Welcome to Sideways Theatre

Sideways Theatre is a Midlands-based company working across England. We're passionate about using theatre and drama techniques in so many different ways, and in many different settings, but our focus is on learning and communication. All our programmes have innovation and creativity at their heart, combined with a strong emphasis on practical involvement - as opposed to a passive experience.

We believe in approaching projects or challenges in an original way - not always the obvious or conventional route. Over the years, we've gained an excellent reputation for our work with schools (making learning 'irresistible' at all key stages), in the public sector and the community. In addition, we offer some fantastic programmes for companies and one-to-one coaching for individuals.

We're best-known for our work with schools and community organisations. Children and young people respond so well to creative stimulus, and our hands-on drama workshops and experiences aim to enrich the existing curriculum. We want to make our creative solutions as accessible, sustainable and relevant as possible and we provide a creative consultancy service that helps support teachers in the challenges they are facing today.

Our work in the community takes us from helping West Midlands Police to communicate hard-hitting messages through live theatre and film, to immersing audiences in history for RAF Cosford. Here we regularly hold audiences at the edge of their seats with cold war drama or the stirring speeches of Churchill's Battle-of-Britain.

In the corporate world, we have delivered many workshops as diverse as 'stand-up comedy' days to team challenges around the campfire. Always, our focus is on achieving visible - and where possible, measurable - results, helping to build teams, encourage confidence or develop communication. We have also worked with individuals in a one-to-one setting, helping them to gain confidence and conviction in public speaking and in everyday communication.

My warmest regards,
Stephan Bessant Director Sideways Theatre