In the studio for Manmade
In January 2026, we tagged along with ZoieLogic dance artists Ollie Webb and Robyn Holder to Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill to see how they were working together to create a performance for Manmade 2026.
Posted 19 March 2026
Pictures by Matt Walker and words by Ollie Webb
Q. What happens when you first start a workshop?
A. Most of the boys walk in, look at what we’re doing and say, “Wow, I’m never going to be able to do that.” Our first job is to remove that doubt. We guide them to the end goal, give them the tools, and let them play until they find it and feel confident with it.
Q. How do you get them invested in the work?
A. It’s important that they see themselves reflected in what they’re making and that they feel invested in the creative process.
We hand over the creative keys from minute one, and try to remove any sense of right and wrong – which they’re used to in other classes. It’s interesting for them because in other classes, they might not get opportunities to express themselves or their ideas, but here they have complete creative freedom.
For a lot of boys, it can be one of the only spaces they have to actually speak their mind without being judged.
Q. What’s different between this and other school activities?
A. One of the big things is the environment we want to create – it’s physical but non-competitive.
I feel like this really benefits their trust and team building skills, which leads to taking more creative and technical risks, without fear.
We try to meet them where they are. A workshop could be first thing on a Monday morning, or after lunch on a Wednesday and that brings very different energy.
Some are there for different reasons, they might want to be creative, some just want to dance, some are there because of friends and some are there just because they’ve been told to.
We focus on harnessing the energy they bring into the room. Rather than fighting against it, we channel that natural momentum directly into creative tasks.
Find out more about manmade
Find out more about our annual Manmade performance platform for boys and young men
Credits
Manmade by ZoieLogic is supported by Backstage Trust, in partnership with Mayflower. ZoieLogic Dance Theatre is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.