A PAVEMENT will be the stage for sleepy staff at one Oxford theatre, as they raise awareness of homelessness next week.

Twelve workers at the Oxford Playhouse will sleep outside the theatre’s front doors next Thursday night. They hope to raise awareness of rough sleeping and cash for charities the Big Issue and Oxford Homeless Pathways.

Community engagement officer Maisy Ash said: “This is all about awareness and breaking down the stigma. It’s a great opportunity to do something about it.”

The sleep-out coincides with the stage adaptation of David Walliams’ children’s novel Mr Stink, which tells the story of a girl who befriends a homeless man.

And following the performances on Tuesday and Wednesday young audience members will also be able to quiz real-life charity workers and homeless people.

Miss Ash added: “This is about getting people to talk openly about homelessness. It will give young people the chance to see what it’s really like. We’re saying they are here and you just need to ask.”

The sleep-out begins at 7.30pm and the brave dozen plan to remain there until 7.30am.

Miss Ash said: “The support for homeless people is brilliant in Oxford but there are still homeless people on the streets every night.

“We all get to go back to our beds the next day, but they don’t get to do that. It will be great on Friday when we have completed it and knowing what the money means to the charities.”

Also taking part will be box office workers Nathan Grassi, 29, and Laura Sherwood, 23.

Mr Grassi said: “I’m really excited about it, though I do walk past the front step every day and it’s been raining a lot recently.”

Miss Sherwood added: “I’m really not the camping type, but they are two local charities which really help people here in Oxford.

“I’ll probably sleep right through it – I love my sleep.”

The Big Issue Foundation spokesman Hannah Davies said: “Without this kind of generosity, we simply could not exist.

“The sleep-out is a great way of raising awareness of homelessness and the important work of groups such as OxHoP and The Big Issue.”

Tickets to Mr Stink are available from oxfordplayhouse.com or 01865 305305.

To sponsor the team visit just giving.com/teams/oxfordplay housesleepout