Prison meeting sparks theatre stars' new show

A chance meeting on Christmas Eve 2004 in HMP Brixton between Darren Raymond and acclaimed actor Mark Rylance has culminated in a significant theatrical production. Raymond, who was serving a prison sentence, met Rylance at a Shakespeare workshop. This encounter ignited a friendship and profoundly influenced Raymond's vision for Intermission Youth, a London-based arts charity he founded 20 years ago to help transform the lives of young people through theatre.

Rylance is now starring in Raymond's adaptation of Molière's 'Tartuffe (Remixed)', directed by Raymond himself, which opens this week at London's Marylebone theatre. This marks Rylance's return to the stage for the first time since the death of his wife, Claire van Kampen, earlier in 2025. He views his involvement as a deeply personal act of remembrance and a crucial step in navigating his life without her.

Intermission Youth provides free, professional-standard theatre training to young people aged 11-30+, with a significant number coming from working-class backgrounds. The organisation has faced challenges securing a permanent home since leaving its previous base in Knightsbridge in 2019. Despite these hurdles, its impact is evident, with successful alumni like actor Tosin Cole, who credits Intermission with launching his career.

Raymond emphasizes that success at Intermission is defined broadly, encompassing not just professional achievements but also personal growth for participants who find stability and purpose through the program. The current production of 'Tartuffe (Remixed)' also uniquely bridges Intermission graduates with actors who have followed more traditional industry routes.