In the summer of 2025 Producer Julia Holden set out across Italy following the famous Via Francigena offering a series of play readings along the route and raising funds and awareness for two fantastic charities, one in the UK and one in Italy, who support mental health and well being through theatre practice.

Fundraising Completed
The Arcola Theatre, London
Arcola Mental Health Community Company uses theatre as a vehicle to tackle the stigmas surrounding mental health, a space where people with an interest in theatre and those who have experienced challenges with their mental health can come together as a community to connect and create.
Funds raised during the walk will culminate in the Arcola Mental Health Community Company performing their play as part of Arcola’s Participation Festival in March 2026.
Your money will help them provide a stable, long-term space for vulnerable adults to explore theatre and develop meaningful connections within their community, bringing in high quality guest practitioners to develop theatre making skills as well as helping to fund additional workshop resources and materials.
Nuova Aurora and the Crazy Talent Project, Florence
The Association Nuova Aurora for Mental Health strives to help families and individuals who suffer from mental health issues. We attempt to be the bridge that connects the community to the people in care at the Mental Health Centers and Day Care Centers in Florence.
Funds raised supported the ‘Crazy Talent’ project that oversaw a day of arts and theatre activities on 8th June at la Limonaia in Florence
