Waterloo is an area known for its arts culture and the theatrical heritage of the area, with the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, Old Vic, Young Vic, Shakespeare’s Globe and countless fringe theatres all within walking distance of the train station. People come from all over London, the UK and the world to visit. Unfortunately, to the young people who live and go to school in the immediate area, these experiences might as well be on the other side of the world due to the many barriers they face in accessing them. We have found that as a result, young people feel disconnected from the arts, their wider community and their creative selves.

Responding to the need for accessible and inclusive drama provision, WCT was founded in late 2015. Waterloo Community Theatre is a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a not-for-profit social enterprise. Our mission is to offer access to the arts, community and young people’s creative selves – at a cost that everyone can afford, free. This means we rely on donations and funding.