About

60 Miles by Road or Rail creates art inspired by place

Established in 2018 by theatre director Andy Routledge and cultural producer Courtenay Johnson, we are passionate about the stories a place tells itself and its relationship with the people who call it home.

We produce ambitious, multidisciplinary arts, heritage and community events for intergenerational audiences. Our work has included theatre, photography, audio, film, comic books, shopping centre installations and exhibitions.

We have been described as vibrant, retro-contemporary and bringing alternative narratives into the mainstream. We are interested in the knotty conversations around home and belonging and discovering engaging ways to explore and present these.

Central to everything we do is detailed conversations with communities.

We are based in Northampton and Wigan.

Andy Routledge | Project Manager and Artistic Director

Andy Routledge – Artistic Director

Find out more about Andy

Courtenay Johnson | Project Manager and Executive Producer

Courtenay Johnson – Executive Producer

Find out more about Courtenay

Background

Contact

What’s with the name?

The Northampton Development Corporation were in charge of overseeing Northampton’s New Town expansion from the late 60s into the 80s.

Shortly after central government told them to wrap up their activities prematurely, they released a radio jingle advertising Northampton’s transport links and proximity to the capital. The jingle was so catchy it was developed into a full-length record “60 Miles by Road or Rail” which is fondly recognised by many of its locals today. It’s even got a b-side called ‘Energy in Northampton’ about aliens arriving in Northampton!

Our organisation shares its name with this record, recognising the importance of championing our town and all it has to offer, and doing so through playful and popular ways.