Forced Entertainment

 We are a group of six artists based in Sheffield, UK. We make performances as well as projects in other media and contexts.

The Guardian newspaper has called us “Britain’s most brilliant experimental theatre company” which we like!  Our work varies quite a lot - from projects that are very brash and theatrical to other works that are very minimal and text-based.  In everything we do we are trying to find ways to talk about contemporary experience, and to create exciting and intimate encounters with audiences. 

Since we started in 1984 we have presented our projects in a lot of different places in the UK, all over mainland Europe and much further afield. 

“21st century... People lived thru this stuff didn’t they? We can afford to go quickly..."
The World in Pictures 2006

We make art that explores the highs, lows and complexities of contemporary life.

Our aim is to make vital interventions in the form of culture, reflecting on the world that surrounds us, asking necessary questions, engaging broad and diverse communities in compelling and provocative ways.

Our work spans theatre and performance through digital media, video installation and publication. It is original, contemporary work that develops new forms and old to find the most effective articulation of its ideas. The work is shown in a variety of contexts, appropriate to the individual projects, ranging from theatres to public sites and art galleries. 

We are committed to a collective practice, to building and maintaining a group that shares a history, skills and an equal involvement in the creative process. Alongside this we involve collaborators from diverse disciplines that introduces fresh approaches and ideas, invigorating our practice.