​People’s Company is an open and inclusive theatre company based at Southwark Playhouse. The aim of the company is to  give local people a voice in the future of the community, empowering creativity and giving members a voice in Southwark’s creative scene.
Since its foundation the group has grown and evolved, giving people the chance to explore acting, writing, producing, marketing for theatre and costume desing.
Joining the company is Free. The sessions are held every Tuesday evening (7 – 9pm) in the Tiny, at Southwark Playhouse, in the heart of Elephant and Castle. 
​Please note that preference is given to people living in the borough of Southwark.

Who we are:

John Whelan
Founder and Artistic Director

John has been involved in art and theatre groups in Liverpool.  John is passionate about theatre and the power it has to bring communities, such as Elephant & Castle, together. ‘From the Mystery Plays of the medieval era, when you had the local townsfolk taking part in productions, theatre has always been about community. 
Rachele Fregonese
Co - Artistic Director
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Rachele is an actress, writer, and theatre maker. She has trained in Italy, the US and the UK and, after joining People's Company at the very beginning, she now facilitates their workshops, provides acting advice and assists with their productions.
Mina Temple
Chair
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Mina has been with People’s Company since 2015 and describes it as a warm, friendly, and supportive family. 
Shelagh Farren
Treasurer
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Shelagh has been with People’s Company since its inception. The company has driven her into things she’d never have contemplated and loves working with the team on fun projects. She describes their weekly meeting as “Happy Tuesday”.
Constantine Gras
Head of Visuals
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Constantine is a multimedia artist. Among his latest collaborations are the Serpentine Galleries and the V&A Museum. He started working with the company with Melodramatic Elephant.
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Melissa Lock
Secretary
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Melissa has been performing since she was 9 then continued to study and perform through to university and is now a qualified drama teacher. She has been performing at the Southwark Playhouse since 2015.