Theatre Peckham has announced the programme for Peckham Fringe 2026, revealing more than 30 shows selected with the local community.
Running from 2 May to 5 June at Theatre Peckham and Canada Water Theatre, the festival showcases theatre, dance, comedy and spoken word rooted in the lived experiences and identities of South London.
This year’s festival is especially significant as it marks the beginning of Theatre Peckham’s 40th anniversary celebrations, reflecting four decades since its origins as the community arts project New Peckham Varieties in 1986.
Opening the programme is WITNESS, an adaptation of Alex Wheatle’s award‑winning novel. Developed through the Alex Wheatle Witness Project for Young Actors, the production follows a South London teenager navigating loyalty, truth and family in the aftermath of school exclusion. Directed by Suzann McLean, the piece explores youth identity and social responsibility.
The wider 2026 season spans themes of community, justice, identity and resilience. Works such as Four Walled Boyfriend examine queer and feminist stories, while The Infinite Colours on The Drinks Aisle and Repatriated address nationalism, migration and social division.
Comedy and social commentary feature in shows including Pack It Up, Selam Aleykum, I Come in Peace and PLEASE THANK YOU SORRY, offering alternative reflections on culture, belonging and power.
Returning programme staples include One Legacy – Monologue Showcase and the Poetry Foyer, created with Poetic Unity. New work explores youth experiences and hyper‑local stories, with productions such as Our Father, Convo., Debris, June’s Story, Romeo Must Die and God’s Gift focusing on intergenerational trauma, mentorship and family resilience.
Pieces like Roots and Cornershop Chronicles look at gentrification and migration, while the festival also embraces innovative forms, from ballet in Pointe Black: Overcome to the AI‑driven storytelling of zoë.exe and sensory dark comedy in A Perfect Dish.
Now in its fifth year, Peckham Fringe continues to platform early‑career and underrepresented artists, supporting bold voices and experimental storytelling.
The festival is shaped collaboratively with Theatre Peckham’s Ambassadors, a team of local residents whose insight ensures the programme reflects the breadth of community experience.
Suzann McLean MBE, CEO and Artistic Director of Theatre Peckham, said: “Peckham Fringe has always been about opening the doors of Theatre Peckham to the creativity of our community. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this year, it feels especially meaningful that the festival begins those celebrations – bringing together artists, audiences and young people to share stories that reflect the diversity and energy of South London.
Theatre Peckham was founded to make theatre accessible to everyone, and Peckham Fringe continues that mission by giving artists space to experiment, tell their stories and connect with new audiences. It’s also about the future – nurturing the next generation of creative talent and making sure the stories we see on stage truly reflect the communities around us.”
Founded in 1986, Theatre Peckham has grown into a multi‑award‑winning cultural venue known for championing representation and access in the arts. As it marks 40 years, Peckham Fringe 2026 points toward the future by supporting artists at every stage of their development and ensuring the stories of South London remain at the heart of its work.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
