From April, Next Door But One joins 984 arts organisations across the UK in Arts Council England's prestigious National Portfolio. The York-based theatre company, who recently won the award for Resilience and Innovation at the Visit York Tourism Awards 2023, are launching their new programme with a tour of Operation Hummingbird, their critically acclaimed original play which premiered in 2021. It will tour to venues in York, Pocklington and Helmsley between 9th May and 2nd June.

The one-act two-hander tells the story of teenager Jimmy who is dealing with his mum’s terminal diagnosis by diving into computer games. Through this virtual reality, he meets his future self and asks: will everything turn out ok?

Based on the memoir of Matt Harper-Hardcastle, NDB1 Artistic Director and the show’s creator, Operation Hummingbird is a humorous and uplifting exploration of grief, loss and noticing just how far you’ve come.

"It's quite apt that our first touring production as an NPO is Operation Hummingbird" says Matt. "We’ve spent 10 years working hard, dreaming big and forging fruitful partnerships. That’s how we got here. Now we are looking into the future and are so excited for what the next three years hold. A reflective, hopeful story about looking back and looking ahead, feels perfect for now".

NDB1 teams up with fellow new NPO, Explore York, following the original sell-out run in 2021 to tour this production to five of their libraries. "There’s something really special about this approach" says Next Door But One’s producer, Joshua Goodman. "In the heart of North Yorkshire’s communities is where all our work begins. So these small and very local venues are the right choice to kick off the tour. To York folk we say: our work is for no matter who you are or where you live".

NDB1 associate artist, James Lewis-Knight will return in the role of Jimmy, whilst Scarborough-based actor David Lomond will join the company for the first time, playing James, the future-version of Jimmy. The production is directed by Matt Harper-Hardcastle, with lighting design by Abi Turner.

"No matter which venue you see Operation Hummingbird at, there's something in this show for everyone" continues Matt. "I hope I have turned a story that started from a very personal place - with the sudden death of my mum in 2016 - into something that we can all relate to. I know that audiences in 2021 left entertained and reflective about their own life. I hope we can achieve the same this time, but reaching an even bigger audience across the region."

Tickets for all venues are on sale now and can be booked at www.nextdoorbutone.co.uk