Seven Dials Playhouse Announces 2026 Cohort for Artist Development Programmes
Supporting Theatre-Makers at Every Stage: Seven Dials Playhouse Unveils 2026 Artist Development Cohort
Seven Dials Playhouse has revealed the first cohort of recipients for its 2026 artist development initiatives: first steps and Next Step. Now in their second year, these funded programmes give theatre-makers paid development time, rehearsal space, and dedicated support to develop new work at different stages of their creative journeys.
The programmes form part of the theatre’s recently expanded artist development strand, aimed at nurturing creative talent both at the beginning of their careers and at key moments when focused development can make a real difference. Projects supported span speculative and interdisciplinary theatre, new musical works, drag and cabaret, and archive-led performance. Themes range from identity, community, and education, to power, resistance, and queer and marginalised histories.
First Steps
Designed for early-stage theatre-makers, first steps offers groups of up to five artists a funded week of creative exploration. Rehearsal space is provided, and participants receive paid development time at Equity minimum rates.
The 2026 recipients include:
- Alone, Alone and Everywhere: A multi-disciplinary project exploring the legacy of occultist illustrator Pamela Colman Smith, connecting her tarot illustrations with modern queer characters. Written by debut playwright Mei Alozie and directed by Micky (FKA Dix) McDevitt, the team also includes a producer and costume designer.
- House Girl Duties: A new musical following a 16-year-old British-Ugandan girl navigating faith, family responsibility, and adolescence, developed by Rẹmi Shorunke-Samuel in collaboration with No Table Productions.
- The Tears of Rod Hudston / El Gran Varón: Archive-led, community-driven performance examining HIV-positive migrant communities, developed by the Living Museum of HIV collective with a multi-disciplinary team.
Next Step
For artists ready to take their work closer to stage presentation, Next Step provides a week of paid development and rehearsal space, culminating in a work-in-progress sharing for industry professionals.
The first 2026 recipients include:
- Clown Baby Clown: A part-play, part-cabaret exploration of queerness and education, written by Gemma Lawrence and directed by Emily Aboud.
- Hatie Kopkins: A high-camp drag cabaret biography examining media spectacle, disability, and vulnerability, with a creative team including playwright Aiden Strickland and choreographer Isidro Ridout.
- New Work by Isabella Leung: An interdisciplinary theatre project exploring East and Southeast Asian female identity through absurdism, led by Isabella Leung alongside director Kim Pearce and international performers.
Supporting Artists at Every Stage
Katie Pesskin, Creative Director of Seven Dials Playhouse, said:
“As we welcome the second cohort of first steps and Next Step recipients, we’re excited to continue supporting artists at moments where time, space, and paid development can help their ideas move forward. These creatives are asking urgent, imaginative questions about history, identity, and community, and we’re proud to offer a platform for their projects to be explored, tested, and shared.”
Former participants have spoken of the programmes’ impact:
“It wasn’t just about developing a show – it was about being seen and having permission to tell our story our way,” said Taylor Ayling (first steps 2025). Cal-I Jonel (Next Step 2025) added: “It gave my work the life force it needed for the next stage. I’m now a few steps closer to seeing my ideas on stage.”
The full list of 2026 recipients and details about the programmes are available via Seven Dials Playhouse’s website.
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.