INTERMISSION YOUTH, a charity which transforms the lives of young people through drama, theatre and Shakespeare today announces the appointment of three new ambassadors to its fold. Olivier-award winning actor Kathryn Hunter widely acclaimed for her powerful portrayals of King Lear and Richard III, BAFTA award-winning actor Malachi Kirby (A Thousand Blows, Small Axe and Roots) and film, television and stage actor Indra Ové (Interview with a Vampire, Jerusalem – West End, RSC) join existing ambassadors Naomie Harris (Moonlight, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Skyfall) and Danny Sapani (Black Panther, Star Wars: The Last Jedi).

The new ambassadors are uniquely positioned to champion and inspire the young people that Intermission Youth works with by sharing their own experiences and life skills. Kathryn Hunter says: “Intermission Youth is many things, not least a family, so when I was invited to become an ambassador, I was honoured and delighted. The company’s work is giving young people tools to make positive choices to become the best version of themselves through theatre and Shakespeare, through shared values and the inestimable value of teamwork. I have been part of the process and witnessed firsthand extraordinary talent and groundbreaking work. I look forward to inviting an ever-expanding audience to share in the work and supporting the future of the charity’s visionary mission.”

Malachi Kirby says: “Intermission has been on my radar for over a decade, and the work they do is incredibly special. Creating wonderfully entertaining evenings of theatre is one thing — but they’re also transforming lives, giving young people a safe space to be themselves and transcend their foundations. I’m truly honoured and excited to formally advocate for Intermission as an ambassador.”

Indra Ové says: “I am thrilled to be part of this brilliant grass roots charity. I was first introduced to Intermission Youth by Mark Rylance. I was totally taken aback by their incredible productions of Shakespeare’s plays, and the vital way this organisation empowers young people through the performing arts, developing their creativity and confidence, broadening their perspectives and person growth and community. And their absolute dedication to diversity and inclusion. All of which is so important right now. I really look forward to sharing and supporting the work, and the young people in their care.”

Led by co-founder and Artistic Director Darren Raymond, the organisation has connected with over 10,000 young Londoners since 2008. This year, Darren received Shakespeare's Globe's Sam Wanamaker award in recognition for the charities life-changing and pioneering work reaching young people who face economic discrimination and social inequality.

Darren Raymond comments: “Intermission has touched the lives of thousands of participants since it was founded. With the global challenges we currently face and the rapid transition in how we exist, the transformational work we do is more vital now than ever before.

Having Kathryn, Malachi and Indra support our vision in championing the voices of our future, and sharing their experience, knowledge and care is a special gift and we are excited to welcome them on this journey with us.

Intermission Youth Trustee Mark Rylance says: “These wonderful ambassadors are precious to us. Their support inspires our young artists as they search for confidence and authentic deep-rooted self-expression. All young people need a witness, someone outside their own family circle, to see and hear them for themselves. These Ambassadors are great examples of how we can find ourselves by play acting others, finding out what makes us all tick.”

The new Ambassadors announcement coincides with the launch of the charity’s first membership scheme. The initiative will help raise vital funds to support Intermission Youth’s continued growth in providing a much-needed accessible alternative to traditional drama schools and a safe space for personal development.

Mark Rylance adds: “Our new membership scheme extends Intermission Youth’s creative community wider out amongst our audience who are always the most creative people in any theatre, as they imagine what we suggest and play. Come imagine with us. Join us and welcome our new cohort of young London actors. They always bring their soulful perspective of this modern life to expression with Shakespeare.”

This month Intermission Youth presents its annual full-scale production starring its current cohort from its 10-month drama programme. Comedy of Errors Remixed, is a re-imagination of Shakespeare’s classic farce and follows two asylum seekers as they arrive in the UK having escaped from conflict in their home country. Opening at London’s Courtyard Theatre until 20 December the themes resonate deeply with so many of the cohort whose lives and families have been negatively impacted by the climate and policies around immigration.

