Lou Stein is an award-winning London based theatre Director/Writer who has most recently been Artistic Director of Chickenshed, an inclusive theatre company. In 2021, Lou won a Special Award from the Off-West End Award panel (Offies) for his contribution to promoting high quality inclusive theatre within the London theatre community. During his time at Chickenshed, two of his productions won Offie Awards: his climate change piece Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow and his 1960’s take on Snow White.

Lou founded the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill and its sister theatre, the Gate at the Latchmere, Battersea, now recognised as two of the most influential theatres in the UK. He directed such actors as Benedict Cumberbatch, Helen Mirren, Patrick Stewart, Chris Eccleston, Clive Owen, Rosamund Pike and Helena Bonham-Carter in London theatres including the West End, the Royal Court, and for BBC Radio.

Lou is now leading an inclusive skills development Studio for professional actors, particularly those with cognitive challenges- the Lou Stein Studio.

 

Click in this link for a short film about the Lou Stein Studio.

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