
When The World Turns
Oily Cart / Polyglot Theatre
Information
Times: 11am, 2pm
Tickets: Free – booking required
Running Time: 60 minutes (no interval)
Age Recommendation: 0 – 25 years
This event takes place in person in our Lower Hall
When we are still, we can feel the world turning…
Join us on an adventure, where your senses lead the way. You will become part of a fantastical world where animals, plants and objects are brought to life all around you. Here you can fully be yourself. Here, you are an important part of the eco-system.
This immersive, sensory performance will take you into the heart of a living landscape, featuring surround-sound, singing, lights, shadows, scents, water, puppetry and over 300 plants. When the World Turns playfully explores our connection with each other and the world around us.
When the World Turns is an award-winning, accessible show from the pioneers of Sensory Theatre, Oily Cart. You can expect small audience numbers to allow for lots of up-close sensory moments, a gentle pace, and plenty of breathing space for processing. The show has been expertly crafted for and with disabled children of all ages who experience complex and multiple barriers to access (often described as having PMLD.)
‘A gem of an experience’ ★★★★The Scotsman
‘If any politician requires confirmation of the power and value of theatre then Oily Cart’s When the World Turns does the job and does it with a genuine sense of wonder.’The Stage
‘Truly remarkable. Access is woven into the production at every turn. It is theatre which is intentionally slow and deeply thoughtful…you emerge filled with a comfortable joy and appreciation for simply’ being.‘ Impel Theatre Blog
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PART OF LIBERTY FESTIVAL 2025
Liberty Festival is the Mayor of London’s flagship disability arts festival, platforming some of the most exciting disabled creatives, showcasing bold, innovative work for free that excites, challenges and reframes disability for audiences across the capital and hosted in each London Borough of Culture.
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Biographies
Oily Cart
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 they have pioneered a new artform: Sensory Theatre. By pushing theatre beyond words – using not just 5, but all 33 senses – they 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.
Credits
When the World Turns was originally commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne for major arts and disability festival Alter State 2022.
This UK tour has received support from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Community Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Boshier-Hinton Foundation, Cockayne – Grants for the Arts: A donor advised fund held at The London Community Foundation, The Royal Victoria Hall Foundation, True Colours Trust, Wandsworth Council, funders that wish to remain anonymous and individual donors.
Access
PRE EVENT INFORMATION
This event takes place in person in our Lower Hall. This space is on the ground floor, with step-free access to the space.
If you have booked a ticket you will receive an email from us before your performance detailing important information about your visit.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Content
- Soft flashing lights
- Sudden noises
- Use of strong scented oils and diffusers
- Cast interaction with the audience
- Water interaction (sprayed mist, water play)
This performance takes place in a small group.
Textile touch maps, audience booklets, ear defenders, fidget toys and weighted blankets will be available.
All performances will be Relaxed. We invite you to make yourself comfortable and move around if you need to, and if you need to leave the performance at any point you will be allowed to return to the space when you feel ready.
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