What We Do

Metta Theatre exists to change the world. Established in 2005 by visionary Writer/Director P Burton-Morgan and Motley trained Designer William Reynolds Metta Theatre is at the forefront of new work - with a particular focus on the development of new British musical theatre. Known for combining emotionally powerful performances with imaginative theatricality and striking visual style Metta Theatre is one of the UK’s leading mid-scale touring companies. We commission, develop and create exceptional mid and large scale new musical theatre, plays and operas that represent and celebrate the diversity of our world. Previous partners and collaborators include the Soho Theatre, Southbank Centre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Oxford Playhouse, Manchester Royal Exchange and York Theatre Royal. Metta were artists in residence at the V&A 2017-2018 and an Associate Company at Exeter Northcott Theatre 2016-2019.

As an organisation we are always trying to better our working practices and collaborate with other organisations who share our values and can help us in our learning journey. Previous organisations we’ve collaborated with on board training around EDI include Ramps on The Moon, Ink Arts and Access All Areas.

Mission Statement | Radical Populism

Story is at the heart of every Metta production - we radically reimagine popular and well-loved narratives using text, music, projection, puppetry, dance and circus. We tell political stories with imagination, putting marginalised voices on main stages. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, should be able to access bold, innovative and intelligent theatre and should be able to see themselves and their experiences reflected on our stages.

meta-theatrical: theatre that’s aware of it’s own theatricality – replacing reality with imagination.

metta: a Buddhist word meaning compassion, loving kindness, the strong wish for the happiness of others.

We Believe In...

Diversity - we make theatre for everyone that reflects everyone - we are committed to gender parity in casting, we also aim for at least 30% global majority performers within our casts and integrated companies of D/deaf, disabled, neuro-diverse and non-disabled performers.

Audience – we care about the people who see our work, so we work hard to reach them, make it accessible and affordable and listen to their feedback.

Artists – we try to be open and transparent in our dealings with all of our collaborators, and pay reasonably & fairly.

Innovation – we push the boundaries either in form or presentation, process of working or content of show and in doing so entertain, inform and educate both audience and artists.

Compassion – our working practices, relationships and the work itself are permeated by compassion and openness.

Our world – we minimise negative environmental & social impact in every area of our work, and actively encourage the same approach among our collaborators. More info here.

2020 Black Lives Matter statement

See our statement here.