November 2025​

We are so, so proud of our Co-Founder and Artistic Director Darren Raymond who this week was announced as the recipient of this year’s Sam Wanamaker Award. The accolade was presented to Darren at a special ceremony at The Globe Theatre in recognition of what the world-renowned theatre described as ‘life changing work’ using the power of drama and theatre and Shakespeare to transform the lives of young people.

Over the course of 17 years, tens of thousands of young people who have faced economic discrimination and social inequality have been positively impacted by the work of Intermission Youth which Darren, together with Bishop Rob and Janine Gillion, co-founded back in 2008. The Charity, through its vital community programme, has also taken its practice into schools, pupil referral units, prisons and worked closely with youth offenders' teams and young offenders' institutions.

The Globe’s Artistic Director, Michelle Terry, said: “The impact that Darren and his pioneering work with Intermission Youth has had on the lives of young people is immeasurable. Shakespeare and his work have been integral to Darren’s artistic and personal journey, and his generous gift has been to share that with other young people, struggling to find their place in the world. He is quite simply, an inspiration.”

Darren’s full acceptance speech is shared below:

“I am humbled and honoured to receive such a prestigious award, but it would be wrong of me to stand here and take all the credit for what we have achieved together through the work of Intermission Youth.

So, I would like to dedicate this award to all the people (and there are many) who have contributed along the way. The work we have done and continue to do using Shakespeare, and the arts is truly transformational. I have witnessed so many lives change for the better, with young people going onto have successful careers in the industry as: actors, directors, theatre technicians, stage managers and more. As well as Young people finding their way back into education and making a positive contribution to their respected communities. So, thank you to the Globe for recognising the mission, it is nice to know that almost 20 years of dedication to empowering our young people is not going unnoticed!

And a final dedication to the creative genius Claire Van Kampen, I know you would be super proud of this, thank you for your unwavering support and Rest in Heavenly peace!

Three cheers for Intermission Youth!”

Photography by Henri T for Shakespeare's Globe

2025

Intermission Youth members Chola Lumingo, Ivandro Da Cruz Leite and Marley Houston attended the Jack Petchey Achievement Award ceremony 2025.

The reward recognises outstanding people aged 11-25 from London and Essex, who have faced a challenge, pushed themselves out of their comfort zone or gone the extra mile. ​The Award winner is nominated by their peers.

September 2025​

The Globe hosted an engaging evening of conversation and performance at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, where they explored how culture and Shakespeare influence health and wellbeing. The event was hosted by Michelle Terry, the Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe.

After performing a captivating Othello monologue, our Artistic Director, Darren Raymond, was part of a panel discussion with Christopher Bailey (WHO’s Arts & Health Lead), Professor Daisy Fancourt (UCL and WHO Collaborating Centre on Arts & Health) and Amanda Faber (CEO of Soldiers’ Arts Academy), where discussions ranged from how the arts can help prevent and heal illness, reflect on scientific research and personal stories, and consider the transformative power of cultural engagement for individuals and communities alike.

June 2025​

Intermission Youth Theatre members Sheniz Elmaz-Golding and Andrea Leiaa Vilarinho Cassombi have won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award 2024.

The reward recognises outstanding people aged 11-25 from London and Essex, who have faced a challenge, pushed themselves out of their comfort zone or gone the extra mile. ​The Award winner is nominated by their peers.

June 2024​

Intermission Youth Theatre member Pyerre Clarke has won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award 2023.

The reward recognises outstanding people aged 11-25 from London and Essex, who have faced a challenge, pushed themselves out of their comfort zone or gone the extra mile. ​The Award winner is nominated by their peers.

November 2023​

Intermission Youth Theatre members André Arnon and Elaya Güven have won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award 2023.

The reward recognises outstanding people aged 11-25 from London and Essex, who have faced a challenge, pushed themselves out of their comfort zone or gone the extra mile. ​The Award winner is nominated by their peers.

June 2023​

Darren Raymond, Intermission Youth's Artistic Director, won the 2021 National Diversity Positive Role Model Award.

Darren received his award at a prestigious ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral, compèred by Bridget Jones and Smack the Pony actress Sally Phillips.

