The Big House was founded by Maggie Norris, an actor, writer and director, as a response to her long-standing work with ex-offenders. She was shocked to find out that while only 1% of children in the UK have been in care, 40% of youth offenders and 70% of sex workers have a care background. So she set up The Big House in 2012 in order to support young people leaving care, and to break this cycle of disadvantage that they may find themselves trapped in.

Phoenix was the first show ever staged by The Big House in 2013 and it was a huge success, receiving much critical acclaim. It was the culmination of the first Open House Project -a 12-week programme that uses drama and long term support in order to address the fundamental issues which act as barriers to independent living. 80% of young people who take part in our OHPs go onto Education, Employment and Training.

The next five years saw a series of site-specific productions, including shows in the basement of the Rio Cinema, underneath Smithfield Meat Market, a Hawaiian restaurant and The Royal Court. We set up The Big House Means Business, which employs our members to lead workshops and performances influence the social care sector and train corporate partners. We have been commissioned by companies all over the UK, in Paris, Sweden, and Hong Kong.

In 2018, we moved into our own home – two renovated frame factories in Islington. It has since been the heart of our dynamic community, where we have staged productions, thrown parties, galas, dinners, careers fairs, and, most importantly, young people can walk into a safe environment as and when they need. 

In 2022, The Big House celebrated its ten-year anniversary and a decade of transforming young lives. We threw a big Open Day celebration for our members, friends, and neighbours. Bloomsbury published an Anthology of five of our plays.