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Description
The OSO Arts Centre is an intimate theatre located in Barnes. The theatre is housed within the Old Sorting Office and is supported by a café with views across Barnes Green, which transforms into a cosy bar in the evenings. The theatre has been functioning as an arts space since 2002, and in 2012 came under new management who invested in turning the space into a black box theatre with raked seating.
The theatre now hosts professional productions, with a mixed programme of new writing, dance, music and comedy. The theatre aims to attract high-quality, inventive work from young companies, theatre groups with a connection to the area, and touring companies. The OSO also hosts daytime art, drama and dance classes which, alongside the theatre programme, and the friendly, supportive atmosphere, fulfil the venue's mission to provide the local community with opportunities to engage with and enjoy the arts.
History
The OSO Arts Centre is a charitable trust and began life in Barnes in 2002 when the site of the old sorting office was regenerated by Leander Estates and Richmond Council. The result was mixture of commercial and residential units which included the provision of a community building. In 1999 the first residents moved in to the new development and the arts centre began to take shape. In all, it took nearly five years to raise the money to refurbish these historic buildings, and the doors finally opened to the public in September 2002. This hub of artistic endeavour has since provided a home for theatre productions, live music, art exhibitions, dance classes, and drama for all ages and abilities.
Since 2012 it has been managed by a board of trustees selected to spearhead a renewed vision for the venue. Through a fundraising campaign, a raked seating bank and black flooring has been added to the existing curtains and lighting rig, to create an intimate, professional venue. Over the past two years, the trustees have employed a small full-time team to manage the operations, marketing and content of the building.
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