Hampstead Theatre is working with Camden Council, Age UK Camden, Wac Arts and the Winch to give people from London’s ‘loneliest borough’ the chance to combat isolation through making, exploring and watching theatre.

According to research published in Camden’s State of the Borough Report in 2024 more than a third of adults in Camden said they feel lonely some of the time, often or always. At 36.3%* the figure is the highest of all the London boroughs.

Now, in response to that statistic, Hampstead Theatre has launched a new theatre-based participatory programme for adults who are at risk of loneliness and social isolation. The programme includes regular Community Nights which offer a relaxed space for groups to engage with the theatre through tours, social events and tickets to shows.

Jennifer Davis, Hampstead Theatre’s Participation Director, said:

“We’ve been working hand-in-hand with organisations such as Age UK Camden, the Winch and Wac Arts to find a way to bring local people and communities together to combat social isolation and loneliness, both of which can have a significant impact on people’s wellbeing.

“So far, we’ve welcomed 350 people to take part in writing and performance sessions or to see a show at the theatre and have seen first-hand the hugely positive effect that creativity and making connections can have on individuals and communities.”

Councillor Anna Burrage, Camden Council Primrose Hill Ward, said:

“I’m delighted to see the impact of Hampstead Theatre’s community participation work on our local area. It’s brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to work with dedicated professionals, fostering a sense of community and creativity. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and I’m proud to have supported this initiative. I look forward to seeing its continued growth and success.”

Councillor Judy Dixey, Camden Council Belsize Ward, said:

“Belsize Councillors were delighted to support Hampstead Theatre’s Participation team with their latest community-based projects. The productions by the participants, all members of the local community, were exceptionally stirring, and I’m sure the impacts will be far-reaching for them themselves. These projects also demonstrated the wide value of our local theatre, and the power of the community activity undertaken by a very small but hugely imaginative team.”

The collaboration with Age UK Camden has so far seen playwright Martha Watson-Allpress and a group of older people write a play about their experiences of ageing while challenging common stereotypes. Their work was brought to life by a cast of professional actors at Hampstead Theatre. Meanwhile, at the Winch - a local charity that supports families and young people – artist Yasmin Dawes and a group of women at risk of homelessness created a play called Seeds of Joy. Performing in front of an audience for the first time was a significant achievement for all of them.

The next project in May, a partnership with Wac Arts, will explore how theatre can help build positive relationships between generations by bringing together younger and older people to form a creative writing group.

Hampstead theatre’s participation programme complements its other work with new and established writers through its INSPIRE mentorship programme and the work it produces across its two stages. Later this year a new course for local first-time directors will be launched by the theatre in recognition of the current gap in director training opportunities.

Hampstead Theatre’s participation programme is supported by Camden Council. Further details on the projects can be found at hampsteadtheatre.com.

 

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