What we do
We co-create large-scale, outdoor and site-specific performances with communities and young people, exploring the issues, stories, and agendas that influence their lives.
Using the same co-creative process, we run ongoing projects including youth theatres, mental health programmes, weekly classes in local community centres and issue-based workshops on housing estates, schools and drop-in centres.
As part of this, we are currently delivering Medway and Sheppey’s flagship young people’s programme Theatre31. Led by young people for young people, it is one of five Arts Council funded Youth Performance Partnerships in the UK.
The people we work with have often experienced significant socio-economic disadvantage and exclusion, including life in care, speaking English as a second language, having experience of the criminal justice system or holding refugee or asylum seeker status. Many of the young people we work with are at risk of educational exclusion, some have already been excluded and many remain not in education, employment or training.
In previous years our projects and productions have been recognised for their quality and impact, including a film made by our youth theatre being awarded Best Film Award (U-Screen Film Competition) and a screening at the Barbican Centre London (Framed Festival).
Our performances have won a Fringe First Award, critical selection by Lyn Gardner, shortlisting for an Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award and a range of critical acclaim including:
‘A sharp, impeccably performed and blazingly impassioned piece of theatre…simply terrific.’ – The Times
‘It is easy to take for granted the acting skills of a top theatre company. But when actors embody characters as superbly as this, you can’t help but notice.’ – The New Statesman
‘Everything I love about site specific work. The spectacular alongside individual meaningful moments with awesome community performances at its heart. Brilliant.’ – Paul Cowell, Head of Culture, Medway Council
‘Icon Theatre is the best thing I have done in 30 years, makes me feel alive. Icon theatre has given me new friends, taught me new skills and challenged my lack of self belief. I am proud to have been involved in something so amazing. Icon’s high quality professional immersive theatre is truly wonderful. Professional theatre for local people by the people.’ – Community performer