Inclusive, incredibly creative - the AHI x One Roof ODAC Scratch Night blew me away

I was lucky enough to volunteer on the first ever Scratch Night, hosted by Arts & Homelessness International, in collaboration with One Roof ODAC.

Arriving at the multipurpose Old Diorama Arts Centre there’s a warm, relaxed welcome from the second you enter the door. The place feels very alive.

Drummond Street Artists have created the most vibrant, compelling exhibition in the foyer. Come visit – it’s on till 18th October. All the paintings are for sale, and 100% of profits go directly to the artists – some of whom I had the joy to meet at the Scratch Night.

The centre itself has fantastic facilities and helpful, fun staff. The core AHI team: Matt Peacock, Samra Said and Katie Langford, instantly make you feel at ease. It was great to get stuck in.

This Scratch Night gives people with lived experience of homelessness the chance to try out any creative work in progress. There’s no pressure to have something polished before performing. The bare bones of ideas, in any medium, are welcome.

It’s a place to witness – and be part of – some incredible creativity.

It’s a place to chat (if you feel like it), enjoy some food, meet some like-minded souls.

The joy is, you can contribute as little or as much as you like – as an audience member or a participant.

Host David Tovey welcomed a number of performers who had signed up ahead of the event. More were inspired on the spot to take part. The spirit of connection in the room was special.

After each person shared their piece, Calum Perrin (an Associate alumni of AHI) led informal feedback chats in a supportive structure.

Calum used something called Critical Response Process as a guide, a feedback method developed by artist Liz Lerman. The idea is it motivates the performer to go and take their next steps in developing their work. It’s relaxed, refreshing and really useful.

Philip Bayes performed a monologue about housing. He delivered it in the style of a speech to the House of Commons. It was brilliantly detailed, and based on lived experience. It’s a piece you hope will get heard by those who can enact change.

Alain English performed some excellent new poetry, with powerful physicality.

Nell Hardy, Founder of Response Ability Theatre, led her co-creatives in what was unbelievably their first time performing the opening song to their next play – COMPLEX. The harmonies were mesmerising.

ODAC’s keyboard was put to wonderful use by Dr Mehdi, whose first composition began as a piece of classical music, developing into a song. He sang in Farsi, letting us know the meaning behind the lyrics afterwards.

A number of other artists spontaneously performed new poetry and music – including a very honest, topical poem written only that morning.

The evening culminated in a merry jam session, which left us feeling on a high. 

The strength of community was deep. It was an important evening, full of life, light, creative expression and good chats.

The next AHI x One Roof ODAC Scratch Night is on Friday 21st November. 

Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

To attend the next Scratch Night at Old Diorama Arts Centre, London on 21 November, click here. If you are a creative with lived experience of homelessness and you are interested in sharing your work, click here.

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