Brand new FORGE Festival launches at Southwark Playhouse Borough this Spring.
Southwark Playhouse launches the FORGE Festival (13 - 17 May 2025). Taking place over the course of one week, in ‘The Little’ auditorium at Southwark Playhouse Borough, the festival comprises four dynamic, innovative, electric world premieres of work in development created by some of Britain’s most exciting young theatre companies. The festival performances are the culmination of a year’s residency at Southwark Playhouse as part of the FORGE artist development scheme.
SHEPARD TONE presents Director’s Cut 13 - 17 May
Formed in 2018, Shepard Tone makes unashamedly fun, interactive, award-winning work about cultural phenomena.
About the Show: On paper, Alan Smithee is one of Hollywood’s most prolific (and most terrible) directors. In reality, Alan Smithee doesn’t exist. A Hollywood conspiracy concealed for decades, but what is his side of the story? Now presenting: the feel-good character comedy and entirely made-up life story of the worst director you’ve never heard of!
SPEAKBEAT COLLECTIVE presents UP(BEAT) by Sarah Huckin 14 - 17 May
SPEAKBEAT COLLECTIVE is a female-led theatre company telling stories with soundtracks. Founded in 2021 by Annice Boparai, Ella Zgorska and Sarah Huckin.
About the Show: ‘A’ is a DJ navigating life in the city whilst pursuing her dreams. After losing herself in substances, people and shame, she’s at rock bottom. Featuring live DJing, ‘A’ uses music to rediscover herself and the moments that shaped her. UP(BEAT) is a fearless, vibrant play depicting a woman’s heartfelt journey to recovery.
NOVEMBER THEATRE presents Sail the House Home by Isabella Waldron 14 – 17 May
November Theatre is an award-winning performance collective which uses community workshops as a starting point, delivering joy-centred, socially engaged projects built for both stages and community spaces.
About the Show: When Cici goes to stay with her grandfather, Leonard, his house starts sinking into the ocean. Built from real conversations about climate with young people, Sail the House Home is November Theatre's joyful new show for audiences aged 10+. Join Leonard and Cici on an adventure through talking pine trees and glacier funerals to imagine a hopeful new future at the end of the world.
VISUAL SAUCE presents Positive by Temi Majekodunmi 13 - 17 May
Visual Sauce is a multi-award-winning production company committed to telling untold stories that drive social change.
About the Show: Positive follows the story of two gay best friends. Malachi, newly single, is eager to explore his sexuality on his own terms, and Ade, who secretly harbours a deep love for his best friend while hiding his HIV-positive status. As their lives intersect, they confront what it truly means to live authentically. Through humour and tenderness, the play challenges perceptions of HIV, explores themes of sexuality, Black masculinity, and friendship, highlighting the joy and brotherhood of Black gay men.
Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD