Phoebe Waller-Bridge donates London flat for disadvantaged writers

Phoebe Waller-Bridge has bought and donated a London flat for Writers’ Block, a scheme offering affordable accommodation to early-career writers from disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative aims to reduce class barriers in theatre by easing the cost of living in London, where writers may need to be for work and career opportunities.

The flat’s residents will pay only the bills, and Waller-Bridge has also made a financial contribution. Jack Thorne is another financial backer, alongside several theatre and screen figures. Research cited by the article found that only 16% of people working in the creative industries came from working-class backgrounds; Writers’ Block has so far signed up 15 homes and helped 12 writers find accommodation, with rates capped at £30 a night or £500 a month.