Becoming a Theatre of Sanctuary at The Glasshouse
By Lou Duff, Manager (Make Music, Young People)
Music is a universal language, and I want everyone to feel at home at The Glasshouse.
Our building isn’t just a place for gigs and performances – it’s where people from all walks of life come together, share experiences and feel part of the community.
That’s why I’m excited to be working towards becoming a Theatre of Sanctuary: a national movement of venues commitment to being safe, friendly and supportive spaces for refugees and asylum seekers. It’s more than a badge – it means adapting our programmes, training our staff and working with partners and people with lived experience to make sure everyone feels welcome.
Last spring, my team and I took an important step on this journey when we invited refugee and asylum seeker families to The Big Family Gig – an afternoon filled with music and connection. For many, it was their first time seeing professional live music in a venue. Scarves floated through the air, puppets danced, bubbles popped and the sound of the drums and guitars brought the room the life. Parents chatted over lunch, children played and laughed and families left with song bags filled with instruments, books and puppets to take the joy home with them.
One parent told me “The Glasshouse is a very nice place. We enjoyed the gig very much as it was very beneficial for my family.”
We couldn’t have made the event happen without our incredible partners, including Action Foundation, Peace of Mind and the Comfrey Project, who spread the word, supported translation and even hand delivered tickets. Lunch was provided by Olivia’s Kitchen and included halal options and takeaway trays for people who were fasting.
Maddy at Action Foundation said, “It was one of the most accessible and inclusive events we’ve been involved with and we received such positive feedback from the families. It was lovely to see the children interacting and having fun. We appreciate the effort that went into making the activities so engaging and inclusive.”
We wanted the event to have a legacy and since then, the work has continued. From family music-making workshops with the Comfrey Project to a Refugee Week celebration in their garden, to plans for a new music-making sessions with Action Foundation’s Young Lives group, the connections made through music are growing stronger. Later this year, we’ll welcome 50 people with Peace of Mind for a festive visit that includes a music workshop before The Snowman in Concert.
As my colleague Kay Storey, our Make Music Young People Coordinator, says: “Our space should always feel safe and filled with warmth. We want refugee and asylum seeker families to share in the joy of live music and to know they belong here.”
For me, becoming a Theatre of Sanctuary is a journey. It’s about making sure that every family who walks through our doors feels at home, surrounded by music and a community that welcomes them.
