Breakout Summer Project 2026
“I learned about different cultures and lots of food.”
Breakout is Immediate Theatre's annual one-week summer youth theatre programme for children aged 5–12, designed to build confidence, life skills, and wellbeing. The week ends with a performance for family and guests. This year’s theme, A Sense of Belonging, explores identity, place, and connection through theatre, music, spoken word, and visual arts, with children creating their own work, set, props, and costumes. Participants also work towards AQA accreditation. The project is free to attend and includes a hot meal everyday.
Secure your space
Register now: Contact Charmain: +44 7525 892953
Last summer, children and young people joined our programme not knowing quite what to expect. Some were nervous. Some lacked confidence. Some had never performed before. By the end they stood in front of an audience, confident, proud, and supported - sharing their voices and celebrating what they had created. That’s the power of the right opportunity. And this summer, we’re doing it all again.
What Young People Achieved Last Summer
Young people:
- Built confidence and self-belief
- Formed meaningful friendships
- Found their voice
- Developed skills for school, work, and life
Most importantly: They discovered who they are, and found their voice
Confidence, Culture & Creativity
Last year's Breakout (2025) was all about Hackney’s Magic Recipe Book. A vibrant performance celebrating culture, identity, and belonging through food and storytelling.
Children explored dishes from across the world, like jerk chicken, lahmacun, pho, bagels & jollof rice, all helping to bring Hackney’s diversity to life. Each day included a hot meal linked to the cultures explored, deepening their connection to the experience.
Inclusive & Designed for Every Child
Through multi-sensory approaches, tailored support, and close communication with families, every child was included. Every child contributed. Every child had a role to play.
“My granddaughters enjoyed themselves immensely… it increased their confidence.”
“Very inclusive for all children. Lovely how they explore different cultures.”
“The drama class has boosted my boys’ confidence a lot. They feel safe and well looked after.”
“Well crafted, strong performance… it held my attention from start to the end.”
“Incredibly powerful. I hope you are able to share it with more people.”
Parents
"I liked learning about pho and bánh mì—it was really interesting."
“I learned about different cultures and lots of food.”
“I felt really proud when I wore my country’s flag.”
Young participants
Breakout 2026 (Ages 5–12)
When: 20 – 24th July
Time: 10:30 – 16:30
Location: Homerton - contact us for exact location
Cost: Free including daily hot meals. There will also be a final performance for family and friends
Theme: A Sense of Belonging
Children will explore, identity, place, connection & more through theatre, music, and creative workshops, creating their own performance from scratch.
Is this right for your young person?
Breakout is for our young person, especially if they:
- Need a confidence boost
- Want to make friends
- Enjoy creative activities
- Need structure and support
Spaces a re limited
Register now: Contact Charmain: +44 7525 892953