Category Archives: arts

You’ll Regret nothing if you book to see this new play in Myatt’s Fields.

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A remarkable new play based on conversations with real people on the subject of regret is about to get an airing at our Longfield Hall.

No Regrets, by Gary McNair, is being performed by the Knatchbull Road venue’s Young Company next Friday and Saturday. The play is the result of conversations McNair had with people from all walks of life over five years.

Longfield Hall: a richly varied programme of local events

According to the Longfield, the play is “a collection of scenes from the silly to the profound, that charts our relationship with the things we should have done but didn’t and the things we shouldn’t have done, but did.”

No Regrets, performed as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival, is also being staged elsewhere. It contains swearing and depictions of violence. More details, including performance times, here.

Local community schemes come up trumps in Lambeth council funding announcement

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A group which works to save children and young people in Myatt’s Fields from educational failure and other effects of social problems is the big winner in a list of cash awards worth almost a quarter of a million pounds, announced by Lambeth council.

XLP, which supports young people in Lambeth facing challenges like family breakdown, unemployment, and educational failure, often in areas impacted by antisocial behaviour and gang violence, will get £156,814.

The organisation, which works alongside bodies including St Gabriel’s School in Myatt’s Fields, focuses on creating positive futures through long-term relationships and belief in change, regardless of background. Initiatives include a school exclusion reduction programme, mentoring, sports and arts and a mobile youth centre. Read about XLP here.

Three other local community projects are celebrating their share of the combined windfall from the Borough’s Community Connections fund.

Breath Arts Health Research — £77,000. Breath are world leaders in combining creativity and scientific research to improve health and wellbeing in communities. The Melodies for Mums programme aims to support new mothers in Brixton and Stockwell experiencing postnatal depression or low mood. This free, 10-week group singing initiative, delivered in local community settings including the Liz Atkinson Children’s Centre, has been proven to improve mental health, boost confidence, and strengthen social connections. More details here.

Longfield Hall Trust — £10,000. The famous local landmark bid will receive the funding injection to help continue it’s work in the community: read about the Hall’s work here.

The Remakery – £9,995. This renowned sustainability organisation which includes a collection of workshops and community space in Lilford Rd will use the grant to support its ongoing community outreach work. Read more about this project here

Community Connections encourages initiatives set up to make our borough fairer and safer — more details can be found here.

Cllr Annie Gallop and Cllr Paul Gadsby said:

“It’s great to see Lambeth stepping in and putting our cash where it’s going to have a significant effect on the lives of many vulnerable people. We’re also please to see big financial boosts for organisations which have been working to improve lives in our neighbourhoods for many years.”

Jellyfish and “primal rock” lead local venue’s Autumn schedule.

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A jellyfish which saves the world and and a doll which goes on an accidental global tour feature in two of the events just announced by Myatt’s Fields’ Longfield Hall.

The doll — called Lottie — is the star of a puppet performance by the String Theatre in a production suitable for all ages, which is accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. Clyde the Jellyfish, on the other hand, is on a quest for a friend in a “tentacle-tapping puppetry musical”, according to the Jam Jar theatre company.

Other events include “primal rock theatre” from Bones and the Aft’s Christmas party (pictured above) and — perhaps more sedate — a “mooch” around local areas including Little Portugal and the Minet estate.

For more details of these unmissable attractions, click here.

Big boost for Minet library in Lambeth’s new overhaul

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The historic Minet Library in Myatt’s Fields is set to benefit from a major share of new money from Lambeth Council. 

The library, which dates from the late nineteenth century, will enjoy an extensive refurbishment, including improved electrical and heating systems, renewed shelving and other furniture, and upgraded PCs.

Other improvements will include more spaces for hire and enhancements to audio loops, as well as health-check machines and better soundproofing in event rooms. A total of £1.7 million will be spent on Minet and other libraries in the borough, part of the Council’s commitment to ensure libraries are at the heart of Lambeth’s communities.

This significant investment ensures they remain fit for the future, offering not just books and learning resources, but also vital community spaces for events, technology access, and personal development. 

Local councillors Paul Gadsby and Annie Gallop welcomed the refurbishment, saying:

“This is a long overdue refurbishment to this much valued local institution. We are pleased the Council has listened to our calls for this funding.”