A Rye Gem

Susan Elkin met with Theatre Peckham AD Suzann Mclean, discovering this hub has much to offer

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Founded 33 years ago, Theatre Peckham is an unsung jewel tucked away in the back streets of Southwark about ten minutes walk from Peckham Rye station and close to the centre of Camberwell. Mountview Academy, one of the country’s top drama schools is now just along the road. University of the Arts London, Camberwell, is round the corner. This is definitely a cultural hub. Even so I’m very pleasantly surprised when I walk along Havil Street to find a large purpose-built modern building which includes (as I discover later) a fine 200 seat theatre as well as lots of meeting and teaching space and a nice café.

TP’s purpose and mission is to offer dance and drama for young people, including courses and performances within a community project and theatre. It teaches acting, singing and dancing to people aged 3-25 and works with over 400 participants every week. Its patrons – immaculately diverse and representative – are Ian McKellan, Jenny Agutter and David Harewood.