6 | LUXlife Magazine Theatre is more than putting on a performance; it is a powerful tool for self-expression, creativity, and social engagement, empowering performers to build confidence whilst gaining invaluable perspectives that enable them to identify with others. For this reason, it is crucial that pathways to the theatre are opened to individuals of all ages and abilities, making the space truly accessible for all. Face Front Inclusive Theatre is a company championing this ethos, striving to ensure that the theatre is accessible, inclusive, and beneficial to anyone who wishes to perform. We heard more from Artistic Director Ray Downing below, as Face Front is named in the Creative and Visual Arts Awards 2025. ased in Edmonton, Face Front creates inclusive and accessible theatre for schools and the public. Since its establishment in 1998, the company has been on a mission to transform lives across the country through the production of high-quality community and professional theatre. For almost three decades, Face Front has played an instrumental role in improving emotional wellbeing, raising awareness of prejudice and social injustice, and creating a platform that gives its performers a voice. “We use the power of theatre to support thousands of people every year.” To achieve its mission, Face Front operates three core programmes that are designed to open inclusive pathways into the arts for disadvantaged performers. Its training programme offers masterclasses and work placements for emerging artists; diversity awareness and safeguarding training for public and third sector organisations; and bespoke training centred around diversity, unconscious bias, bullying, and diversity equality for companies and private sector entities seeking corporate education. Face Front also runs the Theatre in Schools programme, in which it tours primary and SEND schools with professional disabled and nondisabled artists. Covering topics such as domestic abuse, sustainability, bullying, relationships, entering adulthood, and more, these interactive theatre productions aim to improve pupils’ emotional wellbeing, helping approximately 10,000 young people learn how to lead active, healthy, and positive lives every year. Its final programme, Act the Part, provides opportunities for disabled and non-disabled individuals to participate in theatre. The programme consists of seven inclusive community groups running weekly across North and East London, from a beginner’s group for performers of all ages and abilities to more specialised groups aimed at disabled adults and young people. Each year, Face Front’s groups run more than 280 sessions with more than 180 disabled participants, with participant ages ranging from 12 to 100 years old. “At the core of our work is our belief that it’s about belonging.” Having built a stellar reputation, Face Front understands that the key to staying ahead is listening. “We’re here to provide creative opportunities Best Inclusive Theatre Company 2025 – UK & SEND Inclusive Excellence Award 2025 and support to all those we work with – and this also applies to every colleague and freelancer,” Ray explained. “We actively encourage our people to share ideas, learn new skills, and get involved across a big range of products. We also work hard to celebrate the successes of our organisation and the individuals involved, such as collecting and sharing audience feedback.” This commitment to ongoing improvement includes the adoption of emerging technologies and innovations, such as the recent installation of a green screen at the theatre. While Face Front is historically an in-person theatre company, the integration of this technology allows the team to create films and, in turn, digital versions of a number of its touring productions. In doing so, the company’s Theatre in Schools programme has been able to reach and empower thousands more pupils around the country. Of course, the journey of Face Front has not been without its obstacles. “For those of us running small, grassroots charities like Face Front, the greatest challenge is the funding environment,” Ray shared. “It’s never been tougher; funders big and small tell us they’re receiving more applications than ever before, and many are so overwhelmed that they have stopped taking applications. Our projects and programmes are constantly at risk. We’re responding to these challenges by focusing on being flexible in our approach, building strong partnerships, and shouting about our work.” Despite growing funding uncertainty, the Face Front team are determined to continue leading the charge in inclusive, accessible theatre. The company is currently raising funds to widen its Theatre in Schools programme offering, in addition to embarking on Operation Scope: the search for a new venue better suited to its participants’ needs. Each endeavour is another strong step towards facilitating a better, brighter future for all, underpinning Face Front’s well-deserved status as the UK’s Best Inclusive Theatre Company 2025. Contact: Ray Downing Company: Face Front Inclusive Theatre Web Address: www.facefront.org B
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