Leveraging our anniversary to empower community storytelling
On 30 March 1984, the iconic main gate of Chatham Dockyard was padlocked ending 400 years of shipbuilding and Royal Navy presence in Chatham. Four decades later Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust commemorated this anniversary with a year-long programme of events and activities with the aim of giving everyone the opportunity to engage in its story during this milestone year.
One standout highlight was Ghost Ships, an innovative dance-theatre experience that reimagined the Dockyard’s 400-year history. Produced by Medway’s award-winning Icon Theatre in co-production with Olivier Award-winners ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company and Amina Khayyam Dance Company, and supported by The Historic Dockyard Chatham, this production was more than just a performance—it served as a powerful tool for community engagement. The extensive community cast and the audience that experienced the show reinforced its impact, making it much more than just a piece of theatre —it was a colourful celebration of co-created participatory storytelling.
Innovative artistry meets community spirit
Ghost Ships was not your typical museum experience. The large-scale, live production offered a unique fusion of modern Hip Hop, traditional Kathak, spoken word, projections, and original music to narrate some lesser told stories of Britain’s role in slavery, the lives of female sailors, immigration and the impact on local people of the Dockyard’s closure in 1984.
Over four nights, this sell-out show brought these tales to life in a purpose built auditorium in the Historic Dockyard’s iconic No. 5 Covered Slip, a monumental structure where ships for the Royal Navy were made and launched. Drawing an audience of over 2,000, the production featured 150 community performers and professional dancers, including many from underrepresented groups such as ethnically diverse, d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse individuals. The rich diversity in the cast mirrored the community it represented, making the show an exceptional reflection of collective history and inclusivity.
“I saw people from 8 to 80, both in the audience and on the stage. I saw amateurs and community groups performing with the most highly talented professionals. This gave me hope in a world where I often find very little.” Audience member
Breaking down barriers
Ghost Ships aimed to remove obstacles to accessing arts and heritage, focusing on co-creation—a process that requires patience, creativity, and generosity. The show spotlighted hidden narratives by collaborating directly with local groups such as the Medway African & Caribbean Association and the Sahara Foundation. By collecting new oral histories it empowered communities, developing a deep sense of ownership.
Workshops and rehearsals for the diverse community cast were tailored to accommodate participants of all abilities, making space for local people to articulate their sense of self and contribute meaningfully.
“I will never forget it, such an intense, emotional, thought-provoking experience to co-create with a big group of people of such diversity, all of whom are bringing their own skills, experience, commitment, and sense of fun to the endeavour.” Community participant.
400 free tickets were distributed to young people from low socio-economic backgrounds, removing the financial barrier and building confidence in engaging with cultural organisations.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, 97% stating they felt more connected to their community.
“The storytelling through dance theatre and physical theatre especially by the ZooNation cast is full of energy, tricks, and drama. Some very powerful scenes—well done for tackling the big issues addressed in the show.” Audience member
A lasting legacy
The impact of Ghost Ships extends beyond the immediate excitement of the performances and the extensive media coverage. It has set a standard for museums daring to be brave and empowering local communities in telling more inclusive and diverse stories. For many involved, this project opened doors to deeper cultural exploration, instilling newfound confidence and community spirit, particularly among young adults – an audience notoriously difficult to engage with traditional museums.
At the Historic Dockyard there has been a shift in visitor demographics: 71% of the Ghost Ships audience were first-time visitors, effectively broadening reach, and 10% of these have since purchased annual tickets, demonstrating a deepened connection to the site and its ongoing story.
“From our perspective, Ghost Ships served as an alternative medium for reinterpreting some of the more complex chapters of our history. This production not only allowed us to connect with audiences traditionally difficult to engage, but it also spurred a broader reflection on and experimentation with different storytelling techniques. The show highlighted Chatham’s diverse 400-year history and its considerable global influence – both positive and negative. By embracing live theatre and dance, we moved beyond conventional museum approaches to present a more dynamic historical narrative, making our stories accessible and engaging for those who might typically bypass a museum setting.” Paul Barnard, Deputy Chief Executive, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
National recognition and beyond
Unusually for co-created work, which often flies under the radar, Ghost Ships received high praise from national media, described as “irresistible” by The Telegraph and “a vigorous, piercingly sharp enactment” by The Times as well as earning the Diversity Award from the Medway African & Caribbean Association.
Conclusion
Ghost Ships is a wonderful example of how museums and arts organisations can unite to play a crucial role in deep community engagement. By turning The Historic Dockyard Chatham into a stage for shared historical exploration, the project not only celebrated the Dockyard’s past but also paved the way for more engaging future programming.
As museums continue to seek meaningful ways to connect with their communities, Ghost Ships should stand out as a model of innovation and inclusivity, demonstrating the powerful role of the arts in connecting and inspiring diverse communities.
Images by: Roswitha Chesher
