photography by Linda Borthwick

Happiness was Northern Stage's Participation Team's biggest production to date.  Working with over 100 participants in newly devised Happy Workshops, collecting real life stories through the Happiness blog and the famous Happy Pig (a huge pig in the foyer where you can deposit your own happy story) they created a brand new piece of theatre looking at what makes us happy. 

"Whoever is happy will make others happy, too." MARK TWAIN

These days people are beginning to recognise the importance of happiness.  From the emotional resilience and learned optimism work to the laughter yoga groups of india.  But what is happiness and what does it mean to you?

You might think that happy people have lots of money, a perfect family, good health?  But Mark Honigsbaum, writer for The Observer, claims "most of us are wealthier and healthier than ever before, yet an increasing number claim to be unhappy."  (Read the full article here.)  

Did you know there's a scientific formula that claims to determine happiness?  According to Reach out.com people are born with a set point of happiness determined by our genes and we can actually control our happiness levels.  And it's official, happiness is infectious!

 We launched our project on what is deemed the "most depressing day of the year" Monday 26 January.  Connecting to the work of People United we engaged with groups and people and communities in the North East from a range of diverse backgrounds over the next few months to try and find out what happiness means to you?