Seven Dials Playhouse Announces Inaugural Recipients of ‘First Steps’ and ‘Next Step’

Seven Dials Playhouse has announced the first recipients of First Steps and Next Step, two newly launched artist development programmes designed to support theatre-makers at pivotal moments in their creative journeys.

The initiatives form part of the venue’s wider commitment to championing innovation, equity and bold storytelling within the arts. With funded rehearsal space, paid development time and opportunities for industry sharing, the programmes offer both emerging and mid-career artists the chance to take risks and explore new directions.

The 2025 First Steps recipients include:

• DEFENESTRATION by Casey Lloyd and Taylor Ayling — a punchy punk gig-theatre piece exploring working-class rage and masculinity.

• For the Love of Jollibee by Sierra Sevilla, directed by Izzy Rabey, with Brent Tan and Caleb Lee — a vibrant blend of music, comedy and cultural commentary exploring Filipino identity and colonialism.

• TRANSIT by Tabby Lamb, produced by Jess Donn — a trans horror satire, developed with Transfemme artists and tackling themes of power, politics and representation.

The Next Step cohort includes:

• Into the Blue by Mikayla Teodoro — a puppetry-led story for children rooted in Filipino culture and inspired by the Sama-Bajau tribe.

• There’s a Mouse in the Kitchen by Cal-I Jonel, directed by Rachael Nanyonjo — a taut, psychological two-hander exploring masculinity, grief and survival.

• Run to the Nuns by Estelle Homerstone — a queer musical comedy set in a runaway convent community, reimagining togetherness and escape.

  
  

Creative Director Katie Pesskin described the programmes as “meeting artists where they are” and reaffirmed Seven Dials Playhouse’s commitment to long-term, values-led support for theatre-makers.

These works reflect a dynamic and necessary range of voices — from gig theatre to puppetry, psychological realism to queer joy — and represent a clear investment in the future of new writing and innovative performance.

Katie Pesskin, Creative Director of Seven Dials Playhouse, said:

 “We launched First Steps and Next Step to meet artists where they are - not just at the start of their careers, but at any point where time, space and support can make the difference between a good idea and a future production. These projects speak to the richness and urgency of the stories we want to see on stage, and we’re proud to support such a bold, diverse group of theatre-makers as they take a step forward in their creative journeys.”

For more information, visit sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk