HIV Aloud: Raise the Curtain is a creative writing and theatre project developed by Edinburgh Playhouse in partnership with Waverley Care.
The project invites adults living with HIV to explore and share their lived experiences in a supportive, creative environment, using storytelling and performance as tools for connection, confidence and change.
Led by award-winning theatre maker Drew Taylor-Wilson, the programme runs from January 2026 and brings participants together through a series of facilitated workshops designed to build skills, trust and creative expression.
At its heart, HIV Aloud: Raise the Curtain aims to challenge stigma and increase understanding of HIV in Scotland by centring the voices of people with lived experience.
The project will culminate in a public showcase in summer 2026, offering participants the opportunity to present work they have helped create, should they wish to do so, in a way that feel right to them.
Drew (they/them) is a neurodiverse, non-binary award-winning theatre maker, screenwriter and artist development specialist with over 20 years in the performing arts.
They are passionate about telling stories that propel LGBTQ+ narratives, unpick mental health difficulties and advocate for all those that slip through the cracks. Their theatre is bold, poetic, camp – visual arresting, physically athletic and blackly comedic. Frequently working as both writer and director Drew’s theatre has been seen at every major programming venue in Scotland, with other prestigious highlights including Barbican and National Theatre London, The Junction Cambridge and New Wolsey Ipswich.
Alongside Drew’s work in professional theatre is their work in outreach, education and artist development. A nationally recognised workshop leader – Drew has facilitated projects for many prestigious clients including Royal Lyceum and Traverse Theatres Edinburgh, British Youth Music Theatre, Shakespeare Schools Festival, Apples and Snakes, Scottish Ballet and National Museum of Scotland.
Creative Learning Producer, Edinburgh Playhouse
Iain currently works as Peer Support Coordinator for Waverley Care and was diagnosed with HIV in 2012. Since his diagnosis, Iain has been involved with various agencies supporting people living with HIV and advocating for changes around living well. Iain is a trained Peer Mentor and a passionate advocate and activist for people living with HIV and for eliminating the stigma which still surrounds HIV by his involvement in community outreach, education and advocacy for change.
What isn’t so well known about Iain is his keen interest in the Arts and his extensive experience in the theatre as an actor and director, ranging from Comedy Roles such as Rene Artois in “’Allo ‘Allo”, through to more dramatic roles such as Dale Harding in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. His Directing includes being trained by the Royal Shakespeare Company and bringing his unique take to productions such as “Hamlet”.
Iain is therefore very excited to be able to merge these interests by his involvement with the Raise the Curtain project and looks forward to being able to support participants to create something very special.
Taster session
26 January 2026, 2–4pm
An introductory session to meet the project team, learn more about the programme and get a feel for the creative approach (meet in the adjacent Little Picardy cafe between 1.30 and 1.45pm)
Term A sessions
2 February – 6 April 2026
Mondays, 2–4pm
Sessions will take place at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, Greenside Place, Edinburgh.
Term A is about introducing you to the world of theatre, getting your creative ideas flowing, and building confidence and connection within the group. This term lays the foundations for creating a script together in Term B, with plenty of support along the way.
During Term A, you can expect:
To take part, contact Iain Johnston at Waverley Care (iain.johnston@waverleycare.org).
