Joseph Houston is the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, which opened its doors in 2015. In its relatively short existence, the theatre has become one of the best independents in the UK, winning Fringe Venue of The Year at The Stage Awards in 2018. With the theatre made a charity in 2019, Joseph and his partner, William, the Executive Director, were enabled to extend their community outreach. The Guardian labelled Hope Mill as “a northern powerhouse for musicals”.