The arts industry may have fallen on hard times recently, but a Merton theatre company is refusing to shy away from the (virtual) spotlight.

Rah Rah Theatre Company, based in Raynes Park, has used lockdown to become more versatile, upping its online presence with funding from the Arts Council.

The company, which promotes “theatre for social change”, has been using drama as a form of therapy in local theatres, schools, care centres and community spaces, since its creation in 2001.

But in the current crisis, Rah Rah says its workshops with isolated and vulnerable groups are more vital than ever.

Tomorrow morning (July 28), the company will show 'Online Antics' for Collingwood Court Care Centre, an assisted living facility in Clapham.

Previous initiatives have included an online interactive variety show, activity packs with online tutorials led by their actors, and ‘Sunshine Calls’ - singing telegrams on doorsteps or via phone.

Rah Rah says it has been overwhelmed by the feedback received from the community.

One commenter said:

"My Dad, due to his dementia, has barely said a word since lockdown started. I watched with tears in my eyes as he sang along to all of Rah Rah’s songs. I will never forget this very special moment!"

The company have found other creative ways to tackle the social problems that have arisen over lockdown.

Work-related shows, such as 'Wex Factor' have been adapted to cover the challenges students face with furthering their education and future careers remotely.

While its human trafficking project, ‘My Mind is Free’, has educated frontline workers to detect signs of human rights violations.

Wimbledon Times:

An actor in an online performance of Wex-Factor

Jude Spooner, the Director of RahRah Theatre Company, says:

“We have relished the new challenge to be creative in a whole new way! We are sad to see theatres closed for so long and know many will struggle to reopen.

“However, to be in this industry you need to be very resilient and I am excited to see the new work people will produce due to the current situation.”