Homelessness takes centre stage in new Scottish partnership

A Glasgow charity and Scottish theatre company have teamed up to bring stories of homelessness to the stage.  

The charity Talbot Association have partnered with Our Time Productions to support a new play called Turn a Different Corner, which is due to tour Scotland this month and in early 2027. 

Set in Glasgow homeless drop-in centre, the production uses drama, humour and live music to explore the lives of people facing homelessness. 

According to the latest council figures, Glasgow has the highest rate of homelessness in Scotland. There were 223 households for every 10,000, which is 63% higher than the national average.

At the beginning of the year, 9,337 people were living in temporary accommodation, including 3,367 children. 

While these statistics highlight the scale of homelessness in the city, Michael O’Neill, deputy CEO and director of development at Talbot Association said theatre could offer another perspective on the issue. 

‘What really attracted us to Turn a Different Corner was its humanity,’ O’Neill said. ‘Homelessness is often discussed in terms of statistics, services and problems, but behind every statistic is a person with their own story, relationships, talents, humour, hopes and ambitions. 

‘Theatre gives us an opportunity to see the world through somebody else’s eyes. It can challenge assumptions, create conversations and help us recognise what we have in common with one another.’

Complimentary tickets will be available to people supported by the charity, including those who may not have experienced live theatre before. 

‘We are delighted to be partnering with Our Time Productions,’ O’Neill added.

‘We hope this is the beginning of a relationship that will create opportunities not only for audiences, but also for the people we support and our staff to become involved in creativity, theatre and storytelling.

‘Sometimes changing how we think about homelessness begins simply by hearing someone’s story.’

More details about the play, including purchasing tickets, can be found here. 

Image: Claudia Messner/UnSplash

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