The New Classics

This ambitious initiative creates an artistic incubator for new, large-scale adaptations that reflect today’s contemporary context, and respond directly to a recognised gap in both drama training and the professional theatre sector.  

Traditional training models often draw on the established drama canon to support large ensemble work. While these texts remain vital, they do not always reflect the breadth of perspectives found in today’s student body or fully connect with modern audiences. 

Across the theatre sector, shifting resources and programming priorities mean that large-scale new commissions can be challenging to realise – particularly for underrepresented writers. 

The New Classics addresses these challenges through an innovative and sustainable commissioning model. Playwrights from underrepresented backgrounds are engaged to create urgent, contemporary adaptations of established works, reimagining enduring stories for a new generation. Writers are supported by ETT’s dramaturgical expertise, workshop processes and national touring networks, ensuring both artistic rigour and industry relevance. 

These new adaptations are developed and premiered as part of Guildhall School’s public events programme, with the performances by final year actors on Guildhall’s BA (Hons) in Acting course offering a vital testing ground and meaningful bridge between training and the professional sector. Productions will then go on to professional touring, extending their reach to audiences across the UK. 

By focusing on adaptation, the initiative provides writers with a secure creative framework in which to generate relevant, large-scale repertoire for both drama schools and theatres. In doing so, it strengthens pathways for diverse talent and contributes directly to renewing the national canon for the wider industry. 

The first cohort of commissioned writers includes Hannah Khalil, who is also writer in residence at Bristol Old Vic from 2025-2030 and an Associate Artist of Shakespeare's Globe, and Dipo Baruwa-Etti, whose work includes The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars (Theatre Royal Stratford East), An unfinished man (The Yard Theatre), Half-Empty Glasses (Paines Plough) and The Clinic (Almeida Theatre).