Outside Edge Theatre Company

Outside Edge Theatre Company (OETC) is the UK’s only theatre and participatory arts charity focused on addiction. We use innovative theatre to inspire change and help those affected by addiction. Since 1999, we’ve delivered thousands of arts-based interventions for vulnerable people and produced over 60 productions. We partner with social prescribers, public health commissioners and health/social care services to deliver inclusive, free arts activities to support the recovery of vulnerable adults affected by addiction. We co-create dynamic arts interventions with each local Recovery Community (networks with common goal of recovery who offer peer support) where we work, helping a diverse range of people with complex needs across London and England to access arts-based interventions to support recovery and improve health and wellbeing. “If it wasn’t for OETC, I’d keep relapsing. But I love OETC more than drinking or drugs.” – Participant OETC’s free, peer-led drama activities work from an asset-based approach to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and increase optimism, hope and enjoyment. These arts-based interventions promote the Five Ways to Wellbeing (be active, connect, take notice, keep learning and give) to help build Recovery Capital (the internal and external resources required to maintain recovery). Our inclusive weekly arts activities encourage participants to develop healthy habits, discover new talents and reclaim centre stage in their own lives. By providing personal, one-to-one Pastoral Care Support we empower service users to chart their own journey with us through our Participation Pathways. This robust and holistic scheme includes progressing from participation in drop-in Creative Activities to advanced actor training and performance opportunities, free Social Activities, such as theatre trips and holiday social events, and Volunteer & Employment Activities, such as peer mentoring, support facilitation and paid acting work.