Soho Theatre Walthamstow and British Pakistan Foundation have launched a brand-new talent development programme for aspiring writers from Pakistani backgrounds: the Soho Theatre Walthamstow and British Pakistan Foundation Writers’ Lab.

• 8-week in-person course for aspiring writers aged 18–35 from British-Pakistani and Pakistani backgrounds, running weekly from w/c 24 November – w/c 9 March at Soho Theatre Walthamstow
• Led by award-winning British-Pakistani writer Ishy Din (Shakespeare and Hathaway/BBC One, Ackley Bridge/Channel 4, John Barnes Saved My Life/BBC Radio 5 Live, Whose Baby/BBC Radio 4)
• Lab series developed in response to research by British Pakistan Foundation which highlights a strong demand amongst young people of Pakistani heritage for more creative opportunities.
• By the end of the course, participants will have created a 2.5-minute audio piece, which will be professionally recorded.
• 16 places available, applications open 19 September – 19 October.

This project will be part of a series of artist development opportunities that sit at the heart of the brand-new Soho Theatre Walthamstow and its mission to launch as a local theatre with a national profile.

Participants will learn how to generate ideas, develop characters, and write compelling dialogue, whilst also being encouraged to discover their unique voice and create work that is bold, innovative, and boundary-pushing.

Ishy Din, Playwright and Writers’ Lab Facilitator, said: “What a great opportunity for those who have always wanted to write but weren’t sure where to start.”

Farzana Baduel, Soho Theatre Board Member said: “As a trustee of Soho Theatre, I’m delighted to support this new collaboration with the British Pakistan Foundation. The Writers’ Lab reflects our commitment to nurturing fresh talent and creating space for bold, innovative storytelling. By supporting emerging playwrights at the very start of their creative journeys, we hope to contribute to a more dynamic and representative theatre landscape.”

Asif Rangoonwala, BPF Trustee said: “British Pakistan Foundation x Soho Theatre Writers’ Lab is a groundbreaking initiative that will give British Pakistani youth the platform and mentorship they need to bring their stories and writing to life. By fostering new voices and championing diverse narratives, this programme not only supports emerging talent but also strengthens the cultural fabric of British theatre. We are proud to collaborate with Soho Theatre Walthamstow to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of British Pakistani playwrights and storytellers”.

New writing is at the heart of Soho Theatre. Supporting and promoting untold stories from new voices is key to creating the next generation of writers and ensuring our cultural landscape thrives. This Lab is designed to explore the broadest definition of playwriting by bringing together a diverse range of voices that share our ambition to create work that is innovative and pushes the boundaries of theatre.

To apply and for more information visit: https://sohotheatre.com/project/soho-theatre-walthamstow-british-pakistan-foundation-writers-lab/