09:00, 03 March 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Britain is very confident about its outstanding delivery in performing arts yet, they seem to remain guarded about who gets to participate in it.
Theatres glitter, casting calls multiply and immersive productions flourish, yet for many young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the performing arts remain financially and socially out of reach.
A new partnership between The London Cabaret Club and The King’s Trust seeks to challenge that imbalance.
From March 2026, the club will launch a three-year Emerging Talent Programme designed to support aspiring performers who lack the means to access formal training. Shaped and led by The London Cabaret Club’s founders, Evelina Girling and Doni Fierro, this initiative is grounded not in vague good intentions but in sobering evidence.
Research commissioned by the club found that 40% of parents feel priced out of extracurricular arts activities, with families spending an average of £570 a year on clubs. Nearly half report their children have had to give up pursuits such as theatre or music because the costs became unsustainable. In a country that champions creativity, this quiet attrition of ambition should concern us all.
The programme promises more than workshops and warm words. Selected participants will undertake an intensive course at the Bloomsbury Ballroom, culminating in a gala performance of the club’s flagship production, London Never Sleeps. A judging panel of industry figures will scout emerging talent, with one performer securing a professional contract in the club’s 2026 show, La Vita è Dolce!. In short, it connects training directly to employment — the missing link in many well-meaning arts schemes.
The programme also comes at a celebratory time as The King’s Trust marks its 50th anniversary and The London Cabaret Club hits its 10th.
TV personality Tasha Ghouri will be joining as a mentor to support the young performers. Born deaf and fitted with a cochlear implant as a child, Tasha’s own journey into professional dance underscores the power of persistence and of support. Her involvement signals that this is not simply about widening participation, but about fostering excellence from unexpected places.
As a The King’s Trust Ambassador, Tasha said: “Having faced significant challenges accessing a highly competitive and demanding industry, I know how many obstacles young people encounter when trying to break into entertainment.
“Mounting costs on families shouldn’t mean kids have to miss out on opportunities to pursue their passions. Parents have enough to deal with, without worrying about being able to afford to give their children the access to clubs and activities they know they will enjoy.”
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The King’s Trust. This is a charity that was set up by King Charles III to support. young people aged 11 to 30 to build confidence, skills, and gain employment. Learn more here.
Buttle UK. Formerly known as The Frank Buttle Trust, this charity helps to provide financial aid to children and young people who have recently experienced crisis. Discover their work here.
National Youth Arts Trust (NYAT). This UK charity provides bursaries, mentorships, and youth theatre projects to ensure young people (12-25) from disadvantaged backgrounds can access performing arts. They help overcome financial barriers for training in dance, music, and drama, alongside providing free theatre tickets. Find out more here.
Photo credits: The London Cabaret Club and The Kings Trust
