London Festival of Theatre

This event is currently archived due to its postponement or because we have yet to receive further plans for its recurrence in the foreseeable future. Please liaise with your lifestyle manager for more information.

The London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) is a renowned biennial festival of theatre, performance, and cultural events that takes place in London. Established in 1981 by Rose Fenton and Lucy Neal, the festival has a rich history of challenging British theatre and providing a window into the world of international theatre. LIFT has been a pioneer in breaking down barriers between art forms, offering a platform for world-class theatre makers and providing a space for artists living with conflict and oppression to share their stories.

The festival's programming is diverse and often engages with political and social issues. In the past, LIFT has presented works that explore themes such as censorship, global warming, and the distribution of resources, all while maintaining a commitment to being eye-opening, witty, and entertaining. The festival has also commissioned and produced original works, including Ariel Dorfman's Death and the Maiden, Deborah Bobby Baker's Grown-Up School, and Theatre-Rites' House.

In addition to its biennial festival, LIFT supports year-round activity in London, including LIFT Tottenham, a program that collaborates with local artists, young people, and organizations to produce art work with a focus on participatory work and engaging non-professional performers. LIFT Tottenham began in January 2015 and has since worked with a variety of artists and organizations in the Tottenham area.

LIFT's commitment to inclusivity and diversity is also reflected in its programming. The festival has featured works by artists from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and has a history of supporting emerging artists from around the world. LIFT has also been a leader in experimenting with the form of theatre, presenting works that push the boundaries of traditional theatre and offer new and innovative experiences for audiences.