Paul Broesmith

A funny, honest, and unconventional story about cancer.

"Paul's Ball" is a personal and intimate play that turns the typical 'inspirational survivor' narrative on its head. Originally based on Brian Lobel's notes from his own experience with testicular cancer at age 20, the story was handed over to Paul, who was given complete freedom to adapt and reinvent it for his own production.

Through a series of comedic monologues, Paul invites the audience to follow one man's journey through diagnosis, treatment, and survival—infusing the 'cancer story' with urgency, irreverent humor, and a raw honesty that is sometimes inappropriate, often salacious, but always open and real.

Alongside the show, Paul and The Lost Boys took to the field—literally—playing ball games and staging the first run of the production as part of Stand Up To Cancer, raising funds for the cause. Paul also ran the London Marathon, raising nearly £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

About Ancestories

This participatory project, funded by The Arts Council of England and Paul Hamlyn Foundation brought together 18 participants from Derby's richly diverse communities—including Caribbean, Irish, Scottish, German, Scandinavian, Romanian, Dagestani, and members of the Derby Refugee Sanctuary. Together, over 9 months, they explored the questions: Where are we from? Why are we in Derby? How did we come to be here?

Through a series of creative workshops led by Paul and a team of practitioners—mask-makers, digital artists, folk musicians, choreographers, and theatre specialists—participants delved into their personal and cultural histories. Ancestral DNA testing formed a unique foundation for the project, tracing each participant's heritage across the globe. These results, combined with personal memories, unlocked a wealth of cultural traditions and stories.

The project inspired the creation of new works of art and performance, celebrating the global roots and shared experiences of Derby's communities. The journey culminated in a mobile exhibition supported by QUAD and a live performance at Derby Theatre, showcasing the creativity, heritage, and connections discovered along the way.

A creative journey exploring our connection with nature.

ANIMATE was a participatory, multi-arts project funded by The Arts Council of England that brought together communities across Derby and Derbyshire through a series of creative workshops inspired by humankind's relationship with the natural world. Led by Paul and a team of talented creative practitioners, the project invited participants to explore their own encounters with nature—drawing inspiration from literature, documentary, and music.

Over 250 participants, including school groups and adults, will took part in workshops spanning mask-making, visual art, music, photography, dance, puppetry, and theatre. Each session was thoughtfully designed, drawing on insights from specialists, scientific research, and public policy to deepen understanding and spark creativity.

The project culminated in a Virtual Reality exhibition made with Ancestories Limited, supported by QUAD, The Museum of Making, the University of Derby, and Derby CAN. ANIMATE was proudly inclusive, engaging Derbyshire's diverse communities—including Caribbean, Irish, Chinese, Indian, Polish groups, and Derby Refugee Sanctuary.

By working hand-in-hand with these communities, ANIMATE celebrated global cultural and folk traditions, inspiring the creation of new works of art, and delivered excellence through collaboration and creativity.

Throughout the project, Paul completed 13 Conqueror Challenges inspired by man and nature—swimming, rucking, and cycling over 2,100 miles. His dedication helped prevent 30 plastic bottles from reaching the ocean and resulted in the planting of 34 trees.