WHAT'S ON | SHOW AND PRODUCTION

How to Make Art that Brings Housing Justice

 

A Dramatised Talk and an Accredited Interactive Workshop
Live History, See Social Change, Experience Community Action!

This 70 minute interactive experience has won 4 star reviews from publications including the Guardian. It was developed over the 7 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. It shares our inspiring history, includes a Q and A and delivers an accredited certificate showing that audiences have learned to use art for social change.

The performance shares SPID’s tactics for securing social change and investment in estate communities.  Performed by Helena Thompson (founder and artistic director, SPID Theatre), the workshop is an uplifting, educational and redemptive dramatisation of their charity’s history. The show highlights how the charity raised £4 million to restore their council estate theatre, sued the landlord they share with the Grenfell Tower and worked with their neighbours on the estate to spearhead investment together. These achievements would not have been possible without the commitment and determination of Kensal House residents, who have been courageous in their commitment to ensuring the whole estate is brought up to standard.

About the Performance

Press Performances:
Saturday, 27 June 2026 at 3.00 PM and 7.30 PM
at the newly refurbished SPID Theatre,
Kensal House Estate, Ladbroke Grove, W10 5BQ

London Touring Dates:
Sat June 27, 3 PM, SPID Theatre, Kensal House Estate, Ladbroke Grove
Sat June 27, 7.30 PM, SPID Theatre, Kensal House Estate, Ladbroke Grove
Wed July 22, 7.15 PM, Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
Fri July 24, 4 PM, SPID Theatre, Kensal House Estate, Ladbroke Grove
Mon Nov 2, 5.30 PM, Bartlett School of Architecture, Euston

Venues:
Performances happen at SPID’s partner theatres,
council estates, museums and colleges throughout London

Cost:
Tickets are £10 towards SPID’s costs, discounted to £5 for those
experiencing housing injustice, with a donation option for those who can afford it.
Half of any money raised by SPID will be donated to Grenfell United.

Running Time:
70 minutes

Age rating:
13+

Trigger warning:
References to Grenfell Tower fire and housing negligence, features strong language

Credits:
- Performer: Helena Thompson
- Remount director: Maya Nielsen
- Created in collaboration with estate residents and young people

Get Tickets Here

Praises for SPID Theatre

“A love letter to estates.”
The Guardian

“The moral is clear:
we can win this!”
The Big Issue

“Next stop must be The Commons.”
The Morning Stars

“Demonstrates vibrantly how art can be the change.”
Everything Theatre

“Next stop must be The Commons.”
The Morning Stars

“A passionate defence of social housing.”
The Stage

"The judges were profoundly moved by her humanity, resilience and infectious enthusiasm. Helena exemplifies the true agent of change: without access to power or wealth, she brought people together through clarity of vision, courage and an unshakeable belief in a fairer and more inclusive world."
Citation from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) for SPID as Client of The Year

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