OILY CART THEATRE

MISSION
• Oily Cart’s mission is two fold. Specializing in both theatre for the early years and for
those with complex disabilities, they create multisensory, immersive theatrical
experiences. They seek to provide theatre to traditionally overlooked groups and make a
positive difference in the lives of those who are often excluded due to developmental
differences.
HISTORY
• In 1981, the company was founded by Tim and Amanda Webb and Max Reinhart in
London. The inaugural season included Exploding Punch & Judy and Out of Their Tree,
both targeted towards 2-5 year olds.
• Over the next 7 years, the company experimented with different age ranges, creating
different pieces of theatre for 2-11 year olds
• In 1988, they presented Box of Socks, their first piece for young people with severe
learning disabilities and their first venture into inclusive theatre. They would produce one
show of this style of production each year until 1996.
• In 1996, they produced Tickled Pink, their first show for young people with profound and
multiple learning disabilities, further expanding the inclusivity of their work.
• In 2002, Jumpin’ Beans became their first show for children between six months and two,
an age range typically not given access to theatre.
• In 2004, Conference of the Birds opened, their first show for children on the autism
spectrum.
• Today they produce all of these styles of TYA: Theatre for the very young, theatre for
those with profound or multiple learning disability, and those with complex disabilities
and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as general theatre for young audiences.
STYLE
• “By transforming everyday environments into colourful, tactile ‘wonderlands’ we invite
our audience to join us in a world of the imagination. Using hydro-therapy pools and
trampolines, aromatherapy, video projection, and puppetry together with a vast array of
multi-sensory techniques, we create original and highly specialised theatre for our young
audiences.” (oilycart.org.uk)
• Each show features live original music to give audiences another way into the show.
• For shows intended for babies and toddlers, they rely entirely on non-verbal storytelling
and the use of every sense. Caregivers also experience these shows with them.
• Keeping audiences small allows them to give a more intimate, immersive performance.
• For shows intended for children with complex disabilities, the cast is trained to respond
to each child’s individual responses and cater the sensory experience to that child. They
also send out “multi-media preparation packs” to prepare their audiences and social
stories to encourage their audiences to continue thinking about the themes and the show.
• All of their shows tour across special schools and other venues and reach 7000 students a
year across the UK!
LEADERSHIP
• Artistic Director: Jim Webb
• General Manager: Angela Bond