Fluid Motion is inspired by lived experience, giving us a unique perspective on how the arts can transform mental health

Our Story

  • A person sitting in a blue plastic tub on a wooden floor, with another person standing behind them holding their arms up. The sitting person is wearing a black shirt and patterned pants.

    In 2008, Ali Gill and Leigh Johnstone met at the University of Winchester while studying drama. It was there that they discovered they shared a similar vision and ambition for what they hoped to accomplish after graduation. Ali’s mother died when she was just 12 years old and being on stage and taking part in drama lessons helped her as a child to deal with those emotions. Leigh grew up with an alcoholic parent and used an after-school drama club as a way to deal with the challenges at home, finding solace and expression in the creative freedom of theatre.

  • The two founders of Fluid Motion Theatre smiling in front of a wall covered with various posters and flyers.

    When Ali met Leigh at university they were both troubled souls. These experiences prompted them to set up a theatre company (while in their second year of university) that helped children and young people develop confidence and life skills. Fluid Motion was born.

  • Group of people sitting on the floor at Youth Theatre in a discussion, in a room with dark brick walls. Hosted by Fluid Motion Theatre.

    The company started running a series of regular youth theatres across Hampshire, which soon grew into courses and workshops for adults as well. These courses adapted drama techniques and exercises to offer adults fresh ways of expressing themselves and gaining greater insight into their emotions and personal experiences, which would help them with their mental health but also their employability skills.

  • People sitting on blue swings outdoors at a Take Ten event hosted by Fluid Motion Theatre

    Underpinning everything was a strong passion to help people, often the most vulnerable in our community. The company became a registered Charity in 2020 and its work had expanded to include a series of outdoor installations that toured nationally, regular education and community workshops across Hampshire, training and volunteer opportunities, and a large-scale outdoor arts festival.

  • The founders of Fluid Motion theatre smiling at an event, with one person holding an award.

    Fluid Motion is now an award-winning arts organisation and a leader in the field of arts and health. We work with around 2000 people a year from our base at the Totton Creative Hub and deliver an innovative arts and health program that builds on our rich history and experience.

MEET THE TEAM

We’re a friendly bunch

Red balloon with the number 2 printed on it
  • Ali from Fluid Motion Theatre smiling in a floral display with colorful flowers and greenery around her, including sunflowers and hanging flowers.

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Ali Gill

  • Leigh from Fluid Motion Theatre in a white shirt and suspenders standing in front of a colorful floral background with hanging flowers and large decorative blooms.

    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

    Leigh Johnstone

  • Nikki from Fluid Motion Theatre Smiling person with curly brown hair wearing a turquoise knit sweater.

    MARKETING COORDINATOR

    Nikki Fisher

Our Values

  • Purpose

    To use theatre and creative activity as a tool to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.

    People in pairs hugging in a room with mirrored walls.

  • Vision

    We want people to experience the positive benefits that theatre and creative activity can have on wellbeing, especially those who might not normally engage with them. We want as many people as possible to have a ‘lightbulb moment’, the realisation that the arts can improve their mental health.

    A group of students standing in a dark room holding lit light bulbs, casting a warm glow on their faces.

  • Values

    To make everyone count. 

    To be community-focused. 

    To be excellent in our delivery. 

    To take risks and be innovative.

    To be sustainable and responsible.

    People sitting on blue swings under a sign reading "Sit Comfortably" in a park setting with green trees.

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Our Highlights js-hero-timeline

  • 2010

    Fluid Motion was born

    The company was founded by Ali Gill and Leigh Johnstone, who at the time were both drama students at The University of Winchester. They wanted to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in theatre as a tool to improve their confidence and wellbeing. This vision was based on the fact that they had both experienced poor mental health as children and used theatre to help them through tough times.

    Three people in a rehearsal or script reading, one holding papers, another sitting up, and a third lying down.

  • 2012

    We launched ‘Streetspeare’

    Our Shakespeare-inspired street theatre tour popped up in high streets and shopping centres across the South East. It was aimed at getting as many people interested in Shakespeare and theatre as possible.

    Group of people wearing Renaissance-era costumes with white shirts and colorful hats, walking outdoors near a stone wall.

  • 2013

    The success of ‘Streetspeare’

    Led us to develop the ‘Streetspeare Schools Festival', which was an education program that ran for several years in primary and secondary schools across Hampshire. The focus of the project was on helping children transition from primary to secondary school, and we would work with a mixed group from both schools for several months to create their own version of a Shakespeare play. We would get the group to work as a theatre company, and they took on roles such as director, stage manager, costume designer, and actor.

    Children participating in an outdoor theater activity with "Streetspeare Schools Project" banners on a ship's deck.

  • 2014

    The employability and confidence skills course

    We developed an eight-week employability and confidence skills course that was funded by the European Social Fund. This course ran in several locations across Hampshire and was the starting point of our targeted work in deprived communities, using drama to build confidence and support wellbeing.

    Group of people clapping in a room with a wooden table and chairs

  • 2016

    All in the Mind Festival

    We launched the ‘All in the Mind Festival', which was the leading mental health-themed outdoor arts festival in the UK. The festival took place on a Saturday in September every year until 2022 and brought together a wide variety of artists who had performances around mental health themes. The festival attracted around 4000 people at its height. 

    Outdoor puppet show with a performer sitting on a decorated van, assisted by a stagehand, surrounded by a small audience.

  • 2016

    Rum in the Gravy Boat

    Our artistic director created a play about his own childhood growing up with an alcoholic parent called ‘Rum in the Gravy Boat’. The show also featured Ali Gill and toured across the Southeast, attracting four- and five-star reviews. The play was also shortlisted for ‘Best New Writing’ at the Brighton Fringe.

    Two people smiling and posing in front of a "Rum in the Gravy Boat" poster, outdoors with trees in the background.

  • 2020

    Becoming a registered charity

    The company became a registered charity. The pandemic hit. We got through it and came through stronger.

    A group of individuals, all wearing masks, are gathered in a room with several tables and chairs. Some are seated, while others are standing or crouching with cameras. A person in the foreground is giving a thumbs-up. The setting resembles a meeting or a workshop.

  • 2021

    Take Ten

    ‘Take Ten’ was created. This is our unique performance installation that tours nationally.

    People in blue pajamas sitting on swings in a park under signs that say 'Swing Gently' and 'Breathe Deeply'.

  • 2024

    Creative Support Hub

    We took the biggest leap in our history (so far) and opened our ‘Creative Support Hub’ in Totton, New Forest. This is the first time Fluid Motion has ever had its own venue to deliver work from, and the hub is now our permanent home. We are focused on supporting children and young people in our community.

    Children participating in an art activity at a table in a room with black and white checkered floor, festive decorations, and an educational banner. They are painting on canvases and sitting around tables with art supplies.

Support our charity

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference. Please join us in supporting mental health through creativity. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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