by Chanel
There are some theatre experiences that do more than entertain. They inform, challenge, provoke and quietly remind you that art can be a tool for change. How To Make Art That Brings Housing Justice at SPID Theatre, Kensal House, was exactly that. The topic of this show had me truly intrigued, and although my schedule…
There are some theatre experiences that do more than entertain. They inform, challenge, provoke and quietly remind you that art can be a tool for change. How To Make Art That Brings Housing Justice at SPID Theatre, Kensal House, was exactly that.
The topic of this show had me truly intrigued, and although my schedule was packed, I’m glad I made time to see why this acclaimed piece of theatre about social housing was about.
The Synopsis
This extraordinary 70 minute interactive show is created and performed by the inspirational Artistic Director of SPID Theatre, Helena Thompson. It was developed over the seven years it took for SPID to successfully sue Grenfell’s landlord, restore their neglected council estate building, and win Client of the Year and London Awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
My Thoughts
Performed by Helena Thompson, founder of SPID Theatre, the show took audiences on an interactive journey through the history of the UK social housing market, with a particular focus on Kensal House in Ladbroke Grove.
I was surprised by just how much audience participation was required, but that quickly became one of the most powerful elements of the piece. This was not a show that allowed us to sit back passively. It gave the audience a voice too.
At the heart of the piece was the story of Kensal House, its community, and the long fight for safe, clean and dignified housing. The estate shares the same landlord as Grenfell Tower, and the production made clear how the fight for housing justice is not just political or architectural, but deeply human.
Through personal testimony, history, performance and participation, Helena highlighted the challenges faced by residents and campaigners: social, governmental and personal.
What made the show so impactful was the way it connected the personal with the political. Helena’s own journey, alongside the work of SPID Theatre and the wider community, showed how much can be achieved when people refuse to be ignored. It was provocative, but also deeply inspirational.
The use of art installations, video visuals and archive-style material helped bring the story to life. Rather than simply telling us about housing injustice, the production made us feel the weight of it, while also showing the creativity, resilience and courage of the people fighting back.
There was something incredibly moving about seeing theatre used not just as a performance space, but as a form of activism, education and community empowerment.
How To Make Art That Brings Housing Justice reminded us that our voices matter, even when we feel small in the grand scheme of things. It also showed the power of finding like-minded people, building community and standing together.
SPID Theatre’s work is a powerful example of what happens when art, heritage, activism and lived experience come together. This was not just a show about housing justice. It was a call to recognise the value of social housing, the importance of community spaces, and the right of every person to live in a safe, clean home.
A provocative, interactive and inspiring piece of theatre that proves art really can help bring justice closer.
Thanks for reading!
Chanel x
Chanel Williams