Award-winning Streetwise Opera is thrilled to announce that its free singing and creative workshops for people experiencing homelessness will now take place at Backstage, The Old Vic’s new creative hub in London.
Backstage is a new extension of The Old Vic on Waterloo Road, created as a bright, welcoming space where people can rehearse, learn and create work alongside one of London’s most iconic theatres.
Rachael Williams, Chief Executive of Streetwise Opera, said:
“We are thrilled to be working at Backstage, a space designed to be welcoming, unintimidating and open, which aligns with Streetwise Opera’s values. People experiencing homelessness are often made to feel unwelcome and unappreciated, so being invited to create work in a major theatre like The Old Vic clearly tells our performers that they belong in world-class spaces and that their creativity matters.”
Hannah Fosker, Education and Community Director at The Old Vic, said:
“We are thrilled to celebrate a wonderful collaboration between The Old Vic and Streetwise Opera, who will be running their inspiring workshops in The Old Vic’s newly opened Backstage building. This partnership brings together two organisations that believe deeply in the transformative power of the arts — creating space for creativity, confidence and connection to thrive. Streetwise Opera’s workshops will fill this beautiful new home with music, storytelling and the voices of lived experience, continuing The Old Vic’s proud tradition of making theatre that opens hearts and minds both on and off the stage. Here’s to new beginnings, shared creativity, and the enduring power of performance to bring people together.”
John Apling, a participant in Streetwise Opera’s weekly workshops, said:
“It’s great to be here, in a space where we feel happy, comfortable and safe. I love that we have a big window with a very nice view. I’m really glad we are working at The Old Vic.”
Audrey Joseph, another Streetwise performer, said:
“I was chuffed before we arrived, knowing that we have a new space, because I’ve worked twice at The Old Vic. I did a production there and then one year I helped with the costumes. This was a few years ago. So I was quite excited about being here, and I am looking forward, as time goes by, to see what will become of us being here.”
The workshops, open to anyone who has experienced homelessness, take place in Backstage’s Clore Learning Centre on Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm. Until April 2026, the London group will work on Reimagining the Classics, a project that reinterprets iconic operas.
