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ABOUT US

Established in 2020!!

We are Lonesome Workshops. The only space in London like it. We get up and we move. We don’t sit around and chat. We get up, we trip, we fall and we fail. Then we build, we grow, we push and the whole room makes progress.

We are bold, we are brave and we are here for artist to grow in their craft.

Every single week, our workshops guide like-minded creatives through a range of physical, vocal, and text based exercises. These exercises are designed to enhance your ability to work professionally in the industry by developing a heightened use of skills within a constructive environment.

Our aim is to enhance a broad range of industry-specific skills by ensuring active participation from every attendee. By working physically and directly, you will become so at ease that you can transfer these skills into auditions, which has often led to representation and professional bookings.

Our workshops are led by professionals, attended by professionals, and designed for professionals.

NO EGO // NO JUDGEMENT.

We back and support artists. ALWAYS.

NEWS !!

WE HAVE A NEW HOME.

LONESOME LOFT.

6 SYLVESTER PATH, HACKNEY,

LONDON, E8 1EN

HACKNEY IS OUR HOME.

FINALLY.

Tucked away behind the Hackney Empire, Sylvester Path is a charming pedestrian thoroughfare linking Sylvester Road with Wilton Way.

Rich in character and history, the path weaves past a distinctive mix of period and listed buildings alongside striking modern architecture, giving the area a unique and creative energy. T

he surrounding neighbourhood is alive with independent restaurants and coffee shops, while the much-loved Old Ship sits just a couple of doors away, offering food, drinks and four-star accommodation.

Hackney Central and Mare Street are both only a short stroll away, placing the best of Hackney’s culture, connectivity and lifestyle right on the doorstep.

THIS IS OUR NEW HOME.

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WHO RUNS THE WORKSHOPS

Niall Phillips, Director

Niall Phillips is a classically trained actor, award-winning theatre director and qualified theatre practitioner. He has worked across New York City, Europe, Turkey, Africa and throughout the U.K., teaching and directing at leading accredited drama schools including East 15, ArtsEd, RADA, Italia Conti, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and IDSA.

Niall was the Head Coach at the online drama school IAMPRO.

In 2025 / 2026, Niall has worked with the BBC, National Theatre, Young Actors Theatre (YAT), East 15, and IAMPRO.

Selected Theatre Work

Niall’s directing credits include:

  • SHARIF - (JW3 & Kings Head Theatre) by TOMER ALDUBI, TRANSLATED BY SHIR FREIBACH

  • Life of Galileo (EAST 15 Acting School)

  • MACBETH - EMRYS JOHNS STUDIO & SCHOOLS TOUR

  • Anthony & Cleopatra (Fourth Monkey, 3rd year production)

  • BAAL (East 15)

  • Women of Troy (RBC / Crescent Theatre)

  • Irn Pru (Arcola Theatre)

  • MEDEA (Midlands Arts Centre)

  • Tomorrow May Be My Last (Various venues)

  • I Know My Husband Loves Me (The Union Theatre)

  • FAUX (Brighton Fringe Festival – Winner of the Bobby Award for Best Production)

  • Hidden (Wandsworth Arts Festival)

  • Minitarists (Vaults Festival)

  • Turkey (Off West End nomination for Best Director, 2018)

  • IN/OUT (A Feeling) (Off West End nomination for Best New Production)

  • Romeo & Juliet (Sardinia Arts Festival)

  • Waiting for Charlie (The Hope Theatre)

  • Olympilads; He(Art) (Theatre N16)

  • I’m Thinking of Leaving Facebook; The Unmarried (Edinburgh Fringe Festival)

  • Face to Face; Letters From Everyone (Off West End nomination for Best New Play, 2017)

  • Tom & Jerry (Drayton Arms Theatre)

  • Love vs Hate; On a Spree (Tristan Bates Theatre)

  • Fugee (Omnibus Arts Centre)

Film Work

Niall has also worked on multiple film productions.
His debut short film, HOME (2012), explored mental health in young men and featured Perry Benson and Mike Parr.
This was followed by WORK (2013), a short film examining male anxiety and depression, starring Natalie Jacobs.

Youth Theatre

Niall has extensive experience in youth theatre, having worked with Half Moon Theatre, Actors Alive, Young Actors Theatre and Brighter Day Theatre.

NEXT (What’s Coming Up)

Niall returns to New York City in AUGUST 2026, working across four wonderful studios.

Niall is working with final year artists from ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE.

SHARIF - Written by TOMER ALDUBI, TRANSLATED BY SHIR FREIBACH has news coming soon.

In 2027, Niall will also be directing more Bertolt Brecht at East 15.

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US

  • ‘It was one of the most extraordinary three hours I have ever had. We don’t talk about or celebrate enough the craft of acting. Watching people unapologetically practice their craft was an inspiration. Thanks to all for letting me be a part of it.’

    Michelle Terry
    Artistic Director - Globe Theatre

  • ‘An energising morning with a wonderfully committed group of actors up for exploring themselves and my play.’

    Beth Steel
    Playwright

  • ‘What an inspirational way to spend an afternoon. I was buzzing from the energy, the rigour and the skill. Everyone fully committed - to discover and to play. Thanks so much for welcoming me into such a special environment.’

    Eva Sampson
    Theatre Director

  • ‘This was a rich, dynamic and rewarding experience for everyone in the room. Every actor was challenged, supported and developed accordingly.’

    Adrian Noble
    Artistic Director & Theatre Director 

  • ‘Lonesome Workshops are an extraordinary space for actors of real talent to explore and refine and develop their craft. A place of real energy and grace. Niall is a force of nature.’

    Simon Stephens
    Playwright 

  • ‘I was really knocked out by the energy of Lonesome Workshops. People cried!! Including Niall!! Including Me!! It means something. People rocking up on a Friday afternoon to WORK. People laying it all out and not being careful or coy in order to DISCOVER. That they would work on my scripts and reveal so much about the writing to me was a privilege and a thrill.’

    Matthew Dunster
    Director and Playwright

  • ‘I will be recommending these workshops to every actor I know who wants to work and develop their skills in a welcoming and creative space. The energy and confidence that Niall brings out in everyone is inspiring to watch.’

    Declan Walker
    Casting Director

WHO WE WORK WITH

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