A night of community and creative energy: Scrum Theatre opens its doors

Scrum Studios has officially launched as a vibrant new arts centre in the heart of Hammersmith. Their celebratory opening event marked the beginning of an exciting chapter for London’s creative community.

Scrum Theatre, a charity known for transforming disused spaces into artistic hubs, has breathed new life into the Lilla Huset building on Talgarth Road. Once home to Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s archives, this repurposed space now houses three rehearsal rooms, a playwright’s centre, a self-tape studio, a workroom for designers and costumiers, and a large performance space.

During the celebratory launch event, the building was buzzing with a variety of experiences. Guests were invited to move between poetry readings, live music performances and costume design activities. A particular highlight was contributing to a community mural, which perfectly encapsulated the collaborative spirit of Scrum Studios and the huge team effort which was required to bring this night into reality. The playwright’s centre, complete with a script library donated by Nick Hern, was a hive of activity with writing workshops in full swing. A ribbon-cutting ceremony by patron Adrian Lester also set the tone for a night of festivity and expression.

A glimpse of things to come, the evening culminated in a sneak peek of upcoming production of Twelfth Night, set to be their first show in the new venue in 2025. The theatre space itself felt intimate and personal, with fairy lights illuminating the basement auditorium and audience members encircling the stage, seated on chaise longues, armchairs and benches. The stage itself was floor level, marked by thick carpets, which audience members were also encouraged to sit around, beanbags and popcorn in hand. The overall effect harkened back to the heart of theatre, the power of performance to bring us together, to gather around, eyes and ears wide, ready to collectively be transported through time and space.

The Scrum team and trustees were on hand to introduce themselves and share their vision for the space, including co-leads Lucie Dawkins and Dominic Applewhite. In an industry dominated by freelancers, Scrum Studios aims to provide a stable, resource-rich environment for creatives to develop their work. Speaking with excitement and possibility, their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by theatre makers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, is commendable.

With plans for more workshops, collaborations with local schools, and outreach programs, Scrum Studios is poised to become a vital part of London’s theatre ecosystem. Their ambition to tour productions to regions underserved by arts funding demonstrates a commitment to broadening access to theatre. Lester summed it up best, “Someone once said to me, if you can make arts accessible to everyone in Britain, regardless of age, regardless of location and regardless of income, you would be delivering to the country a second health service.”

Leaving the launch event, members couldn’t help but feel optimistic about the future of UK theatre. In the face of what many are calling an arts crisis, Scrum Studios stands as a beacon of hope and creativity. It’s not just a space for making theatre, but a home for nurturing the next generation of theatre makers and audiences.

The Scrum Studios launch was more than just an opening – it was a statement of intent, a celebration of creativity and a glimpse into a more sustainable future for UK artists. This writer, for one, can’t wait to see what emerges from this exciting new space in the months and years to come.

Olivia Gardener
Photo: Jack Daly Photography

For further information visit the theatre’s website here.