Playmakers Community | 2026

For the last month, 30 young people from across three Youth Theatres have stepped into the world of playwriting…

The journey began with watching Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre. Inspired by the classic whodunnit, the young people then took part in four exciting playwriting sessions, led by facilitator Karene Horner Hughes, crafting their very own original mystery scripts.

In December, the young writers will then all come together at The Other Palace to watch professional actors perform their work live on stage!

This programme bridges the gap between the page and the stage, while also aiming to:

• Improve teamwork
• Increase young people’s understanding of how to create a play
• Increase confidence and the ability to express ideas
• Increase emotional literacy
• Increase pride in their achievements

Over the last four weeks of workshops the young people have provided us with some feedback:

100% had fun

100% would like to attend the theatre and do a Go Live programme again

93% feel more confident writing plays

93% feel happy working in a team

The Playmakers programme has successfully empowered the young people to work together and increase their confidence in playwriting. We are so impressed with the mystery scripts each group have written and cannot wait to see these come to life on stage!

We would like to thank our funders Lehman Brothers Foundation Europe for making this programme possible.

Donate today to help ensure every child, regardless of background, has the chance to experience the transformative power of live theatre and open doors for the next generation.

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