Outside Edge Theatre Company
Outside Edge Theatre Company is the UK’s only theatre company and participatory arts charity focused on improving the lives of people affected by any form of addiction, including their families, carers and champions. For the past twenty years OETC has produced theatre productions about issues related to addiction, from substance misuse to problem gambling, and provided free drama workshops to help people make healthier choices and support their recovery maintenance. We have created over 50 award-winning theatre productions at venues such as Soho Theatre, Riverside Studios, Hoxton Hall, Shoreditch Town Hall and the VAULT Festival. Founded in 1999 by Phil Fox, who was an actor and recovering heroin addict, the work of the company builds from Phil’s lived experience of theatre leading from addiction to recovery. The company continues to work from the premise that creative engagement and exploring complex issues through drama has the ability to bring about positive change in the lives of people affected by addiction and the wider community as a whole. 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. For more information on how we do what we do, please see our Theory of Change.
