THE Television Workshop, Nottingham’s BAFTA-award-winning drama group and TV casting resource has raised an impressive £22,000 at its bi-annual Great Notts Ball charity evening.
The local event, which took place on Thursday 15th October at University of Nottingham’s historic Trent Building, brought together prominent local businesses, community supporters and some of the Workshop’s most celebrated alumni and patrons to raise vital funds.
The evening was hosted by actor, presenter and Workshop alumnus Karl Collins (Mother’s Pride, Trying) who served as Master of Ceremonies. Guests were treated to a special performance by The Television Workshop choir, featuring a mix of current students and alumni.
A high-profile charity auction featured exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime prizes donated by some well-known names, including:
- A day in the edit of Bookish from alumni and director Carolina Giametta
- Two tickets for the cast and crew screening of Shane Meadow’s upcoming new film
- A supporting artist role on ITV’s hit drama Midsomer Murders
- Original artwork from comic legend Viz
- A fine dining experience at the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains
Notable names attended the celebration in support of the Workshop, including director and patron Shane Meadows (This is England) along with actors and alumni Chanel Cresswell (Vera, This is England), Michael Socha (The Gallows Pole, Showtrial), Jordan Myrie (Sherwood, The Strangers, Screw), James Hooton (Emmerdale) and Pui Fan Lee (Queen Kong, Bad Sisters).
Proceeds from the evening will now go directly to supporting the charity’s recent move to new premises, while also covering crucial student bursaries and ensuring the doors can stay open to the next generation of creative talent.
Alison Rashley, artistic director at The Television Workshop, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for the year’s Great Notts Ball and showed such generous support. From our sponsors, guests and alumni to everyone that bid, bought raffle tickets or volunteered to help on the evening, your contributions will help us to keep the Workshop doors open to all young people across our region.
“With creative arts education in schools and higher education facing continuous funding squeezes, these funds come at a pivotal time. Working-class kids risk being priced out of the industry entirely; however, The Television Workshop has always existed to break down those barriers. By prioritising raw talent regardless of financial status, we ensure training remains accessible to all aspiring young performers. We cannot thank our sponsors, donors, supporters and alumni enough for standing by us.”
The Television Workshop receives no funding and relies on donations and fundraising events such as the ball to keep the charity running.
For more information visit: www.thetelevisionworkshop.co.ukwww.thetelevisionworkshop.co.uk
Image: Karl Collins, TV Workshop alumni, hosted the evening
Posted on 21 October 2026
