Phoebe Waller-Bridge leads celebrity-backed Writers' Block housing scheme

Phoebe Waller-Bridge and a host of major industry figures are financially backing the Writers' Block scheme to provide rent-free accommodation for disadvantaged early-career writers in London. The initiative, a pilot program run by the Adopt a Playwright charity, directly addresses the prohibitive cost of living in the capital for those trying to build a career.

Writers’ Block grew from the Adopt a Playwright Award, founded in 2008 by Sofie Mason and Diana Jervis-Read. That award has long provided affordable accommodation for writers needing to be in London for meetings, rehearsals, and performances. The new scheme expands this mission with significant celebrity support to combat a stark class imbalance. Research confirms that only 16% of creative-industry workers come from working-class backgrounds, a greater disparity than in any other sector.

Waller-Bridge's personal contribution

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the 41-year-old creator and star of Fleabag, has donated her own London flat to the cause. The flat will be offered rent-free to early-career writers from disadvantaged backgrounds, who will only be responsible for paying utility bills. Waller-Bridge, whose company PMWB Limited made nearly £16 million, has also made a generous financial contribution to the Writers’ Block scheme.

Financial backing from multiple creatives

The scheme's support extends far beyond one donation. A coalition of prominent writers is providing financial backing to expand accommodation opportunities. The backers include screenwriter and playwright Jack Thorne, co-creator of Adolescence and writer of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Playwright and screenwriter James Graham, creator of Ink and Dear England, is also a supporter. They are joined by Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, The Crown writer Peter Morgan, and Martin McDonagh, the writer-director partner of Waller-Bridge. James Graham stated that the industry's urgent pursuit of representation is still letting down the biggest area of under-representation of all, which is class.

Scheme progress and challenges

The pilot has already secured 15 homes and helped 12 writers secure accommodation, ranging from overnight stays to longer-term placements. It invites Londoners to offer spare rooms at a maximum of £30 per night or £500 per month. Organisers say the scheme could attract older people living alone who want companionship and extra income but are uneasy advertising rooms to strangers. Jack Thorne highlighted the personal impact such support can have, saying, "I was lucky when I started out, my brother lived in Croydon and was able to put me up." As it grows, the initiative's potential to attract these older hosts seeking companionship and income could be key to its expansion beyond the initial 15 homes.