passion project, Inspired By Theatre has evolved into a growing artistic collective committed to producing ambitious work with a distinctive voice. Their productions, including American Idiot (Joseph Rowntree Theatre, 2024) and RENT (Joseph Rowntree Theatre, 2025), have been praised for their energy, integrity and polish.
At the heart of the company’s ethos is a commitment to prioritising the well-being of cast and creatives, encouraging innovation, and cultivating a genuinely inclusive, empowering rehearsal environment.
Looking ahead, the company’s 2026 season marks a major step forward, with three productions planned: Jesus Christ Superstar, Spring Awakening, and Our House. With each show, Inspired By Theatre continues to grow its audience, strengthen its creative community, and push the boundaries of what local theatre can achieve.
RENT | Inspired By Theatre
Performed at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre (2025)
