Celebrating 100 years: Our resident’s story from stage to community champion

We are delighted to share the incredible story of one of our residents, John Levitt, a resident of Holsworthy Square since 1987, whose life connects London’s theatrical history with decades of dedicated community service in and beyond social housing.

Mr Levitt began his acting career in the late 1940s as a young man, his career includes performances in a BBC television play at Alexandra Palace in 1951, recording at Abbey Road Studios, and sharing the stage with legends Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh during the Festival of Britain. “My first tour was at the Manchester Opera House with the Oliviers in 1951,” recalls John, who balanced school with acting until he was fifteen, requiring a chaperone on set. 

Beyond the stage, John’s commitment to community work has had an even more lasting impact. Since the 1980s, he has:
 

• Co-founded a residents' association in NW3
• Chaired the Hartnoll Estate Tenants Association
• Led the Save London Theatres Campaign for 12 years
• Awarded an Honorary Life Membership of Equity in 2005
• Founded 1A Arts, a vital centre for community arts and activities.

As he approaches his 86th birthday, John is full of enthusiasm and, looking forward, is keen to help ensure “MUCH MORE SOCIAL HOUSING, for working people and those earning a wage. People with small businesses really struggle – I’ve been very lucky; I want others to have the same opportunities I did. I am concerned about what is going on with social housing. I want things to remain very culturally, ethnically and socially mixed. I want social housing to be available on a long term basis and know young people are struggling – so I hope more one bedroom homes are built. I'm delighted that Origin Housing continues to deliver on its social mission. The completion of over 300 new rented homes Camden this past year represents a remarkable centenary year achievement.”

He continues his creative work and shared readings of Keats’ poetry at Guy’s Hospital Chapel on 31 October, on Keats’ birthday. His life, from post-war theatre to community activism, reflects one of many remarkable stories from the residents who make up the communities we work in.