Adrian Lester opens new Hammersmith theatre to support artists
- SCRUM Theatre, a cooperative of actors and writers, has opened a new venue in Hammersmith to support freelancers in the creative industries.
- The venue includes rehearsal rooms, a script library, and a performance space, aiming to fill a resource gap for artists.
- The initiative seeks to safeguard the next generation of theatre makers and audiences amid a crisis in the arts.
A new theatre venue has opened in Hammersmith, London, aimed at supporting freelancers in the creative industries, particularly actors and writers. The SCRUM Theatre cooperative, led by Lucie Dawkins and Dom Applewhite, seeks to address the challenges faced by artists in a precarious job market exacerbated by low government funding. The venue, located in the former council archives building on Talgarth Road, features essential facilities such as rehearsal rooms, a script library, and a performance space. Adrian Lester CBE, a prominent actor, serves as the patron of SCRUM Theatre, which aims to create a supportive environment for the next generation of creatives. The co-leads emphasized the need for a space that can provide resources and opportunities, especially for individuals from less privileged backgrounds. They expressed concern over the diminishing support for the arts and the impact this has on access to the industry. The theatre has already begun collaborating with organizations like Compass Collective, which assists young asylum seekers, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and community support. The inaugural production will be Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, set to premiere in the autumn, with plans to tour areas lacking in arts funding and incorporate educational programs. Overall, SCRUM Theatre represents a vital initiative to safeguard the future of UK theatre by fostering talent and providing necessary resources for artists navigating a challenging landscape.