New initiative supports disadvantaged young performers

Youth charity The King’s Trust is partnering with the London Cabaret Club to launch a new programme designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to work in the entertainment industry. 

The three-year initiative, launching in March 2026, will offer hands-on performance training, mentoring and professional experience.

The initiative comes following new research commissioned by the club, which found that 64% of parents believe schools focus too heavily on core academic subjects rather than creative ones. It also shows that many families struggle to afford extracurricular arts activities, with four in ten parents saying they are priced out of clubs such as drama and music.

The findings highlight growing concerns that talented young people are missing out on arts opportunities that could shape their future careers.

Open for applications from January, the programme will give participants the chance to train with industry professionals and perform at the Bloomsbury Ballroom. One standout performer will even be offered a professional contract in the club’s 2026 production, La Vita è Dolce!.

TV personality and Trust Ambassador Tasha Ghouri will mentor students on the scheme. Ghouri, who was born deaf and received a cochlear implant at a young age, has spoken about overcoming barriers in her own career and hopes to inspire young performers to believe in their potential.

Beyond the stage, organisers say the programme is about education, confidence and employability. Participants will receive ongoing mentoring and access to professional networks, helping them build skills that last well beyond the final curtain call.