A Partnership of Pure Heart:
Liverpool Heartbeat, Elektric Apple & the Women Who Make the Magic
When the curtain rises and the lights catch the costumes, audiences see the sparkle of Elektric Apple Theatre Group — but behind that magic is a story of heart, loyalty, and extraordinary women who have shaped the company from the inside out.
For more than a decade, Liverpool Heartbeat has been the driving force behind Elektric Apple’s success.
Their unwavering support, vital funding, and emotional encouragement have allowed the group to thrive since 2011, keeping creativity alive for performers of all abilities. As Carol Darby, Founder of Elektric Apple, shares, Liverpool Heartbeat is not just a sponsor — they are the heartbeat of the theatre family.
Believing in Every Performer - Elektric Apple is built on inclusion, confidence, and joy.
Many of the group’s disabled actors face hurdles on their journey to the stage, but Liverpool Heartbeat has always stood beside them with encouragement, validation, and emotional support.
Their belief in every performer helps those performers believe in themselves — creating a safe, empowering space where everyone can shine.
This spirit is beautifully captured each year through the Courage Award, sponsored by Liverpool Heartbeat. It honours a performer who has shown exceptional bravery and determination, becoming one of the most emotional and uplifting moments of the annual celebration.
Bringing Stories to Life
Liverpool Heartbeat’s generosity has directly funded a long list of Elektric Apple productions, including:
- The Journey
- Life is a Roller Coaster
- Don’t Stop Believing
- Scissor Happy
- Scouse Side Story
- Wizard of Otterspool
- That’s The Way You Do It
- You Are My Sunshine
Their funding covers everything from theatre hire and costumes to microphones, props, minibuses, and promotional materials — the essential building blocks that make live theatre possible.
The Woman Behind the Shows: Nicola Broadley
Alongside Carol’s leadership stands her daughter, Nicola Broadley — the creative powerhouse who has shaped Elektric Apple’s productions for years. Nicola’s background as a West End actress and international performer brings professional polish, imagination, and heart to every show.
Nicola has:
- Directed and stage‑managed every major Elektric Apple production
- Written every show that has been strong enough to go on tour
- Volunteered her time and talent to Liverpool Heartbeat
- Produced the Liverpool Heartbeat show “Give Peace A Chance” to a sell‑out audience at the Tung Yoko Ono and John Lennon Theatre
- Organised and run the John Hulley Family Fun Day since 2012
- Helped both Liverpool Heartbeat and Elektric Apple grow into true pillars of the community
Her creativity, dedication, and compassion have made her an inspirational figure in the city — a woman whose work uplifts performers, families, and audiences alike.
A Theatre Family Built on Love, Courage & Community
Together, Carol and Nicola have built a space where performers feel safe, supported, and celebrated. Liverpool Heartbeat has been the foundation beneath their feet, providing the resources and emotional encouragement that allow the group to flourish.
Elektric Apple is more than a theatre company — it is a community built on kindness, bravery, and belief. And thanks to Liverpool Heartbeat, that community continues to grow, thrive, and inspire.
Here’s to many more years of creativity, courage, and standing ovations.
Please help us to fund future productions. Your support means the world to us
