Metta Theatre exists to change the world. Established in 2005 by visionary Director Poppy 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.
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.
