Theatre Peckham is using its 40th anniversary to call for hyperlocal theatres to be recognised
and funded as cultural organisations, talent developers and essential parts of local social infrastructure.
At a House of Commons reception today, the multi-award-winning Southwark-based theatre launched
the Theatre Peckham Manifesto: Building Belonging. The document draws on four decades of work with
children, young people, early-career artists and families, and argues that access, progression and
professional opportunity must be treated as connected parts of the same pathway.
“Online safety matters, but young people also need a positive offline offer: trusted adults, meaningful
activity and places where they are known, challenged and supported. Somewhere to go is the starting
point. The possibility of going somewhere – into further learning, work or leadership – is how talent meets
opportunity.” Dr Suzann McLean MBE, CEO and Artistic Director, Theatre Peckham
Theatre Peckham describes its own approach as a connected model of training, development and new
work. Participants can enter at different stages, deepen their practice over time and move towards
further training, paid work or leadership, while remaining connected to a trusted local institution.
“Theatre Peckham has spent 40 years giving children and young people in our community the confidence,
skills and opportunities to fulfil their potential, something that I believe passionately in as the MP for
Peckham. I was proud to welcome the theatre to Parliament and support Theatre Peckham’s manifesto
calling for sustained investment in trusted local organisations that give every young person somewhere to
belong, create and progress.” Rt Hon. Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and
Net Zero, Peckham MP and patron of Theatre Peckham
“Organisations like Theatre Peckham are essential because they create opportunities where barriers
often exist. They provide professional training, genuine pathways into the industry and, most importantly,
a sense of belonging. They don’t just develop artists; they develop people.” Montel, Theatre Peckham
artist and ambassador
Theatre Peckham’s 2025/26 impact report1 records 13,069 engagements by local children and young
people at workshops and activities, alongside 25,602 total hours of creative activity and 23,168 audience
members. Of those engagements, 8,687 were through the Academy, 3,536 through community
workshops and placements, and 846 through Young Peckham.
In 2025/26, Theatre Peckham supported 389 artists and provided 1,142 hours of free rehearsal space to
local artists. Peckham Fringe supported 223 early-career artists, while Young, Gifted and Black worked
with 57 artists. Through Young Peckham, participants received more than 2,500 hours of creative
training; 16 auditioned for drama schools, four secured places and 12 progressed into employment
across acting, backstage, producing and administrative roles.
