London’s Camden People’s Theatre (CPT) has marked three decades of theatre with a special celebratory event. An evening of performance, reflection and community took place all in support of the venue’s ongoing mission of championing bold and unconventional new theatre.
The night brought together CPT’s extended creative family, featuring performances from some of the theatre’s collaborators past and present, including actress and professional clown Frankie Thompson; theatre maker Simone French; multi-disciplinary artist Max Percy; actor Nina Bowers; and award-winning writer and performer Chris Thorpe. This was followed by a speech from artistic director Rio Matchett, who outlined CPT’s legacy and vision for the future.
Crucially, as well as being the closing party of a year-long celebration, the event served as a fundraiser to support CPT’s work in developing emerging artists and producing adventurous new theatre. The money raised will go towards securing the venue’s plans to continue thriving as a hub for creativity and innovation.
This event has been part of CPT’s goal of raising £100,000 to expand and transform its programme in 2025. With £40,000 already raised with generous support from Foyle Foundation, in addition to the donations from the event, foundations have already been laid for the theatre’s work to continue.
When secured, this goal funding will help to support numerous new pieces of work. The theatre shared that £1,000 ensures an emerging artist can develop a new show; £2,000 pays for an emerging artist to complete a residency at the theatre to develop their commission; and £3,000 allows an emerging artist to take their commission and produce their first three-week-run in CPT’s main space.
Since its founding in 1994, CPT has been a launchpad for countless theatre-makers who have gone on to make an impact on the cultural landscape, including Olivier nominees, West End stars, internationally renowned theatre companies, and TV regulars. The theatre stated it remains dedicated to breaking barriers and providing opportunities for underrepresented voices in the arts.
Speaking at the event, Rio Matchett said: “Last year we supported 226 artists and companies to deliver 302 performances, we gave out 1,356 hours of in-kind rehearsal space, and 60 of our artists received commissions. 72% of those artists were in the first four years of their career, and showed work to over 17,000 audience members. Though we’re one of the smallest theatres, we are one of the biggest support hubs in the city for emerging artists. CPT’s legacy is built on risk-taking, artistic experimentation, and an unwavering commitment to emerging artists. As we celebrate 30 years, we look ahead with the same mission – to support the next generation of theatre-makers and continue creating space for voices that challenge, inspire and innovate.”
CPT said the celebration reaffirmed its enduring role in London’s theatre scene, championing diversity, inclusivity, equity and groundbreaking theatre, promising a future as bold and exciting as its past.
In 2025, CPT looks forward to another season of theatre, including the signature Big Bang Scratch Nights as part of its Sprint Festival, work from Mindscape Arts, Wild Guess and Mama Quilla Productions and many more.