Darren won the Award in the Race, Faith and Religion category. As one of 2021 Youth Theatre cohort members said: "Darren changed my life. He's a G for that. He gave me an opportunity and it's one of the greatest things that's ever happened for me."

Watch Darren's Award acceptance speech at 1:12:33

The National Diversity Awards, supported by ITV News, celebrates the excellent achievements of grass-root communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work. Around 50,000 people were nominated with 124 nominees recognised for their achievements nationwide.

Photo: Darren pictured with British soul singer and former lead singer of M people, Heather Small.

7 February 2022 ​

Sir Mark Rylance and Intermission Youth's Artistic Director Darren Raymond, talk about language, diversity and Shakespeare with The Guardian's arts & culture correspondent Nadia Khomami.

The English language in Shakespeare's day was a minority language in Europe, with French, Italian, Greek, Latin more powerful.

"Shakespeare created new words, compounds, and he also stole words," says Rylance. "When I'm around these young people [at Intermission Youth Theatre], there's a lot of words they're using I don't understand, and that's on purpose. My dominant culture isn't letting them in. It's in that spirit that Shakespeare was born, a creative use of language to create identity."

"I'm very passionate about making sure that our young people believe they can have ownership over Shakespeare," adds Raymond, "because it can open a lot of doors inside of us."

Read the full article.

17 January 2022 ​

Lord Haworth of Newport cited Intermission Youth in his speech on the inclusion of non-clinical practice - including a focus on creativity - in the Health and Social Care Bill in the House of Lords.

"There is abundant evidence that the engagement of the creative imagination can benefit mental health through improving wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem," he said.

He went on to give the example of Intermission Youth offering a range on online activities during the first lockdown "to support young people's mental health, from festivals to drama workshops and even a full production of The Tempest."

Lord Haworth then read out the experience of one of Intermission Youth Theatre's members during lockdown. “The Tempest rehearsals have been my highlight. They allow me to work towards something. I see familiar faces. I create something practical. Even in a period of unknown, this has been a continuity, an anchor, which has given me structure."

Lord Haworth, who is President of the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance, advocated that "engagement of the creative imagination is powerful not only in supporting people to recover from mental ill-health but in preventing it."

Watch here at 17:30:14

11 January 2022 ​

Theatre critics have awarded Intermission Youth Theatre's production Juliet & Romeo 5-stars for its energetic and imaginative reworking of Shakespeare's classic.

This tale of feuding families and doomed romance is set in present-day London where the streets are tense with the global pandemic and the BLM movement. This production transposes Juliet's lines with Romeo's, and vice versa, bringing fresh insight to this story with its themes of love, revenge, relationships and what it means to be a woman in this world.

"Community theatre at its absolute finest." (Time & Leisure)

"Intermission Youth Theatre is housing some of the best creatives in the country." (Exeunt Magazine)

The production received national and regional coverage on ITV News, ITV London News and the Evening Standard's Cultural Capital broadcast.

Juliet & Romeo runs until 4 December (Wednesdays to Saturdays) at The Chelsea Theatre.

November 2021 ​

Intermission Youth's Artistic Director, Darren Raymond, has been shortlisted for the Positive Role Model Award for Race, Religion and Faith in the National Diversity Awards 2021.

With 52,000 people nominated this year, Darren is one of 124 to have been shortlisted across 15 categories in recognition of achievements to combat injustice and discrimination in different ways.

"The profound impact made by all our nominees is astonishing," says Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards. "I feel personally encouraged to know that so many lives are being changed for the better due to the many causes being championed by all of you."

The best of British diversity winners will be announced at a special Awards Ceremony at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in February 2022.

July 2021 ​

Ten short 5-minute films, made entirely on mobiles, received their premiere at the London Short Film Festival.

The films, created and produced by Intermission Youth graduates and youth theatre members, were made in response to the extraordinary events of 2020. Each was inspired by a line of Shakespeare.

The films are available to view online. Some have been removed due to being submitted to film festivals:

HEY A

STATE

BLOODY NOSES

YEAR OF THE RAT

JOY

MUSTARD

NIGGER NIGGA

THE HEAD THAT WEARS THE CROWN​

16 January 2021 ​

Intermission Patron Naomie Harris has chosen Intermission Youth as one of two charities to receive a generous donation from M&S Food's Christmas advertising campaign.

