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Beautifully unexpected sensory shows (that just might change the world).

For over 40 years, Oily Cart has been creating remarkable, accessible shows that connect with babies, children and young people, and their families. In this time we have pioneered a whole new artform: Sensory Theatre. By pushing theatre beyond words – using not just 5, but all 33 senses – we create immersive wonderlands that never tell children how they should watch theatre, but learn from them what theatre should be. An Oily Cart show can happen in your local theatre, hydrotherapy pool or school hall; on a trampoline or online; at home or even up in the air.

Each sensory experience is a space to be who you are and to be together: the magic happens somewhere between us. We collaborate with disabled and non-disabled artists of all ages, always considering those who experience the most barriers first. With each show, we fight for a world where theatre welcomes everyone.

In an Oily Cart show, everyone is equal. Everyone is part of the performance and in a little bubble of magic.
Sam, Mum to Lucy

beautifully conceived… a brilliantly crafted, wonderfully benign, deeply moving piece of theatre.
The Herald on Sunday (Sound Symphony)

We use the social model of disability.

Everything we do at Oily Cart is guided by the social model of disability, which was developed by disabled people. Under the social model, a person is disabled by barriers in society. At Oily Cart, we are committed to removing barriers in our own work and fighting for the wider industry to do the same, so that everyone has equal access to theatre.

The social model informs the language that we use to talk and think about Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people. Language should come from a place of ownership, and acknowledge that it is society’s barriers that are disabling, rather than a health condition or impairment.

In the last few years, we have shifted the language we use and this will continue to evolve. To find out more, visit Language We Use.

Funders

Here is a list of the amazing funders that make our vision possible:

Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Victoria Wood Foundation, Wandsworth Council, Daniel Curran, funders that wish to remain anonymous and individual donors

If you’d like to find out how to support our charity, please visit Support Us