A workshop for the politically engaged and perpetually exhausted. In the face of arts cuts, climate collapse, and rising authoritarianism, what does it mean to keep making political theatre?
Is it still a tool for change or just shouting into the void? This session creates space to reflect, rant, and reimagine: to swap strategies, share frustrations, and ask what resistance looks like onstage today.
All ticket sales will be donated to WarChild. The workshop will take place on June 22nd at Riverside Studios, 1:30pm - 3:30pm.
About Sam Rees:
Sam Rees is a critically acclaimed theatre-maker whose work has been staged at leading UK venues, including Summerhall, Oxford Playhouse, Soho, Norwich Theatre, and Jermyn Street. His recent projects include Edinburgh Fringe 2024 sell-out show Lessons On Revolution, praised as ‘compelling and galvanising’ (James Graham), ‘one of my favourites of this year’s fringe’ (Natasha Tripney),‘a heartfelt paean to the politics of hope ★★★★★’ (The Scotsman), ‘the best thing we’ve seen this year ★★★★★’ (The Morning Star), ‘intelligent, questioning documentary theatre ★★★★’ (The Stage), and ‘one of the most talked about shows from this year’s festival’ (The Conversation), and The Food Bank Show, called ‘utterly magnetic ★★★★’ by Broadway Baby, a show which ‘creates space for radical conversation to happen ★★★★’ by A Young(ish) Perspective), and ‘an exemplary production that defies the rules of the genre’ by Theatre Weekly.
We provide professional development opportunities for actors, writers, artists, designers and makers from the region
We strive to be a creative hub in the city that allows for peer learning and support, nurturing a culture of shared opportunities and experiences to support in career development and sustainability.
We know that all work, at every scale, starts somewhere and that it can be incredibly difficult to access space and support to develop new work in it's initial stages.
As part of our Studio programme, we have created Open Door to new and developing professional work.
'If this town gave out a collective breath of exhaustion, buildings would shake across the whole of England'
Two best mates. One HUGE party. Luton pinned by austerity. An evening of noughties bangers and shots of shitty gin mixed with the chaos of violence. A night to remember!
Following a sold out Edinburgh Fringe run, Chalk Line (Blanket Ban, Southwark Playhouse Borough) presents The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return.
Set over one chaotic night, the play follows two best friends as they chase the highs of youth against a backdrop of systemic neglect. Painting a tapestry of violence and joy, it is a raw, real-time collision of friendship and survival. Told with biting wit and lyrical intensity, this production is a powerful exploration of class and identity, with a cracking house party that pulses round the corner.
£10 tickets available for the first preview performance, and £16 preview tickets available for second performance. Grab them before they go! No promo code needed - booking link below.
Our week long summer school is a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet friends and perform on the Hope Mill stage
Students not only experience singing, dancing and acting classes, but they will take part in craft and cooking sessions too.
Fully funded and part funded places are available.
Cost: £252
2025 Dates: 11 - 15 August
Theatre Porto is keen to become a place where live music can happen. A place where musicians – especially those from Ellesmere Port can share their music with an audience, and we want you to be part of it!
We’re all about supporting young talent, so if you’re between 14-25 years old, we’re particularly eager to hear from you!
How can we help?
Acting Strong: Resilience for Stage-Ready, Mind-Ready Artists.
Acting Strong is a podcast by Generation Arts, made for young people pursuing a career in the performing arts. In each episode, actors and artists from a range of backgrounds share real stories about how they got started, what it’s really like working in the industry, and how resilience helped them through the highs and lows. Honest, inspiring, and full of practical insight—this is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of a career on stage or screen.
Available at the direct link, or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or at Generation Arts website.
This production is supported using public funding through Arts Council England
Acting Strong and Generation Arts are not-for-profit.
Join WEST Youth Zone: Creative Collective
Aged 13-19? Are you interested in scriptwriting, spoken word poetry, performing and acting? Want to brush up on your acting technique, build your confidence and meet new people?
Every Friday from 5-10pm @ WEST Youth Zone White City we are offering dedicated workshops to our ‘Creative Collective’.
Become a member of WEST Youth Zone for just £5 annual membership and 50p per entry, you’ll unlock a place where you can make new friends, dive into 20+ fun activities a night, relax in a chilled space or try something new. You can also enjoy a tasty hot meal for just £1 in our BiteCity Café!
WEST is open to young people aged 8 – 19 (up to 25 with additional needs) from all backgrounds, for all abilities, and all across West London and beyond, so come and join WEST – Where Everyone Sticks Together!
The Level 2 Diploma programme is a vocational course covering all aspects of performance including devising, performing and professional practice
Delivered by experienced and specialised performing arts professionals you will be able to build upon your previous performance experience supporting your progression onto a Level 3 course or employment.
The Level 3 Extended Diploma programme is a vocational course covering all aspects of technical theatre including lighting for theatre, sound for theatre, stage management, design for stage and professional practice
Delivered by experienced and specialised technical theatre and performing arts professionals you will be able to build upon your previous performance experience supporting your progression to university, stage school or employment.
The Level 3 Extended Diploma programme is a vocational course covering all aspects of musical theatre including singing, dancing, acting and professional practice
Delivered by experienced and specialised performing arts professionals you will be able to build upon your previous performance experience supporting your progression to university, stage school or employment.
