Theatre scheme helps people in 'loneliest borough'

Hampstead Theatre in Camden is trying to tackle loneliness and isolation

A new project is attempting to tackle isolation in what has been described as "London's loneliest borough".

Hampstead Theatre in Camden has launched a programme for adults at risk of social isolation, offering writing and performance sessions or tickets to see a show at the theatre.

Costas, 84, is one of those who is taking part in the scheme. He is now a budding playwright.

"This community experience is unbelievable," he said. "To be honest, I didn't know that I had it in me. I've started writing since then. I'm on my third play."

Jennifer Davis, theatre and participation director for Hampstead Theatre, runs the course.

She said she was inspired to launch it after reading Camden's State of the Borough Report in 2024.

According to the document, more than a third of adults in Camden said they felt lonely some of the time, often or always. At 36.3%, the figure was the highest of all the London boroughs.

"I couldn't quite believe it. Camden is such a busy, bustling part of the capital and I couldn't understand why," Ms Davis said.

"I thought the theatre needed to do something about it.

"There's lots of brilliant theatres doing this kind of work, and for me, theatre has always offered a community, a home, and I wanted to open up Hampstead to the Camden community."

She added: "Whether you're on the stage, whether you're writing a play or performing in it, or watching it, it is a communal experience.

"It's where conversations can be sparked and bonds are built - I just thought we were the perfect place to be doing this kind of work."

Ms Davis said the theatre had worked on the project with Age UK Camden, Wac Arts and the Winch - local charities that support people in the borough.

"Theatre is such a brilliant way of sharing, exploring your identity, meeting new people and building bonds," she added.

'More lonely society'

Professor Jason Arday, who has a Radio 4 programme called A Lonely Life, said loneliness was "becoming part of the general zeitgeist".

"We are living in a more lonely society for lots of different reasons," he said. "Division plays a big part of that, the turbulence and the stresses of life, I think people are finding it harder."

Professor Arday said small interventions, such as the project by Hampstead Theatre, were "hugely impactful".

"Importantly, it does set a premise for best practice, in terms of what other communities can engage in across the nation," he said.

"You probably couldn't think of many better instruments than the arts."