Uplift Festival 2025
The Uplift Festival is run by Group 64 Theatre for Young People, in collaboration with Theatre503 and supported by Wandsworth Council. The festival is part of the London Borough of Culture programme.
18th-22nd November 2025
Uplift Festival is an exciting new youth theatre and performance festival created by and for young people across the borough of Wandsworth. This dynamic celebration will feature performances,, engaging workshops, and a range of events inspired by the ideas and passions of young people, alongside the thrilling culmination of the Group 64 and Theatre503’s Playwriting Competition
Launching our debut festival as part of the London Borough of Culture is an incredible opportunity to showcase the creativity, energy, and talent of the young people in our community. Uplift is more than a festival—it’s a platform for youth voices to be heard, celebrated, and uplifted.
Who is the festival for: The Uplift Festival is for all young people aged 14-19, who live, go to school or go to community groups in Wandsworth. (If you are slightly out the age range you are still very welcome)
Is there a cost: Most events have tickets, however all tickets are available on a ‘pay what you can’ scale this can be anything from £1 upwards. If possible please book in advance as there is a limited availability for all events.
How do I book? Book tickets here: https://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/event-6417703
TUESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER
Explore Creative Futures: Careers in the Arts 5.30-7.30pm
An exciting opportunity for young people across Wandsworth to be inspired by the many possibilities of a creative career.
At this event, you will:
Discover a wide range of career paths within the arts and creative industries
Hear directly from industry professionals
Gain practical tips and advice
Network with organisations and creatives
Whether you are curious about your first step or already dreaming big, if you’ve ever considered a career in the arts this event is for you!
BOOK TICKETS HERE: https://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/event-6417764
WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER
Happimess: create and explore theatre crafts
Join us for a joyful evening of theatre craft, centred around the theme of happiness. This hands-on event is designed to explore your creativity, learn new skills, and – yes – make a bit of a mess along the way!
5.00pm -6.30pm Drop in Mess Making (no ticket needed)
6.30pm -7.30pm Puppetry Making and Manipulation (from War Horse Puppeteer Alex Donnachie)
6.30pm – 7.30pm Costume Design
BOOK TICKETS HERE: https://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/event-6417849
Everyone who attends this event gets a free ticket to the Young Directors Showcase at 7.45pm
THURSDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
Young Directors Showcase: Directing & Acting for Young People
The Young Directors Showcase is an evening dedicated to exploring what it means to be a director – and to be directed – across both stage and screen.
The event includes a range of engaging workshops, from directing techniques to acting for screen, offering young creatives the chance to develop practical skills and gain insight into the collaborative process.
The evening culminates in a final performance directed by the Young Directors themselves, followed by a panel discussion featuring the show’s director, cast, and a professional industry guest.
5.30-6.30pm Acting for Screen – with actor Gabriel Howell (Netflix thriller Bodies 2023, How to train a Dragon 2025)
6.30-7.30pm Directing Workshop with a Professional Director (director tbc)
7.45pm Young Directors Performance followed by a Q and A with The Director and The Cast
BOOK TICKETS HERE: https://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/event-6417888
FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
Make a Scene: celebrating the joy of being uniquely you!
You are cordially invited to Make a Scene – an unforgettable night of creativity, self-expression, and celebration at Putney Arts Theatre… with a twist.
Step into a space where you can be whoever you want to be. Dress up, let loose, and celebrate your uniqueness in a party like no other. Expect costumes, music, and a full-blown extravaganza!
Take part in specially curated workshops designed to bring you joy, followed by an epic party featuring a live DJ.
6.30pm-8.00pm: Diva Workshop
6.30pm-8.00pm: Drag Make Up Demonstration and workshop (with drag performer Douglas Dare)
6.30pm-8.00pm: Singing and Performance Workshop ‘Being Uniquely You’
8.00pm-9.30pm: Diva Disco with DJ
A ticket to this event means you will get a ticket to the disco, or you can just come along at 8pm for a dance! All tickets are PWYC and no-one will be turned away for lack of funds
BOOK TICKETS HERE: https://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/event-6417921
Come as you are. Leave as whoever you want to be.
SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
Future Voice: The UPLIFT Playwriting Competition
Join us for the powerful finale of UPLIFT Festival, as we showcase the incredible talent emerging from our Playwriting Competition, held in collaboration with Theatre503.
Come and celebrate the next generation of playwrights with excerpts from 9 original plays written by young people and performances of two 30 minute plays by our competition winners.
This is a celebration of bold ideas, fresh voices, and the future of theatre—written and performed by young people, for everyone.
BOOK TICKETS HERE: https://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/event-6417938
