Omnibus Theatre and the Adopt a Playwright Award have announced a new pilot scheme, Writers’ Block, aimed at supporting disadvantaged working-class writers by offering affordable accommodation in London.
The initiative is designed to help emerging playwrights establish careers in theatre, TV, and film by providing both a physical base and vital industry connections.
Since its founding in 2013, Omnibus Theatre has been committed to championing original stories and cultivating emerging talent. The Adopt a Playwright Award, launched in 2008, shares this mission, having supported 47 writers to date.
With London housing 62% of all creative businesses, the cost of living has become a major barrier for working-class writers. Writers’ Block seeks to address this by offering Omnibus Theatre’s building as a free workspace on Mondays and Tuesdays, and connecting writers with local theatre-loving hosts offering rooms at capped rates of £30 per night or £500 per month.
From October, AAP writers will be able to stay in London to attend meetings, events, and shows essential to building their careers. They’ll also have access to quiet writing spaces and a vibrant café/bar overlooking Clapham Common.
The scheme includes a WHO YOU KNOW development programme, offering Monday evening roundtable discussions with Literary Managers, Producers, Agents, and Artistic Directors. This aims to bridge the gap for writers who lack industry connections.
Initially open to past AAP Award winners and runners-up, the scheme will soon accept applications from other talented writers nationwide. Applicants will be assessed by a panel including Alison Hindell, George Aza-Selinger, Julia Tyrrell, Pippa Hill, Joachim Fleury, Camilla Whitworth Jones MBE, and Roy Williams OBE.
Sir Ian McKellen said: “All of us who work in the theatre or who enjoy going to the theatre, should welcome this new scheme. If we want our nation’s storytellers to be found in every walk of life this is a brilliantly practical first step to make sure they do!”
Ryan Calais Cameron commented: “Constant worry about paying the rent can kill creativity. A scheme like this is essential for the survival of emerging playwrights in today’s climate – it deserves to be endorsed and replicated.”
Dame Judi Dench added: “It’s so vital that these stories and writers don’t get lost due to the inequality they face. Omnibus Theatre has always championed bold stories and nurtured their writers and it’s fantastic that they are continuing to do so through this new scheme.”
Writers’ Block is a call to action for other theatres to replicate this model and help ensure diverse voices are heard on UK stages.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