M&S is donating a total of £2 million to charities selected by the nine VoiceOver artists taking part in this year's Christmas campaign. This is welcomed by charities in a year when charity income is 25% down.

"We are totally thrilled that M&S Food and Naomie Harris are supporting us this Christmas," says Intermission Youth's Executive Director Sue Radford. "This gift will enable us to continue our work transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people through drama, theatre, film and mentoring in these challenging times."

"Both African Gifted Foundation and Intermission Youth are close to my heart and and do incredible work with young people," says award-winning actor Naomie.

View the Christmas ad​

11 November 2020 ​

Intermission Youth Theatre member Rebecca Soper has won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award 2020.

The reward recognises outstanding people aged 11-25 from London and Essex, who have faced a challenge, pushed themselves out of their comfort zone or gone the extra mile. ​The Award winner is nominated by their peers.

Rebecca received the Award for her leadership, her nurture and care for many of her Intermission family and for being a great role model.

23 October 2020 ​

Intermission Youth Theatre graduate Abigail Sewell has been appointed an Ambassador Trustee at London's Young Vic.

Director and facilitator Abigail will serve a 2-year term. The Ambassador Trustee programme provides an opportunity for outstanding Directors in the earlier stages of their theatre careers to gain a first-hand understanding of the management and governance of theatre, as well as providing the Young Vic with their energy, experience and outlook.

Abigail joined Intermission Youth Theatre in 2017 and played Charlotte in Double Trouble, based on Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors.

Abigail is co-founder of Uproot Productions, an Associate Artist at the National Youth Theatre and a Trustee of Represent Theatre.

16 October 2020 ​

'Inspiring', 'Powerful', 'Uplifting'.

Just some of the feedback describing Intermission Youth's online Monologue Slam.

Sixteen Intermission Youth Theatre graduates and members performed Shakespeare monologues live over two nights in front of an international audience via Zoom and YouTube.

Feedback and advice was provided by a panel of industry professionals: actor Paapa Essiedu (Gangs of London, Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet), actor Jenny Agutter (Call the Midwife, Spooks, The Railway Children), and director and Intermission Youth graduate Abigail Sewell (The Merchant of Venice for the RSC, Pa-Lah at Royal Court). Mark Rylance joined live from the USA to answer audience questions and paid tribute to the creativity and talent of the performers who had devised and rehearsed their unique versions of monologues during lockdown.

"Such a wealth of fabulous young performers."

"I did not expect to be so inspired. I am so impressed with the level of talent on display."

Shakespeare's Monologue Slam now on YouTube

24 May 2020 ​

Intermission Founder Bishop Rob Gillion has been appointed a Patron of Intermission Youth.

Rob, together with his wife Janine and Darren, co-founded Intermission Youth Theatre in 2008. Rob, a professional actor, was Rector of the Parish of Holy Trinity with St Saviour, Upper Chelsea, before being appointed a Bishop in the Australian 'Outback'. They have returned to the UK where Rob is currently serving as Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Lincoln and leading a church in Spalding.

In September, Rob and Janine move to London as Rob takes up a new post as Honorary Assistant Bishop with special responsibility for the Arts, and Vicar of Christ Church Streatham Hill, in the Diocese of Southwark.

"I look forward to offering support and encouragement in promoting the ever developing inspirational work which offers vital engagement with young people," says Rob.

12 May 2020 ​

Members and friends of Intermission Youth took up the challenge of creating the Bard's Beats Iambic Challenge to celebrate Shakespeare's birthday.

Lockdown, self-isolation and social-distancing wasn't going to dampen the creativity and enthusiasm to create a special video to help people understand the iambic pentameter beat!

Around 2,500 people had watched or shared the video within hours of its posting on Twitter (@Inter_Theatre).

'Love this!' 'Brilliant!' 'So cool'. 'This is my new favourite #ShareYourShakespeare entry,' were just some of the comments on Twitter.

