Following the sold-out success of Black Power Desk, Limp Wrist & The Iron Fist, and the Uprising Festival, we’re kicking off 2026 with theatre from pioneering artists, and a call out for new stories championing the voices from our community and cultural diaspora.
Fresh from winning Campaign of the Year at The Stage Awards 2026, in recognition for placing people and cultural value at the heart of everything we do, we are kicking off our new season with an exciting programme delivering on the same principles, celebrating bold artistry and deep community connection.
We’re bringing you co-productions that unravel stereotypes including the humorous yet politically urgent My Uncle Is Not Pablo Escobar spotlighting Latinx women, and Nine Sixteenths, paying homage to a defining moment in ’00s history putting the experience of Black women over 40 centre stage.
Continuing our support of emerging creatives, submissions for Housemates Festival 2026 are open until Friday 20 February. Since its launch in 2022, Housemates has hosted 24 productions and rehearsed readings, seen over 200 performances and over 7,000 tickets sold as well as debuts from award-winning creatives including Emmanuel Akwafo (Limp Wrist & The Iron Fist) and a commission from BBC Radio 4’s Drama on 4 for Corey Bovell’s Chicken Burger N Chips. At a time when there are fewer spaces to test new work, scratch ideas and invest in work, Housemates has never felt more vital.
CEO Delia Barker said:
“This is an exciting new season for Brixton House as we reinforce our commitment to celebrate diversity, develop and showcase talent, and connect with the creative aspirations of local communities that represent the cultural diaspora.”
Executive Creative Producer Ruth Hawkins said:
“I am thrilled we have been able to suport the return of the sold out Latinx hit My Uncle Is Not Pablo Escobar when the Latin American community are still fighting to be recognised, we are standing firm in our commitment to the diverse richness of stories coming from the community. We are a home for all artists and makers and this continues with our season supporting work that challenges us to think and also have fun, something you will definitely experience with Nine Sixteenths. Paula is an incredible artist and I can’t wait to see what the company bring. To be able to be its only London run Far Gone will shine a light on a moving, international story. I am so proud for us at Brixton with the growth of Housemates Festival year on year and can’t wait to share the new stories and artists we welcome in 2026 from our open call.”
What’s on
A Roots Mbili Theatre Production, originally co-produced by Sheffield Theatres, in association with Brixton House present
Far Gone
By John Rwothomack
11-21 Feb
A powerful one-man performance tracing a young boy’s journey from innocence to survival.
Brixton House & Dark Matter present
An Evening with Yvvette Edwards & Bernardine Evaristo
7 Mar
Join us for a very special evening with acclaimed novelist Yvvette Edwards, in conversation with Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo.
The Hale & Brixton House present
My Uncle Is Not Pablo Escobar
By Valentina Andrade, ELizabeth Alvarado, Lucy Wray & Tommy Ross-Williams
7 Apr – 3 May
Latinx women from South London take centre stage and dare you to call them invisible. Winner of the OFFIES Special Recognition Award for Representation. Finalist for Best Production (Plays) at the OFFIES Awards 2024.
Paula Varjack & Brixton House present
Nine Sixteenths
By Paula Varjack. Devised by Paula Varjack, Pauline Mayers, Julienne Doko, Chia Phoenix and Endy McKay.
19-30 May
Journey through ’00s nostalgia through the media storm of Janet Jackson’s 2004 SuperBowl halftime show.
Developed with Complicité. Co-commissioned by Cambridge Junction with the support of Stobbs New Ideas Fund and Pleasance.
Housemates Festival 2026
Submissions close at 11am, 20 Feb
Housemates Festival puts the voices and perspectives of those not currently centred in mainstream funded culture at the centre. With opportunities to stage new work declining in recent years, we recognise the importance of investing in new artists and are proud to continue providing opportunities to support emerging creatives.
Accepted works will be staged in Autumn 2026.
Take Part Programme
Young Associates: Open House Festival
7-8 May
Step into Open House – Brixton House’s multi-arts takeover, led by our Young Associates. Over two days, our Young Associates will take full creative control, curating a takeover packed with a live performance, an art exhibition and interactive workshops for emerging talent.
Brixton House Community Choir
12 Jan – 16 Mar
Ever wanted to become part of a choir? Come and join the Brixton House Community Choir!
Learn to sing different musical styles from fresh re-workings of soul, jazz, gospel, pop, folk and reggae with opportunities for the choir to perform throughout the year.
Brixton House Community Choir is led by singer and songwriters, Rachel Huggins and Abdul Shyllon.
Book now
February Half Term Activities
17-18 Feb
Join us for free creative activities for all ages this February Half Term!
Drop in anytime between 12pm-4pm on Tuesday 17 February and Wednesday 18 February for free half term family workshops celebrating Brixton’s rich Latinx heritage.
May Half Term Activities
26-27 May
This May, we are coming together for a joyful pre-Windrush Day celebration for all ages.
Explore free drop-in storytelling through visual art andn movement inspired by the creativity and cultural legacy of Brixton’s Caribbean communities.
Latinx Youth Theatre
May – Oct
Join Latinx Youth Theatre and learn from London’s top industry professionals, develop your professional creative practice, and explore Latinx and British performing styles, all for free. Participants will have access to online classes and monthly newsletters, and the opportunity to meet other young Latinx creatives in a safe environment to nurture your talents.
Registration opens in March 2026.