Press room

Stage, Screen & Social Change
Barbican Cinema 1, Level -2
Sunday 28 June 2026, 6pm - 8pm

For one night only, some of the UK’s best-loved actors will come together at the Barbican’s Cinema 1 to interview each other about their careers and the issues that matter in Stage, Screen & Social Change, in support of refugee arts organisation Compass Collective. 

Benedict Cumberbatch returns to the Barbican following his sold-out, record-breaking turn in Hamlet in 2015. He is joined by Olivier Award winning actors Indira Varma and Juliet Stevenson, as well as recent Othello co-stars David Harewood and Toby Jones, who is a Trustee of Compass Collective. Over the course of the evening, these five formidable stars of stage and screen join forces for an inspiring, thought-provoking and heart-warming evening at the Barbican. Interviewing each other and taking questions from the audience, they will reflect on life, acting, the arts and social change.

Proceeds from the event will go directly to Compass Collective, an arts charity supporting young refugees and asylum seekers through creative projects and arts-led professional development programmes. Reaching more than 350 young people every year across the UK, Compass’ programmes include online English classes, theatre trips, drama workshops, filmmaking projects, and a music development programme.

Toby Jones, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee, and Olivier and BAFTA winner, said: “As a Trustee of the brilliant and formidable Compass Collective I am proud to take part in our crucial fundraiser at the Barbican on June 28th. I am fascinated to share the stage with four extraordinary actors as we each support Compass Collective and its fantastic work.”

More details about Stage, Screen & Social Change are available here. Tickets are available for general sale Friday 29 May from 10am.