Theatre503 has announced a bold new chapter under the creative leadership of Artistic Director Anthony Simpson-Pike and Executive Director Emily Carewe. Running until early 2027, the inaugural season features a slate of groundbreaking debut plays from global writers, with powerful stories spanning from the conflict in Donbas to narratives from Palestine and the Vietnamese-American diaspora.
This new season marks an innovative shift for the Battersea venue, which will premiere more in-house productions than ever before, thanks in part to seed funding from lead supporters PW Productions. The theatre is also forging exciting partnerships with companies like Good Chance, Theatre Royal Plymouth, and White Kite Collective.
Simpson-Pike expressed his enthusiasm for the season: "I am so excited to be launching my tenure at Theatre503 with a season of work that encapsulates the importance and power of debut voices." He noted that the plays delve into major contemporary subjects while exploring the facets of the human experience, "from the joy and complexity of coming-of-age... to the (sometimes haunting) intensity of love."
The season officially opens in February 2026 with Simpson-Pike’s first directorial play, Donbas by Olga Braga, winner of the 2025 Theatre503 International Playwriting Award. Further premieres include love you long time (already) by Katie Ð?, kat by Nazareth Hassan, and Boo! by Alistair Hall, which will co-produce with Theatre Royal Plymouth. Theatre503 will also proudly host the White Kite Collective’s week-long festival showcasing new writing by Palestinian playwrights.
In a first for the venue, Theatre503 will launch a new strand celebrating the power of the debut by reviving a contemporary classic: Michaela Coel’s unforgettable one-woman show, Chewing Gum Dreams, directed by Simpson-Pike. This production reminds audiences where some of the most powerful voices in modern theatre began.
Beyond the stage, the theatre is expanding its commitment to community engagement through the 503Studio, with initiatives like the 503 Young Company for 18-25 year olds and introductory playwriting classes for primary school children.
