An award introduced by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, The London Borough of Culture celebrates the city’s rich arts heritage, a quality of the capital revered globally. Often when naming arts organisations within London, it’s easy to think of the obvious iconic institutions synonymous with the city. What’s great about this initiative is that it highlights the capital’s nuances, drawing on various communities and how they shape their boroughs to curate activities and events unique to them. A total of 22 London Boroughs submitted applications in 2017 to be considered and in February 2018, it was announced that Waltham Forest had become the first recipients of the award. Creative Director of Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture Sam Hunt talks about the communities pivotal contribution to winning the bid, how artists can get involved and apply for funding and how the 2019 legacy will live on!

Four years ago, the European migrant crisis dominated the headlines. Images of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea in the hopes of escaping life threatening regimes and a poor quality of life in the hopes of starting anew were stark, shocking and eye opening. The media’s coverage of this period, at points unforgiving, demonised those seeking safety. The infamous Calais Jungle would also dominate headlines; the encampment at its peak, home to over 6,000 migrants seeking refuge. Director of Borderline Theatre Company Sophie NL Besse addresses the personal stories of refugees and asylum seekers in her latest show Welcome to the UK. Ahead of the show, Sophie talks about her time delivering workshops at the Calais Jungle, the multi-cultural ensemble consisting of refugees and performers and the show’s satirical aspect.

Within the past 2 decades, the gradual rise in Islamaphobia has been haunting to witness. Various misconceptions within the press further peddling a feeling of fear amongst nations. These untruths go on to shape voting outcomes and interactions within the wider community, fuelling a stereotype that doesn’t at all ring true. Nabilah Said’s timely show Inside Voices aims to add nuance to perceptions currently held. Placing lives of three Malay Muslim women at the fore, Nabilah and her theatre company Lazy Natives offer an insight into an aspect of Southeast Asian culture perhaps not focused on within the UK. Ahead of the show, Nabilah talks about making her professional debut at the Vault Festival, exploring topics of race and religion and featuring in Nick Hern Books’ Plays from Vault 4 Anthology.

The topic of fertility affects all, yet it’s a topic that we only now find ourselves starting to openly discuss. Everyone has their own personal stories and journeys, a multitude of experiences still yet to explore and learn from. Inspired to curate a festival addressing this often taboo subject, co-founders of Fertility Festival 2019 Jessica Hepburn and Gabby Vautier talk about this year’s emphasis on discussing the modern family, what audiences can expect from this year’s line up and how societal conversations have shifted towards raising awareness on the multi-faceted topic.

Soho Theatre has been at the forefront of discovering the UK’s top theatre and comedy talent for years; with various alumni having gone on to establish successful careers within the arts. Having completed a successful run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Soho Theatre favourite Archie Maddocks returns with his latest stand up show, Matchstick. Performed as part of this year’s Soho Rising Festival, a festival celebrating new writing, Archie tells us more about the show…

Hi Archie, you’ll be showcasing your latest stand up show Matchstick as part of Soho Theatre’s Soho Rising Festival on Friday 14 December. How are you feeling ahead of the show?

Pretty good. The show is good so I’m feeling confident that it will go well – just need to remember the damn thing!

Providing visitors news, reviews and interviews on or with the UK’s brightest talents on stage and screen as well as behind the scenes, The British Blacklist has championed the contributions of black British creatives for the past 6 years. Its founder, Akua Gyamfi has helped to craft a movement that very rightfully has gone from strength to strength. Here, Akua discusses what inspired the site’s creation, accessing press opportunities that initially wouldn’t have been made available and suggests theatre creatives and events to look out for!

Hi Akua, you’re the founder of influential website The British Blacklist. What inspired you to create the resource?

Synonymous with female empowerment, warrior queen Arawelo (pronounced Caraweelo) is an ancient Somalian queen said to have ruled approximately in 15AD. Renowned for championing a matriarchal society, Arawelo, prior to assuming the role of queen would take on patriarchal roles such as gathering sustenance for her community. Laying the foundations for dismantling issues we still find ourselves talking about today, it’s a case of questioning the pace in which societies have moved forward. In a time where we are still discussing gender pay gaps and other inequalities, Arawelo’s defiant tenacity knows no end. Theatre Company Queen of Sheba International have taken on the powerful queen’s story in their eponymous production. Producer Shukri Ibrahim discusses the show’s development and timely issues.

For a decade, the Papatango New Writing Prize has awarded promising playwrights that have gone on to pursue successful careers within the industry. Iman Qureshi is the initiative’s 10th winner, and there’s no doubt that she’ll enjoy a future of success too. Iman’s ‘The Funeral Director’ witnesses Ayesha, the director of a Muslim funeral parlour confront her sexuality and challenge her faith when Tom visits to organise his boyfriend’s funeral. A timely piece of writing tackling hot points within current conversations, Iman talks about the show’s debut at the Southwark Playhouse!

Currently playing at the Plymouth Theatre Royal, before transferring to The Arcola Theatre, Forgotten fleshes out the one sided narrative we’re so often used to hearing. Forgotten brings to light the 140,000 Chinese labourers who aided in Britain and the Allies WWI victory a century ago; as a result, educating and celebrating the contributions of the Chinese Labour Corps. Director Kim Pearce talks to us about what drew her to the project as well as the extensive research process that brought this much needed production to life!