The Cockpit, VAULT Creative Arts, the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT), and the ABTT Stephen Joseph Committee are proud to announce a landmark collaboration: the launch of the Stephen Joseph Transfer, a new mentoring programme designed to champion emerging theatre makers working in-the-round.

The inaugural production selected for this scheme is The Highgate Vampire by Bag of Beard Theatre, which will transfer to The Cockpit in January 2026 following its run at The Glitch in Spring 2025.

The Stephen Joseph Transfer represents a unique partnership between four organisations:
● The Cockpit – London’s oldest in-the-round theatre, with 240 seats and a year-round programme of theatre, music, festivals, and dance.
● VAULT Creative Arts – producers of The Glitch, London’s smallest in-the-round venue at just 50 seats, and champions of early-career artists.
● ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) – the UK’s leading organisation supporting theatre professionals and technical innovation.
● ABTT Stephen Joseph Committee – custodians of Stephen Joseph’s legacy, ensuring his pioneering vision for theatre-in-the-round continues to inspire future generations.

Together, these organisations have created a scheme that bridges small-scale and large-scale in-the-round practice, offering artists showing exceptional promise for making work in-the-round the chance to expand their work and reach new audiences through mentoring and support.

The Stephen Joseph Transfer provides:
● A full week of programming at The Cockpit.
● A week of free rehearsal space at The Glitch.
● Production support from Oli Savage, Artistic Director at VAULT Creative Arts.
● Mentorship from Dave Wybrow, Artistic Director at The Cockpit.

This initiative is named in honour of Stephen Joseph (1921–1967), visionary producer, teacher, founder member of ABTT and pioneer of theatre-in-the-round. Inspired by his legacy, the programme encourages creative innovation, adaptation of productions for in-the-round staging and deeper actor–audience connection.

Dave Wybrow, Artistic Director at The Cockpit, said:
“Theatre in the round was the heart of Stephen Joseph’s mission: The same goes for The Glitch and The Cockpit. As theatre in the round enjoys a new wave of popularity, we’re two venues excited to offer a developmental opportunity focused on optimising the form and up-skilling practitioners. The Stephen Joseph Transfer will bring London more and better in-the-round shows. Verve and entertainment – with the power to alter lives and the world. Intimate – in a big way. Amphitheatrical – but also a theatre of action and change.”

Alex Knott, Joint Director of Bag of Beard, stated:
“Bag of Beard are beyond thrilled to have been selected for the first Stephen Joseph Transfer! ‘The Highgate Vampire’ was our first experience working in the round, and to begin with we couldn’t imagine how a play that is partially a “scientific lecture” could work with the audience on all sides. But throughout rehearsals, working at The Glitch and trying the play in front of an audience, we discovered a love for the form and are absolutely delighted to be taking the show to The Cockpit! What a fantastic opportunity.”

Liz Sillett, CEO of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT), added:
“The Stephen Joseph Transfer exemplifies the collaborative spirit at the heart of our industry. By bringing together The Cockpit, VAULT Creative Arts, the ABTT, and the ABTT Stephen Joseph Committee, we are creating a powerful alliance that honours Stephen Joseph’s pioneering vision for theatre-in-the-round. This initiative not only celebrates his legacy but also provides vital opportunities for emerging artists to develop their craft, expand their audiences, and carry forward the innovation that has always defined British theatre.”

Vault Artistic Director Oli Savage responded:
“Vault Creative Arts and The Glitch see the Fringe as far more than just the edges of The West End. We’re really proud to see this four-way alliance making things happen within the Fringe as London’s primary space for innovation and early career development. The Highgate Vampire is a ghost story. We’re confident Stephen Joseph will be at The Cockpit on opening night!”

The Highgate Vampire runs 28 January – 1 February 2026.

● 28 January 7:30pm
● 29 January 7:30pm
● 30 January 7:30pm
● 31 January 2:30pm & 7:30pm
● 1 February 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Full price: £15 Concessions: £13
https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/show/the_highgate_vampire