Oxford People's Theatre is Oxfords own, intergenerational, creative theatre company. Led by professionals it is open to all over the age of 11. We don't audition and we accommodate everyone. Our current cast has 50 members of the local community involved!
We are currently about to present our first original winter show, 'The Moon and Darker Tales'. Devised by community members over July '23 and now blossoming into a deliciously dark, funny and moving spectacle.
Our aim is to create community. Working together creatively, creates a special lasting bond between participants and we would like to expand our offer to create a wrap around yearly programme of both large productions, smaller productions and workshops. We have recently become Oxford playhouse Evolve artists.
What our participants say:
"It’s no exaggeration to say they have been life-enhancing, indeed life-changing experiences. Having professionals like these working with community players like myself is a complete privilege. They push us out of our comfort zones and into shapes and characters we’d never have thought possible. They encourage, support and stretch us. They bring a huge variety of people together, from the ages of 7 to 85, to create sell-out productions which overflow with joy, drama and laughter: which are talked about and fondly remembered, years on. Which create community, love and laughter."
"It would be easy to underestimate the impact of what Emma and Lizzy manage to achieve – but where else would we have the opportunity to walk into a space where everyone is not just welcomed, but can participate equally, without barriers? It’s like being in a family where everyone is accepted, regardless of age, gender, background, race or abilities. It’s a space to learn about ourselves, and learn from each other. Most of all, it’s about connection – it gives me a sense of belonging and allows me to be fully myself."
"There was a very positive feeling of community coming together to entertain each other, and that has created enormous amount of trust and very solid bond between neighbours who were previously strangers."
Funds raised will go towards organising and accommodating the next steps of the OPT's development.