Theatre Forum

Theatre Forum is a community arts project that shines a light on the power of local voices within the community.

Funded by People’s Health Trust using money raised by Health Lottery South West, the collaborative initiative led by our participation team, uses drama, poetry, spoken word and movement to create work in safe and inclusive spaces, drawn on people’s lived experiences.

A wide range of community groups have been involved including the company’s Open Door adult drama group, Chapter One creative writing group, local residents and SEND young people, with a new Forum Hangout group set up for refugees and asylum seekers.

The work with the community has been showcased in two, highly acclaimed  performances:   

Pulled Apart by Stitches: A Patchwork Performance of Home – an online event produced during the pandemic featuring a selection of live and recorded performances on the theme of ‘Home’, performed to a public audience that included policy makers in North Somerset.

The Ground Between Us – a large-scale, multi-media show, created by Open Door and over 70 community members and performed live at the Grand Atlantic Hotel as part of the finale for the Weston Arts + Health Festival 2022. The importance of community and connection was explored, followed by a forum workshop and audience Q& A with the cast and creatives.

A further show is in the pipeline to be performed in the Autumn at the Weston Arts + Health Weekender 2023.