Phoebe Waller-Bridge gives London flat to early-career writers

Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge has bought a flat in London and is offering it rent-free to early-career writers. The property is for writers from disadvantaged backgrounds, who will pay only their bills. The offer was reported on 4 November 2026.

The flat is part of Writers' Block, a new scheme that aims to remove class barriers in theatre. Under the arrangement, writers living in the flat will cover only the bills. Waller-Bridge has also made a financial contribution to the initiative, which described the donation as generous. The amount has not been disclosed.

Living costs in London are high, and many young playwrights struggle to stay in the city while they build a career. Writers' Block is designed to address that gap, so that talent from less wealthy families is not shut out of the stage.

Waller-Bridge is one of several well-known names who have signed up to the scheme. Her backing adds weight to an effort that focuses on the cost of simply living in the capital.

Anyone interested in applying would need to check the initiative's own criteria, which have not been set out publicly.

It has not been said how many writers will be housed, how long the placements last, or how writers will be chosen. Those details are not yet known.