This proposal is a permanent exhibition that preserves the oral tradition of folktales of the North East of England and promotes their cultural significance and importance. They will be told in a theatrical and immersive way, incorporating interactive technology to enable active engagement with intangible elements of the region’s cultural heritage.

Visitors will journey down the rabbit hole into the weird and wonderful realm of the region’s folktales, pulling the stories off the page and bringing them to life in the real world. The building will also act as a community centre, integrating a dedicated workshop and performance space, in order to facilitate direct involvement with oral and performative cultural heritage for the local area.

The experience consists of four main thematic areas, each being inspired by both the natural and built landscapes of the North East and the locations in which the tales take place. These are: The Coast, The Countryside, The Castle, and The Town.