Watch the full video here. Happy Birthday William!

23 April 2020 ​

Joint statement by Intermission Youth and The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Holy Trinity and St Saviour, Upper Chelsea

"We are pleased to announce that Intermission Youth Theatre has become part of a newly-formed charitable company, Intermission Youth.

The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Holy Trinity and St Saviour, Upper Chelsea, established the youth theatre project in 2008 and remains proud of its association with this excellent project. The decision was taken to enable the project to enter a new chapter as an independent entity for the benefit of its future operational and development needs. The PCC would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated staff and contributors whose tireless efforts have already helped so many and will continue to do so much for the community and its members."

10 January 2020

End of statement

Intermission Youth is led by a new Board of Trustees, chaired by Alexander Hoare (Partner and Director of C Hoare & Co, the UK's oldest privately owned bank). Former Patron, Sir Mark Rylance, has joined the Board, together with IYT graduate and investment analyst Esther Odejimi. Actor Danny Sapani is also joining as a Trustee.

12 January 2020 ​

"This time, Raymond and the group have broken new ground - even by Intermission standards - and excelled themselves. Whoever the next Secretary of State for Education is should make it a priority to get along and look at this work." (Sardines Theatre Magazine)

Intermission Youth Theatre's end of year production, Excluded, was performed to critical acclaim. The play transplanted and reimagined some of Shakespeare's iconic characters into a London secondary school as they prepared for GCSEs and highlighted how the education system is failing many of our young people today.

"Shakespeare has been done and done again by some of the most well respected performers around. Trust me when I say, this cast could give them all a run for their money." (A Younger Theatre)

Excluded sold-out across the 4-week run, breaking IYT box office records. The production received widespread coverage across the media with many of the cast having their first taste of appearing on TV, radio and in print.

30 November 2019 ​

Photo: Richard Jinman​

Intermission Youth Theatre and its forthcoming production Excluded took centre stage in a special feature on exclusion in the Guardian.

Education correspondent Sally Weale highlighted the impact of exclusion on the lives of young people. The subject resonates with this year's Youth Theatre cohort as all but two of the performers have been excluded from school at some point in their education.​

Excluded opens 6 November and runs until 30 November, Wednesday to Saturdays at 7.30pm. Tickets available.

14 October 2019 ​

Intermission Youth Theatre member Jahmar Taylor received The Jack Petchey Achievement Award from Olympian athlete Donna Fraser.

The reward recognises outstanding people aged 11-25 from London and Essex, who have faced a challenge, pushed themselves out of their comfort zone or gone the extra mile.

​The Award winner is nominated by their peers. The Youth Theatre voted for Jahmar because of the fantastic growth in his confidence and the way he embraced his unique talents and gifts.

The evening also saw Artistic Director Darren Raymond receive the Leader Award for his tireless passion to support and mentor young people.​

14 October 2019 ​

'Intermission's production is to Shakespeare what Hamilton is to musicals.'

Intermission Theatre garnered 4- and 5-star ratings across the board, as critics were inspired by the reimagining of the classic text, the quality of performances and writing, the fusion of language and the continuing relevance of Shakespeare.

The production received widespread coverage across the media, with features, interviews and listings in The Observer, The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Afridiziak Theatre News, Time Out, The Stage, Evening Standard ES Magazine. TV and radio included Sky News, BBC Radio 4's Front Row, BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio London, Talk Radio, BBC London TV.

This was Intermission Theatre's first production at Omnibus Theatre in London and the 3-week run broke box-office records!

12 July2019 ​

Photo: Richard Jinman​

'One of the most moving celebrations of Shakespeare I've experienced: one in which his characters were transformed from distant figures on a stage to recognisable people anxious to communicate their crises to passing spectators.'

So wrote theatre critic Michael Billington in The Guardian after seeing members of Intermission Youth Theatre perform alongside actors from Intermission and Shakespeare's Globe in Westminster Abbey, as part of Shakespeare's birthday celebrations.

The evening ended with a compelling modern riff on Romeo and Juliet, directed by Intermission's Artistic Director, Darren Raymond.

