Theatre Made at Home.
Celebrated Across the UK.
ImagiNation
Artistic Director
Winner of the 2020 Achates Philanthropy Prize
In March 2020, as the UK went into lockdown, Theatre Centre and Theatre503 responded by commissioning 19 of the UK’s most exciting writers to create a collection of monologues exploring life in extraordinary times.
At the height of the first COVID-19 lockdown, I commissioned 19 UK’s most exciting writers, including Roy Williams, Timberlake Wertenbaker, and Matilda Ibini, to create short, powerful monologues that could be performed by anyone, anywhere.
Together with Theatre 503, we launched ImagiNation, a digital participation project that invited people across the UK to perform these pieces in their homes and share them with the world.
It was theatre without a stage, but full of voice, courage, and connection.
Looking to Build a
Nationally Scalable Project?
Let’s design something bold, accessible, and built to reach far beyond the room. Let’s build something unforgettable.
What the Project Delivered
19 original monologues by writers including Roy Williams, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Matilda Ibini, and others
Free public access to all scripts via Theatre 503 and Theatre Centre
Over 300 filmed submissions from individuals, families, and communities across the UK
A digital festival in August 2020, screening 19 curated films made from public submissions
35,000+ people engaged with the project across platforms
Why It Mattered
It gave people a creative outlet when stages were dark and connection was limited.
It showed that theatre could still be made and shared, even from bedrooms, kitchens, and gardens.
It brought together professional writers and everyday voices in a national act of collective storytelling.
