Shiv never imagined that stepping into a theatre workshop could change his life. A Londoner with a history of substance use stretching back to his teenage years, he’d been through cycles of addiction, even serving time in prison. But while in detox at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Shiv found himself drawn to a unique invitation to take part in a Drama Taster Session with Outside Edge Theatre Company.

From that tentative first session, Shiv’s involvement snowballed. After continuing with workshops, he was offered a part in a play written by Outside Edge’s founder, Phil Fox. Performing on stage felt transformative. “When we finished, the rush I got was better than the best speedball,” Shiv says, describing the experience as pure euphoria mixed with calm. For the first time in years, he was truly present, free from the confines of his past.

Theatre not only allowed Shiv to explore new identities on stage but also reshaped his sense of self.

This revelation empowered Shiv to start helping others, first as a volunteer at his local drug and alcohol service and then as a facilitator in SMART Recovery meetings.

Now, more than a decade after beginning his journey with Outside Edge, Shiv has gone on to work as a professional actor, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Old Vic Theatre. He has also become a paid facilitator at Outside Edge, leading two groups where he brings his experiences full circle, supporting others as they find strength in creative expression.

Outside Edge gave Shiv more than just a stage. It gave him a second family, a renewed purpose, and a future he’s proud to build. Today, Shiv dreams of building on his accomplishments as both an actor and mentor, a path he now believes is limitless.