They created a small producing venue in Manchester and opened Hope Mill Theatre in November, 2015.

[4] Katy Lipson, founder of Aria Entertainment, was the artistic director at the Hope Mill for several years, also producing many of the show staged at the venue, from Rags to Mame.

Whelton and Houston remain in their directors' roles and a board of trustees has also been appointed, to help support and guide the charity.

[9][10] Every year the festival showcases different work and local queer theatre companies (in 2021 the full programme was held online).

[14] The venue also hosts yearly work experience high school and university students who are looking to pursue a career in the arts.