Founder of The Outsiders Project

The Outsiders Project was founded by Nell Leyshon, award-winning novelist and playwright, and Deputy Chair of Shakespeare’s Globe. Nell has worked with marginalised voices for 17 years, focusing on developing skills and self-esteem, and the writer’s original and authentic voice. She has worked with recovering addicts, ex-offenders, mental health service users, indigenous peoples in Labrador and Peru. She worked with the Gypsy community for 8 years to help release their own voices.

Nell left The Outsiders Project as Artistic Director in 2023 to concentrate on her own work.

Outsiders Project Creative Lead

Jo Billingham is a Theatre Maker and Director based in the New Forest. She has been working in theatre for over 20 years and is passionate about supporting emerging artists and developing platforms for unheard voices. Alongside her work with the Outsiders Project, Jo is Co-Artistic Director of Forest Forge Theatre Company.

Workshop Leader and Prison Artist

Neil has finally found freedom through writing. After moving to Bournemouth seven years ago, he joined the Outsiders Project where his talents were developed and encouraged. His pen has been busy ever since. He has performed in numerous shows and facilitates creative writing workshops. His poems and short fiction have been published online and in print. He loves it.

Worksop Leader

Charlie is an experienced performer and workshop leader who co-leads the Outsiders Project’s LGBTQ+ writing workshops. He is passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ participants to explore their creativity in a welcoming environment that encourages confidence, self-expression, and connection.

Workshop Leader

Allie first came to an Outsider writing workshop in 2020, having spent prior years only writing in journals while in hospital.

The workshops helped her gain confidence in her writing and her recovery, slowly feeling comfortable to voice her work aloud. This developed into forming songs and spoken word at a piano, where she went on to perform in multiple Outsider Project shows, one of our live “Lock Ins” being the first time she sang in front of an audience. She has grown to assist in rehersals, supporting other artists, and has progressed with her identity as a stand alone musician. Allie now co-leads our LGBTQ+ writing workshop with Charlie.

Prison Artist

Gary spent his early life up to age 35 in and out of various prisons, but has completely transformed his life and has spent the last 16 years helping drug and alcohol addicts. He started writing after seeing The Vodka Hunters and joined the creative writing workshops. He had always been attracted by performance and writing, but never had the opportunity to start until he took part in Secret Voices.