Exciting Updates for 2026 at CENTRESTAGE and Live Performances Plus a Look Back at Our Best Moments of 2025

The world of theatre and live performance is constantly evolving, and 2026 promises to be a year full of fresh opportunities and thrilling experiences. As we prepare for the upcoming season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the highlights of the past year. From unforgettable performances from the Centrestage children of Annie The Musical at the Barking Riverside Christmas lights switch on event to engaging HAF holiday camps and valuable weekly training sessions, the last year has set a strong foundation for what’s next. This post shares the latest updates for 2026 and celebrates the milestones that have shaped our journey.

Bitu Thomas from CENTRESTAGE live storytelling at the Meliora event (architecture by Atlier Sisu) with Creative Barking & Dagenham.

What’s New for 2026 in Theatre and Live Performances

Our budding Centrestagers and friends will find plenty to look forward to in 2026. We have expanded our HAF program, structured our regular sessions for deeper theatre training and will be introducing new workshops and performances in the coming months... keep your eyes peeled!

• We are now offering FREE trials for our new term - You can sign up here

• We are excited to launch our one-day K POP Hunters workshop this February half term - see here to book .

• Our HAF Holiday Camp for young budding performers has now expanded across the borough with a successful new opening in Dagenham with Monteagle Primary School.

• We are excited to be working on introducing new classes for various ages including 0-5 years and 12 years +

BRL Christmas lights switch on event, December 25.

Expanded Holiday Camps for Young Performers

Our holiday camps have grown in popularity, and for 2026, we are introducing new themes and skill levels to accommodate a wider range of interests and ages. Highlights include:

• Musical theatre workshops focusing on singing, acting, and dancing.

• Stagecraft and technical theatre camps where participants learn about lighting, sound, and set design.

• Improvisation and scriptwriting sessions to build confidence and quick thinking.

• Performance showcases at the end of each camp, giving campers a chance to shine.

  
  

These camps provide a supportive environment for young people to develop their talents and make new friends.

Enhanced Training and Development Opportunities

For those looking to deepen their skills, our training programs have been updated with new techniques and learning. Key offerings include:

• Covering techniques such as improv acting, voice control, and character development.

• Directing and production workshops for aspiring theatre leaders.

• Technical training in lighting, sound engineering, and stage management.

• Online seminars and Q&A sessions about the performance industry, making learning accessible from anywhere.

New Partnerships and Community Projects

We are continuing to collaborate with local schools, arts organizations, and community groups to broaden access to theatre and live performance. These partnerships will support:

• Outreach programs bringing performances to underrepresented neighborhoods.

• Free funded places for talented individuals facing financial barriers.

• Community theatre projects that involve residents in creating and performing original works.

• Special events and live performance celebrating cultural diversity through performance.

  
  

These initiatives aim to make theatre a welcoming space for everyone. We are very pleased to have worked with Creative Barking and Dagenham, The Village, NHS, Thames Life, Barking and Dagenham Council, Barking Riverside Ltd, BD Giving, Thames View Infants School & more. We are excited to continue to build partnerships in 2026 and expanding our social impact together.