Phoebe Waller-Bridge offers rent-free London flat to support emerging playwrights

Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge has donated the use of a London flat to help struggling playwrights break into the theatre industry, joining stars including Jack Thorne, James Graham and Sally Wainwright in backing a new affordable housing initiative.

Writers’ Block aims to tackle the capital’s soaring accommodation costs by connecting aspiring playwrights with Londoners offering spare rooms for no more than £30 a night or £500 a month. Waller-Bridge’s flat, purchased specifically to support emerging writers, is available rent-free, with residents covering bills only.

The scheme has already helped 12 writers find accommodation across 15 participating homes, making it easier to attend auditions, rehearsals, meetings and other career opportunities without breaking the bank.

Adolescence writer Jack Thorne, who relied on his brother’s spare room when starting out, said: “If we want stories told about our complicated world, we need writers of every background writing them.”

Created by Sofie Mason and Diana Jervis-Read in partnership with Clapham’s Omnibus Theatre, the initiative also encourages homeowners to open their doors, offering extra income and companionship while helping the next generation of theatre talent.

With its successful pilot complete, Writers’ Block is now looking to expand, proving that sometimes all it takes to launch a creative career is a room of one’s own.

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Image: Matt Humphrey

For further information about Writers’ Block, visit the website here.