Entertainment · Celebrity · 2 hrs ago
Phoebe Waller-Bridge donates rent-free London flat for emerging writers
Phoebe Waller-Bridge has donated the use of a London flat for writers early in their careers to live in without paying rent.
The Writers’ Block scheme is aimed at playwrights from disadvantaged backgrounds who need to be in London to build their careers.
Residents will pay bills but no rent, while Waller-Bridge has also made a financial contribution.
The scheme responds to the high cost of accommodation in the capital, which can make it harder for writers without financial support to keep working.
Only 16% of people in creative industries come from working-class backgrounds, according to research cited by the scheme’s founders.
Writers’ Block builds on an accommodation programme launched in 2008, which has supported 55 writers so far.
The scheme connects playwrights with people offering rooms or properties at reduced rates, and Waller-Bridge’s flat adds a rent-free option.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge has bought and donated the use of a London flat for writers early in their careers to live in rent-free.
The flat is part of Writers’ Block, a scheme supporting playwrights from disadvantaged backgrounds who face the cost of accommodation in London.
Residents will pay bills but no rent.
Jack Thorne is among the other backers providing financial support, while Martin McDonagh is also involved.
Writers’ Block was created by Sofie Mason and Diana Jervis-Read and is a partnership with Omnibus Theatre.
- Who
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge donated the use of the flat. Writers’ Block supports early-career writers.
- What
- A London flat will be provided rent-free to an emerging writer, who will pay bills.
- When
- The scheme was reported on 3 and 4 November 2026.
- Where
- London.
- Why
- To help writers from disadvantaged backgrounds overcome the cost of accommodation in the capital.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sofie Mason and Diana Jervis-Read founded the Adopt a Playwright Award initiative.
The Daily Mail reported that Waller-Bridge had bought a London flat for the scheme.
The Independent reported on Waller-Bridge’s donated flat and the Writers’ Block initiative.
- Resident’s rent
- Free; the resident pays bills
- Scheme
- Writers’ Block
- Founders
- Sofie Mason and Diana Jervis-Read
- Other financial backer
- Jack Thorne
- Published reports
- 3 and 4 November 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
For many writers the need for a roof makes writing impossible which is why this pilot is so important.
We don’t need grand gestures, just someone to open a door and help us keep going.
She doesn't want to talk about it but she 's just bought the flat because she cares about people who might otherwise struggle.