"You never know what you can do until you try"

The words of the song from "Charlie Girl" reflect the values at the core of Side By Side Theatre. A charitable organisation, involving adults with and without learning disabilities, Side By Side develops and produces inclusive theatre. The shows, like the performers, are unique. Workshops run each week, developing skills and encouraging the participation and artistic ideas of members. This culminates in an annual production, which is essentially a review consisting of mime, movement, dance, drama, poetry and sketches, ranging from the visually dramatic to humorous.
Side By Side has succeeded in making its theatre exciting, fun and accessible to all. The annual show is a delight for members and audience alike, indeed it is the connection between performers and audience that makes it so enjoyable. Our special approach and values enable us to perform memorable theatre which changes perceptions.
Our ideals remain constant - to produce quality, entertaining and inclusive theatre.

A Brief History
In June 1988 our founder, Sue Teers, was invited to start a drama course for residents at Weston Hospital. The challenge was how to move these residents from the audience to the other side of the footlights. The key was involving members from the Talisman Theatre in Kenilworth, with them performing alongside the residents, Side By Side was born.
At first we had 23 members performing to residents, friends, relations and helpers. Since then we have grown to a company 84 strong, with performances on film and we have been invited to perform at a number of special events.
In 1992 Weston hospital closed and Side By Side established themselves at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa, with rehearsals each Tuesday at "The Gap" Community Centre in Warwick.
Over the years audiences have increased, far beyond our initial expectations. It seems that once someone has experienced the excitement of a Side By Side performance they are hooked.
In 2002 demand was so high that we had to turn people away, so in 2003 we extended our run to three performances over two days.
Sadly in 2006 Sue died, this was a great loss to everyone both within Side by Side and the other theatre groups she was involved with.
Her vision and inspiration have not been lost. Our members maintain the values we have always believed in, our members have stepped forward with new creativity and involvement. Side By Side has a bright and innovative future.
On 2nd June 2012 Side By Side became one of the winners of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the equivalent of an MBE, which is for groups of volunteers who work in their local community for the benefit of others.
This prestigious UK National Honour recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.
Side By Side has received the Award for our work working alongside adults with learning disabilities, developing their confidence and self-esteem through use of the performing arts.
Organisations receiving the 2012 Award were selected from groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally, or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community.
Side By Side receives a certificate signed by The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty's representative, the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, at a special ceremony.
The charity now has the right to use The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service logo on our letterhead, documents and website.
Click here for presentation photos.

Company Details
Membership:
Performing Members 84
Committee Members: 9

Side By Side Committee:
Chair - Rod Wilkinson
Vice Chair - Penny Amis
Treasurer - Bob Teers
Company Secretary - Rhianon Hutchings
Artistic Director - Andy Bayliss
Marketing - Julian Wilkins
Members Secretary - Penny Holloway
Operating Guidance - Nina Godfrey

Webmaster: John Fenner

Side By Side was founded to give "adults with learning disabilities" the opportunity of developing and sharing with audiences their performing talents. Over the years all our performing members have benefited from working with such a wide-ranging group of people. Our inclusive approach allows sharing of skills, develops confidence and assertiveness skills, whilst drawing out previously undiscovered talents. "Labels" are shed - the emphasis is on abilities not disabilities. Some members take on the role of mentors, discovering the rewards that come from helping others. Through this they help to achieve goals that were previously thought unattainable, and many close links and friendships have developed.