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

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