Mill Hill charity NW7 Hub is set to a launch a new creative venture – which it hopes will eventually entirely fund its local food bank. 

The charity, which launched in 2016 and has managed the Mill Hill Partnership Library with Barnet Council since 2017, will open the doors of a new, 80-seat community theatre in April 2022. 

It will be free for performers to book the space in order to put on their own shows, with a small portion of ticket sales being directed to the food bank as a donation. 

NW7 Hub volunteer, trustee and arts director Adam Morley says he hopes the theatre will allow actors, singers, dancers and artists who’ve struggled to keep afloat during the pandemic to thrive with a no-cost venue option. 

Adam tells Barnet Post: “There’s [been] very little work, there’s very little income and people have had to do what they’ve had to do to survive and support their families. 

“And what we would like to do is offer a platform for performers to be able to take risks without consequences in terms of finances and having to pay for the space. We’re keen on just getting people into the building.” 

NW7 Hub’s food bank currently supports 150 families (and counting) – around 500 people – and the portion of ticket sales earmarked as donations is set to make a huge difference. 

“We’d probably add a pound to each ticket,” Adam suggests, adding: “But the real income is made from the bar, so we’d open up a bar, and take that proportion. 

“If we hit 50% of our target, we’ll fund the food bank – which costs £15,000 a year to run.” 

He adds: “Lots of people have a misconception about Mill Hill, that it is affluent and a leafy suburb. Some of that is true, but within that there’s great poverty. 

“Covid has had a huge impact, and with the rising cost of living, and inflation, [we’re starting to see] people’s neighbours, friends, family. We need help. 

“The council have been very, very good with the food bank, and we’re fortunate that we’ve got some very good suppliers… but it’s unfortunately growing all the time. It’s not receding.” 

One of the key challenges for the food bank, Adam says, is that it is also a goods bank – meaning it aims to provide personal hygiene products and other essentials, which can often be extremely costly to purchase. 

He tells Barnet Post: “Hygiene products, feminine hygiene products, children’s products – we can’t get enough of that. They disappear instantly.” 

The new Mill Hill theatre will also become home to a twice-weekly drama society, which Adam says doesn’t require you to be an actor, writer or budding director – just keen to get involved in a new project. 

“We’re pushing to support to communities – but people also need quality of life,” Adam notes. “They don’t need to ‘just survive’. There’s got to be more. 

“If we can offer a high class arts and cultural programme locally, as well as benefiting those most in need, we’re serving our purpose and supporting the wellbeing – both physical and mental – of our constituent community. And also taking pressure off frontline services.” 

Residents across the borough (and wider London) are invited to get involved – and bookings are already trickling in, though you’ll need to think creatively to make the most of the space. 

Adam shares: “It’s a black box space, because during the day it’s a dance school and is used for other activities. 

“Anyone who wants to express themselves can come along and pitch to us and we’ll have a look at the date, and see what we can do.”

Want to book the theatre space, or enquire about Mill Hill’s new drama society? Contact [email protected] to find out more. 

Learn more about NW7 Hub’s work in the community on their official website