Building Communities Beyond Bricks: Higgins Collaborates with Tara Theatre

Posted 29/08/2025

At Higgins, regeneration means more than building high-quality homes, it’s about investing in culture, empowering communities, and leaving a lasting legacy that goes beyond construction. That’s why, as part of our Cultural Action Plan for Phase 1 of our Garratt Lane development in Wandsworth, we committed £40,000 to support Tara Theatre deliver two Young Company Programmes.

Empowering Young Voices in Theatre

This year, Young Company brought together 26 young artists aged 18 to 25 from diverse backgrounds to explore every aspect of theatre-making, developing their creative skills in writing, directing, stage management, movement, set and costume design. Thirteen of these young artists went on to devise and produce a powerful new play, A Practical Guide on How to Save the World When No One F**ing Else Is*, tackling the climate emergency through the lens of diaspora communities.

Performed to sold-out audiences of more than 540 people, the production was met with glowing reviews, with West End Best Friend awarding it five stars and describing it as “a blunt and provoking show that fearlessly makes a statement. It isn’t talk; it’s action.” 

Breaking Down Barriers

Thanks to Higgins’ support, all participants were paid the London Minimum Living Wage, helping to remove financial barriers and open up pathways into the arts for young people from diverse and often underrepresented backgrounds.

Feedback showed the programme’s impact:

·      100% of participants said they gained a strong creative community

·      85% reported increased confidence in collaboration

·      Many now plan to continue their careers in the arts

The legacy of the Young Company is already clear, with alumni securing professional roles at venues including The Old Vic, Young Vic, Kiln Theatre, and Tara Theatre itself.

Building Culture Into Community

Our partnership with Tara Theatre is a key part of our vision for Garratt Lane, ensuring culture, creativity, and opportunity sit at the heart of the new neighbourhood. Just as we are delivering new affordable, sustainable homes, we are also investing in projects that empower the next generation and enrich the wider community.

As one participant put it: “Tara’s Young Company empowers young people of colour’s voices in a practical way… This is an extremely rare occasion and definitely unique for the theatre landscape in London.”

Looking Ahead

This is the second Young Company Programme we’ve proudly supported at Tara Theatre as part of our £40,000 commitment. We look forward to continuing our collaboration, ensuring that the Garratt Lane development leaves a lasting cultural and social legacy, one that celebrates creativity as much as construction.