Theatre News | London
London’s sky-high rents are keeping talented writers out of theatre. A new initiative, Writers’ Block, wants to change that, and it has some of the biggest names in British drama behind it. Here are five things to know, including how you could get involved.
1. Phoebe Waller-Bridge bought a flat for writers
The Fleabag creator has bought a London flat specifically for writers early in their careers and donated its rent-free use to the scheme, along with a financial contribution. The resident pays only the bills. It’s a remarkably generous gesture, and a practical one: having somewhere to stay can make the difference between a writer attending rehearsals and meetings, or missing out altogether. Her support has given the scheme a huge boost as it officially launches.
2. A who’s who of British writing is backing it
Jack Thorne (Adolescence, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), James Graham (Dear England), Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley), Peter Morgan (The Crown), Lee Hall (Billy Elliot), Caryl Churchill and Martin McDonagh are among the supporters. Thorne says he was lucky his brother in Croydon put him up for five years when he started out. James Graham remembers sleeping on friends’ floors and working in call centres and bars while he wrote. Both say that, without help, many writers simply give up.
3. Londoners with spare rooms can become hosts
The heart of the scheme is a network of “Omnihosts”: people with a spare room or property who offer it to writers at a reduced rate. Rooms cost no more than £30 a night or £500 a month, and many hosts charge less. Writers’ Block vets the guests, manages the arrangements and supports hosts throughout, so you’re not just renting to a stranger. Fifteen homes have already signed up, and the scheme is keen to find more.
4. It can help tackle loneliness too
The organisers think it could particularly appeal to older people living alone, who might welcome some extra income and company. Hosting a writer brings creative people into your home, and the scheme’s support offers reassurance that a normal room listing can’t. One host, actor Alan Turkington, liked living with his writer guest so much that the arrangement has been extended indefinitely. It’s a lovely way to bring different generations together.
5. It’s already making a real difference
During its pilot year, 12 writers found accommodation, with stays ranging from one night to long-term placements. One playwright estimates it saves her around £850 a month, and another says it saved him £4,000 to £6,000 over a year. Writers’ Block grew out of the Adopt a Playwright Award, which has supported 55 writers since 2008, including Ryan Calais Cameron of For Black Boys. With just 16% of people in creative jobs coming from working-class backgrounds, it’s tackling a real problem.
How to get involved
Writers’ Block runs in partnership with Omnibus Theatre in Clapham. If you have a spare room in London and would like to become a host, or you work at a theatre and want to copy the model, you can contact the founders at sofiemason@tiscali.co.uk.