New writing under threat following Hampstead Theatre changes, industry warns

Hampstead Theatre’s decision to end its new-writing model is a "clear illustration of the threat" facing original work, the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has warned.

Theatres have been called on to "do whatever they can" to protect their writer development schemes and provide new commissions, following the news that Hampstead Theatre will no longer focus on new writing.

Earlier today (December 7), Hampstead Theatre said it would need to change to a different model after it suffered a 100% cut in Arts Council England’s latest national portfolio funding round. Artistic director Roxana Silbert also announced her departure from the organisation as a consequence of the cut. 

The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has warned the announcement from Hampstead Theatre is a "clear illustration of the threat to new writing", while writers including Tanika Gupta have decried the news on Twitter.

WGGB general secretary, Ellie Peers, said: “The recent NPO announcements have only added to the enormous financial challenges facing theatre following the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. That said, we cannot simply abandon new writing and the wonderfully diverse generation of playwrights that we currently have in the profession.

"DCMS and ACE must do more to support theatres and writers in challenging situations and prevent a generational loss of writing talent, but we also want theatres to do whatever they can to protect their writer development schemes and provide new commissions."

Playwright Gupta said she was "outraged" at the news, adding: "How have Hampstead Theatre’s board let this happen? Why is Roxana stepping down? 

"Hampstead was where I’ve seen some of the best new plays over the last 30 years. Where is their commitment to new writing?"

Meanwhile playwright Nell Leyshon and actor, writer and director Ché Walker organised a Zoom discussion on the evening of December 7 for "anyone concerned about the future of Hampstead Theatre and Roxana Silbert leaving and what it means for new writing".

New writing organisation Papatango said on Twitter: "New writing is in peril. Cuts to London infrastructure disproportionately hit new work, because a London-centric press/industry are often key to impact. 

"Plus, because unknown stories/artists are often a harder sell, especially in a financial crisis, funding matters even more."