Theatre company Punchdrunk to land at London’s new Woolwich Creative District

Theatre company Punchdrunk is establishing a new home at an upcoming arts hub in southeast London.

The firm will relocate to Woolwich Creative District – a multi-million pound project to create 400 jobs by transforming an old military complex into a cultural destination for the district.

Founded nearly 20 years ago, Punchdrunk is known for global productions such as ‘Sleep No More’, which has ran in New York since 2011 and Shangai since 2016, and ‘The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable’ in London.

With phase one of building work on Woolwich Creative District now underway, the Royal Borough of Greenwich has commissioned an interactive photography project and asked locals to voice their hopes for the future of the district.

The opening phase will reinvigorate the site’s five Grade II-listed buildings, three of which will be used by Punchdrunk.

It will also see the creation of a versatile venue with a standing capacity of 1,800, three professional studios, two community and educational studios, reception spaces and a café and bar.

Council Leader Cllr Danny Thorpe said: “The development of this creative district begins a new chapter in this history of Woolwich and will make the town a destination for Londoners and visitors from across the country.

“Punchdrunk is a truly world class organisation and I am thrilled that so many internationally renowned artists and companies are making Woolwich their home. This new cultural hub will benefit communities across the wider borough.”

Peter Higgin, director of enrichment at Punchdrunk, commented: “We have already started work in the borough, touring our flagship literacy project The Lost Lending Library to primary schools and we’re looking forward to developing new projects with children, young people and the local community.

“It is an exciting time for Woolwich and we’re proud to be joining a vibrant arts community.”

Phase one work will complete in 2020.