No More Sleeping
A groundbreaking new picture book and musical is waking up the North East. Created with pupils from across our Trust and developed in collaboration with leading regional creatives, No More Sleeping brings our history, heroes and future to life through a bold and imaginative adventure.
The Story
No More Sleeping tells the inspiring story of Dot, a teenage girl struggling with the loss of her grandparents. Her world transforms when she receives Marra, a Multifunctioning Autonomous Robotic Resource Assistant — not just a machine, but a living archive of her family’s history and the untold stories of the North East.
Guided by Marra, she embarks on a mesmerising adventure, encountering historical figures from the heritage of the North East. Together, they uncover the region’s rich industrial and cultural legacy, sparking a movement towards a future driven by arts, technology, sustainability and innovation.
Meet Marra
23 September 2026
View the full programme for the No More Sleeping premiere and celebration.
View Event ProgrammeThe Picture Book
A picture book has been created in collaboration with pupils, demonstrating that world-class creativity can begin in the classroom.
Pupils have helped to shape the project by contributing their ideas, imagination and artistic skills to both the story and its illustrations.
From developing characters and suggesting plot ideas to creating artwork and visual details, the children’s creativity has been at the heart of the process, making this a truly shared achievement.
Copies of No More Sleeping are available to pre-order for £10 per book.
The Musical
Premiering on Wednesday 23 September 2026, No More Sleeping is more than a show. It is a celebration of our region and a project designed to inspire the next generation.
Through music, performance, storytelling and technology, pupils will bring the story to life and celebrate the creativity, ambition and innovation of the North East.
Rediscover the past, reimagine the future and celebrate the North East.
Be part of this Trust-wide creative project and celebrate the imagination, talent and ambition of our pupils. Copies are available to pre-order for £10.
Our Creative Partners
This extraordinary project is the result of a unique collaboration with acclaimed writer Richard O’Neill MBE, renowned musician and community leader Mike McGrother, illustrator Michelle Russell and Seven Stories — The National Centre for Children’s Books.
With special thanks to Durham University’s humanoid robot Alan, a Unitree G1 Edu humanoid designed specifically for education and AI research.
