Phoebe Waller-Bridge Buys Flat so Underprivileged Writers Can Move in Rent-Free
The initiative gives writers from working-class backgrounds rent-free housing and has already attracted support from James Graham, Sally Wainwright and Peter Morgan.
- Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, 41, purchased and donated a rent-free London flat for early-career writers as part of the new Writers' Block initiative, which includes a "generous financial contribution."
- Writers' Block evolved from the 2008 Adopt a Playwright Award, created by Sofie Mason and Diana Jervis-Read, after research from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and the Sutton Trust found only 16% of creative industry professionals come from working-class backgrounds.
- Financial backing is provided by industry figures including Jack Thorne, Sally Wainwright, Peter Morgan, and Martin McDonagh, along with playwright James Graham, who supports the program that has already helped 55 writers through Adopt a Playwright.
- Partnering with the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham, the initiative connects playwrights with hosts offering rooms at reduced rates, including Irish actor Alan Turkington, known for Netflix series Heartstopper, who rents his Camberwell flat to creatives.
- James Graham noted the scheme helps writers avoid "giving up completely" by addressing class barriers, arguing the industry's pursuit of representation still ignores class, the "biggest area of under-representation" for those starting out.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Phoebe Waller‑Bridge offers rent‑free London flat to emerging writers
Through the Writers’ Block initiative, the Fleabag creator and Jack Thorne provide a rent‑free flat and financial support to emerging playwrights struggling with London’s high housing costs
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is offering up a rent-free flat in London to writers in the early stages of their careers.
The Fleabag creator has bought and donated the property, and the resident will pay bills only. It’s part of a new theatre initiative called "Writers' Block," being delivered with the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham. It’s aiming to help playwrights from underprivileged backgrounds with the cost of London accommodation.
British actress and screenwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge, known as the creator of the series “Bad” (Fleabag), has bought an apartment in London where aspiring playwrights can live without a living fee. So she wants to help young authors work in the British...
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