16 April 2019 ​

Photo: Marc Brenner

Omnibus Theatre in Clapham, south London, has invited Intermission Theatre Company to perform at its award-winning venue for a 3-week run this summer.

Othello - Remixed breathes fresh life into Shakespeare's gripping tragedy, transporting Othello's story to London, 2019. Set in a boxing ring, championship boxer Othello, Iago and Cassio come to blows in a world of jealousy, deceit, manipulation and revenge.

"Intermission Theatre's radical reinvention of Shakespeare, with its explosive mashup of language, creates accessible, engaging and contemporary theatre that is right for our time," said Marie McCarthy, Artistic Director of Omnibus Theatre.

25 June - 14 July 2019

Tuesdays - Saturdays 7.30pm; Sundays 4pm.​

16 April 2019 ​

Intermission Youth Theatre was featured on CNN's December travel programme Quest's World of Wonder.

The 6-minute feature, which focused on diversity in London, shows CNN international reporter Richard Quest interviewing Artistic Director Darren Raymond and getting stuck into an IYT workshop.

IYT members Iain, Ilani, Donnavan and Jermaine performed and talked about Shakespeare and the relevance of his work today. Click on the button below to watch the programme.

You can also see a shorter clip here.​

18 December 2018 ​

Artistic Director Darren Raymond was interviewed on London Live about Intermission Youth Theatre's Guilt Trip.

"It's set in a very urban London 'now' world, filled with social media, young people, vibrant language, colours and a lot of mischievous behaviour," explained Darren to news anchor Anthony Baxter when asked about the setting of IYT's latest production.

Guilt Trip is based on Shakespeare's ​Much Ado about Nothing and runs until 24 November, Wednesdays to Saturdays. ​

2 November 2018 ​

Patron Mark Rylance joined Artistic Director Darren Raymond and graduates Tammi and Yung, for a special benefit evening for Intermission Youth Theatre, as part of IYT’s 10^th Anniversary celebrations.

The event, hosted at Two Temple Place on London’s Embankment, explored Shakespeare, language, the continuing relevance of the Bard and the impact IYT has had on their lives.

‘This is a fabulous company,’ said Mark. ‘They have never ceased to delight and amaze me and I actually asked to be Patron!’

22 May 2018 ​

Award-winning actress Naomie Harris was ‘blown away’ by Intermission Youth Theatre. That’s what she told BBC London TV News reporter Wendy Hurrell on the red carpet at Leicester Square, at the premiere of her latest film, Rampage.

‘I was really blown away by the immense amount of talent that is out there that so often gets wasted,’ said Naomie, who became Patron, alongside Mark Rylance, in January. ‘Without a group like Intermission Youth Theatre, those young people wouldn’t have an outlet for all that creativity.’

11 April 2018

Key members in the arts, education, criminal justice system and from grant-awarding bodies attended a special event at the House of Lords to hear about the work of Intermission Youth Theatre.

A number of graduates took part in a short presentation, along with Artistic Director Darren Raymond, and Executive Director Sue Radford. As graduate Yung Nguyen said, “Intermission Youth Theatre is more than acting. It’s a safe and healthy place to grow as a person.”

The event, part of IYT’s 10^th Anniversary celebrations, was hosted by Intermission supporters Jay and Stephen Green (Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint).

19 February 2018

Award-winning actress Naomie Harris has become a Patron of Intermission Youth Theatre, alongside Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance.

Naomie, who played Eve Moneypenny in the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre and received critical acclaim for her performance in the film Moonlight, was blown away by the Youth Theatre’s production Double Trouble in Novmeber.

‘I think the work Intermission Youth Theatre does is phenomenal and I am so impressed by the amount of talent and commitment from the members,’ she said.

Artistic Director Darren Raymond says, ‘Naomie is a fantastic role model, offering inspiration to our young people.’

24 January 2018

The RSC have chosen Intermission Youth Theatre to be their London-based theatre for their Associate Schools Programme. The ASP is the RSC’s long-term partnership programme with schools, communities and theatres across England, helping teachers and young people experience, engage with and take ownership of the work of Shakespeare.