We are delighted to share the success of a truly wonderful programme of sensory theatre, delivered in partnership with the pioneering company, Oily Cart, and hosted by Lakeside Arts. This initiative underlines our deep commitment to offering accessible cultural experiences for every member of our community.
A special thank you to FunDays in Nottinghamshire, whose support made it possible to deliver meaningful, memorable experiences to audiences who can find cultural spaces a challenge.
Oily Cart brought two exceptional, tailor-made productions to Lakeside, engaging with over 200 people across four days of immersive performances.
Great Big Tiny World for babies aged 0-18 months and their parents/carers
This gentle, immersive show offered a rich sensory experience perfectly tailored to the developmental needs of very young children. We had a warm and enthusiastic response from families, appreciating the value of high-quality, accessible cultural experiences for early years audiences.
Photos by Suzi Corker
When the World Turns for children and young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities
Performed within a living landscape of over 300 plants, this production created a multi-sensory environment where participants could engage through sound, scent, light, and gentle interaction. The inclusive and responsive nature of the work was deeply appreciated, with all performances fully booked by local schools and families.
This was the first time our students had experienced theatre in a way that truly centred their needs. It was magical."
SEN Teacher
Deeper Learning and Responsive Practice
The programme extended beyond the stage to foster a culture of inclusion. Lakeside Arts and Oily Cart hosted a fully booked Professional Development (CPD) session for educators, artists, and support staff working with PMLD audiences. This session shared valuable insights into Oily Cart’s creative methodologies and served as a great opportunity for collaborative learning.
This partnership demonstrated the impact of collaborative learning and responsive practice in creating inclusive arts experiences. Through an action research approach with Oily Cart, Lakeside Arts, and participating schools, we explored new ways of working. These insights will inform Lakeside Arts’ ongoing commitment to access and inclusion, with future programming incorporating quiet spaces, multi-sensory resources, and greater visibility of accessible options to ensure welcoming cultural spaces for all.
We’re committed to expanding inclusive arts experiences by listening, learning, and adapting. This residency showed how responsive practice can transform engagement, and that feedback from participants and carers is key to shaping a more accessible experiences."
Manya Benenson, Creative Programmer, Lakeside Arts
This partnership between Lakeside Arts and Oily Cart, with the support of FunDays in Nottinghamshire, was a resounding success, providing deeply engaging and accessible sensory theatre reaching audiences that needed it, alongside valuable collaboration and learning opportunities.
