The shortlist for the first RIBA Conservation Award has been announced. Today, over 99% of England’s population lives within a mile of a listed building, structure or location. Yet without specialist renovation, restoration and maintenance, the future of such heritage is uncertain. The brand-new accolade celebrates historic buildings and places that have been creatively and […]
Special Award: Helena Thompson
Artistic Director of SPID – for her outstanding contribution, using the arts to champion social justice The Fringe Theatre Awards applaud the extraordinary achievements of Helena Thompson, whose passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment have transformed theatre into a powerful force for social change. As the visionary founder and Artistic Director of SPID (Social Progressive Interconnected Diverse) Theatre, she […]
Seventy two projects shortlisted for RIBA London Awards 2026
Seventy two projects, including the new geological gardens at the Natural History Museum, a hospital’s garden pavilion designed to connect patients to nature, and the transformation of a former power station into mixed used development, are among the 72 projects shortlisted for the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) London Awards 2026. The shortlisted projects […]
Interview with Helena Thompson of SPID
Jeremy MaliesJanuary 2026 Helena Thompson is artistic director of SPID, a theatre company based at Kensal House in Ladbroke Grove. The development is a flagship (broadly modernist) pioneering social housing estate dating from 1937. Photo credit: Alex Brenner. Travelling a few stops east on the tube from Hammersmith for the meeting, I’ve seen the remains […]
Art for Advocacy: A new show in a new space for SPID Theatre
SPID Theatre makes art that advocates housing justice. Using theatre, film and radio they call for investment in social housing and in young peoples’ futures.
SPID Theatre helping to rebuild its community after Grenfell
Kensal House’s SPID has raised £2.6 million to renovate its space on a landmark North Kensington estate. The undercroft of Kensal House is the home of SPID.
Must-see drama sparks burning questions on Grenfell disaster
SPID Theatre is an award-winning youth charity. Specialising in community art on council estates, it has a track record of capturing real-life stories and giving voice to the unheard.
Burning Tower review – show staged responds to Grenfell
The Burning Tower is a show staged on council estate responds to Grenfell. Helena Thompson’s passionate drama is a celebration and defence of social housing.
“The Burning Tower” by SPID Theatre on BBC News London
The play “The Burning Tower” of the SPID theatre is based on testimonies of survivors of the Grenfell tower fire and uses professional actors and local people.
“Trellick Tales” on the BBC
Trellick Tower in North Kensington is one of the capital’s most instantly recognizable buildings designed by Erno Goldfinger. Trellick Tales was inspired by Trellick town itself.