Assistant Producer Bobby Harding selected for Bridge the Gap programme
We’re proud to share that LAMDA’s Assistant Producer, Bobby Harding, has been selected for Stage One’s acclaimed Bridge the Gap programme for 2025/26 – a year-long initiative championing the next generation of commercial theatre producers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Now in its seventh year, Bridge the Gap is the only programme of its kind in the UK. Launched in 2018, it offers bespoke training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to support early-career producers as they transition into commercial theatre, with a mission to make the sector more diverse, inclusive and representative of the UK today.
Bobby joins a cohort of 13 emerging producers selected from across the country. Over the next year, they will receive monthly workshops, mentoring from established commercial producers, access to key industry networks, and a grant of up to £5,000 to help kickstart their producing work.
"It is a total honour to be recognised as a legitimate producer with commercial potential," said Bobby.
Stage One Chief Executive Joseph Smith added:
"The group we have chosen all bring a unique set of skills and potential to the programme. I’m thrilled to start working with them and look forward to having their energy and insights in the programme and as part of the Stage One community."
Everyone at LAMDA is thrilled to see Bobby’s passion and potential recognised through this trailblazing programme, and we can’t wait to see what the next year holds for them.
About Bridge the Gap
Bridge the Gap was created by Stage One to help diversify the commercial theatre landscape. The programme especially encourages applicants from Global Majority backgrounds, lower socio-economic groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from culturally or religiously marginalised backgrounds.
About Stage One
Stage One is a UK charity committed to nurturing new voices in commercial theatre through a range of training and development opportunities. From its West End Trainee Scheme to Bridge the Gap, it is helping to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the industry.
