Cardboard Citizens

22/09/2026

22/09/2026

We are delighted to announce the world stage premiere of Jacqueline Wilson’s much-loved book The Bed and Breakfast Star coming next Spring.

Join Elsa, one of Jacqueline Wilson’s most memorable characters, as she turns life’s toughest moments into laughter and friendship, proving dreams can thrive anywhere.

A Cardboard Citizens and Polka Theatre co-production in association with the Mercury Theatre Colchester, presented in partnership with Crisis.

Thu 25 Mar – Sun 25 Apr
Tickets from £10 on ALL performances
Suitable for ages 8-13
https://polkatheatre.com/event/the-bed-and-breakfast-star/

Copyright © Jacqueline Wilson, Nick Sharratt 1994. Published by Puffin Books.

22/09/2026

We are delighted to announce the world stage premiere of Jacqueline Wilson’s much-loved book The Bed and Breakfast Star coming next Spring.

Join Elsa, one of Jacqueline Wilson’s most memorable characters, as she turns life’s toughest moments into laughter and friendship, proving dreams can thrive anywhere.

A Cardboard Citizens and Polka Theatre co-production in association with Mercury Theatre, presented in partnership with Crisis.

Thu 25 Mar – Sun 25 Apr

Tickets from £10 on ALL performances
https://polkatheatre.com/event/the-bed-and-breakfast-star/

Suitable for ages 8-13

Copyright © Jacqueline Wilson, Nick Sharratt 1994. Published by Puffin Books.

03/09/2026

Some highlights from our Members' performance of 1000(Millennia) at Almeida Theatre this summer.

The final part of the Islington Trilogy❤️

📸 Mark Dawson

16/07/2026

16/07/2026

10 years ago, our Members brought Cathy Come Home to The Barbican stage.

Inspired by the original play, this production asked a powerful question: how would a Cathy be treated today?

Created with a 20-strong community cast of Cardboard Citizens Members, each with their own experience of homelessness, the play brought Cathy’s story into the present day, exploring the realities of rising social housing costs, gentrification and forced relocation through the story of one family’s struggle.

A decade on, we're proud to continue creating work that centres lived experience, challenges perceptions and amplifies voices that deserve to be heard.

Do you remember Cathy Come Home? We’d love to hear your memories in the comments. ⬇️

15/07/2026

Today, our Members stepped into the world of Kae Tempest.

Through writing exercises, Members explored new ways of developing their own creative practices.

In the session Members were given a copy of ‘Having Spent Life Seeking', Kae’s recent novel about family, forgiveness, selfhood and community.

A huge thank you to Kae for sharing their insights with our community.📚

What stories have inspired your own creativity?

15/07/2026

Congratulations to all our Members who took part in 1000 (Millennia), and thank you to our incredible partners who helped bring this production to life. 🧡