Community Matters: Torquay theatre invigorates community

Asset-based community development (ABCD) is a bottom-up way of strengthening communities through identifying and harnessing existing 'assets' (i.e. skills, knowledge, old buildings, resources, experience or enthusiasm) of individuals and communities to strengthen and improve things locally. Instead of looking at what a community needs or lacks, the approach focuses on what's strong and utilising the 'assets' that are already there.
The Unleashed Theatre Company at The Royal Lyceum, 27-29 Abbey Road, Torquay, is a great example of ABCD, facilitating the empowerment of individuals and communities, helping them to identify and share their strengths and then work together to create an amazing theatre community company and bring a historic building back to life.
Unleashed Community Drama meets every Thursday from 10am to 12pm, is open to everyone, and specialises in welcoming and supporting folk who are homeless or on a 12-step programme. This group meets every week, 51 weeks of the year and has grown into an inspirational community of performers. They have produced awesome theatrical productions such as "Under One Roof" and award-winning films "The Rich and the Pure." 
The Unleashed Community Choir meets every Tuesday (during school term times) from 7.30 to 9.30 pm and provides anyone and everyone with the opportunity to come together and sing. Singing is a natural antidepressant, lowers stress levels, and improves mental alertness and well-being. No requirement to read music or previous singing experience is needed; just get together with your neighbours and have fun! 
In 2022, the Unleashed Theatre Company acquired The Royal Lyceum Theatre, which was previously frequented by Agatha Christie, Charles Darwin, and Oscar Wilde. With the help of the local community, they aim to recreate the 'destination experience' that this building once was by reconnecting it with its heritage, celebrating its history, and unleashing its potential. 
The Royal Lyceum Theatre is also an excellent venue to hire; just last week Ellacombe School held their end-of-term musical there and the Melville Community group regularly use the space for Children's Fun Days, Community meetings and History Talks. 
The Unleashed Theatre regularly engages with local Torquay residents and asks them what they are interested in, hence the launch of their new Silver Screen ( Films from the 50s, 60s & 70s) and 80s Retro Film initiative. Starting Thursday 10th October, with "The System", filmed in Torquay with Oliver Reed, and "Back to the Future". 
See their website for future performances:  https://www.unleashedtheatrecompany.com/whats-on/
Save the date for their Christmas Extravaganza: A Christmas Carol – the musical, 4th to 7th December. 
To learn more about activities happening in the Torquay Town Centre area, call me on 07931567885 or email cerisilk@torbaycommunities.org.uk.