Oxford is a town of two cities. The poverty and deprivation which triggered the town or gown riots of the early 1990s has been entrenched further in recent years. Economic stagnation - as wages fail to rise for most - and cuts to public services, have deepened inequalities. More than 72% of children born in Blackbird Leys today are born into poverty.

The Journey, a play produced by the Community Development Initiative (CDI), was put on at the Old Fire Station last night. It featured the impressive users of the CDI's youth services, and the Clockhouse services (for those over the age of 50).

Set in a Caribbean restaurant, users of the local CDI wandered in to order goat curry, patties, dumplings, or rice and beans. The staff - despite the resistance of the owner - encouraged the restaurant patrons to talk about what they get up to at their local centre in the Leys.

The 'semi-fictional' play therefore became a unique way for for the staff and users of CDI to show off the real work that they do in South East Oxford, and have done over the past 12 months specifically, with young people and older folk living in one of the most impoverished cities in the UK.

A series of fantastic dance, rap, and singing performances ensued. Of particular note was the performance of the young man Yazzar who hardly left the stage all night (being the main restaurant worker and host to CDI guests), but who remained effortlessly engaging, funny and sweet.

The singing, dancing, rapping, and zumba performances were interspersed with video clips, highlighting the CDI's impressive range of projects in the Leys.

I was heartened to learn more about CDI and the phenomenal work they do here in Oxford. I enjoyed learning that young children have been treated to introductions in virtual reality technology, and code. They sing, dance, play football and table tennis too. Older users of the centre regularly do tai chi, gardening, writing and drawing. A kitchen unites young and old.

The capacity and skill of the CDI users and staff was very clear throughout the performance. For an amateur production, they rocked the stage. For youth and elderly projects that run on such small budgets, the CDI does so very much, with huge smiles and big hearts. I smiled from beginning to end throughout The Journey. The play was uplifting and inspiring, and may have contained a subtle call to arms against inequity and austerity!