Unique Drama Group in Munster Road Holds Open Day on Friday
Outside Edge shows off its work supporting people with substance misuse issues
Outside Edge, a unique drama centre in Fulham supporting people with substance misuse issues is throwing open its doors today, 2 November, from 3.30pm.
The open day aims to give past and present actors, staff, patrons and local residents a chance to experience what goes on within the theatre, at 61 Munster Road.
Outside Edge was set up 20 years ago, offering workshops and free drop-in drama sessions for those with substance misuse issues.
"It’s a unique, self-contained space," said artistic director Matt Steinberg, who used to work at the Lyric in Hammersmith, and who counts the Lyric’s outgoing artistic director Sean Holmes as his mentor. "It’s an abstinence space – 100 per cent sober and safe – in which no alcohol or drug use is allowed on the day you attend. For many, it’s the first time they encounter drama."
The performing and workshop studio space is a large open room at the back of the building, with skylights providing natural light. There is also a little garden. "People walk past the building at 61 Munster Road and don’t know what it is," said Matt. "By having an open house and brainstorming session, we hope to show everyone what we can achieve."
By day, the building treats programme participants, but in the evening it becomes the home of Outside Edge drama workshops. Anyone can attend the drop-in drama sessions every Thursday, from 6pm till 8pm. They are free, and no previous experience is needed, or registration required.
One of the centre patrons is actor Mark Rylance, who firmly believes that if he hadn’t discovered theatre he would have risked going down the route of addiction. “The Outside Edge performers have gone to the edge, and outside the edge, and they have survived,” he said, after seeing a recent production.
Artistic director Matt is keen to get the community involved in supporting the theatre, as doubt has been cast on the long-term future of their Munster Road premises and worries that it might have to move next spring.
H&F Council's Deputy Leader, Cllr Sue Fennimore is backing the group and believes it is important that more people understand its valuable work. "The theatre group works with people who are coping with substance misuse, using the power of drama to help them overcome their issues," she said. "It’s a unique centre, and deserves our full support."
"Cllr Fennimore has kindly stepped in to give us six months’ breathing room," said Matt. "For 20 years, Hammersmith & Fulham Council has supported our participatory arts workshops for people fresh out of treatment to enjoy improve and drama games.
"We’re a local organisation, and we want to engage with the local community about our future. We’re working with the council to try to stay in the borough, to help deliver services to local people."
As the UK’s only theatre company and participatory arts charity focused on addiction, Outside Edge has performed at theatre festivals, treatment centres, schools, prisons and other civic venues.
Added Matt: "We hope as many people as possible come along to the open house on 2 November, to help raise our profile. Historically, we’ve always been in the borough; it’s the beating heart of our organisation, and we’re fighting to stay here."
Outside Edge Theatre is at 61 Munster Road, at its junction with Hestercombe Avenue. The open house runs from 3.30-7.30pm, with brainstorming and performances starting at 4pm. To donate, support or find out more about Outside Edge, visit the website.
November 1, 2018
November 1, 2018
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