Brand new work from 15 of Liverpool’s newest playwrights will take to the stage at Liverpool’s Royal Court this month as part of the Stage Write Showcase.
The event will feature ten-minute excerpts performed as hand readings, offering audiences a first look at scripts developed by graduates of the venue’s Stage Write programme.
Open to writers living and working in the Liverpool City Region, the nine-month course supports emerging writers in creating their first full script.
Over the past five years, six Stage Write participants have had productions in the Royal Court Studio, with one progressing to the main house.
The programme has also earned recognition beyond the venue. This year, two of the five shortlisted writers for the prestigious Alfred Bradley Bursary Award are Stage Write graduates.
Last year, Chrissy Jones won the same award for a play developed on the course, while EJ Fisher was runner up in the Evening Standard Story Awards.
Alumni also achieved success at Channel 4’s New Writing North Awards, with Joe McNally and Liz Redwood winning two of the three Writing for Television Awards in 2023.
Several former participants have since secured work in theatre and television or signed with literary agents.
A Platform for New and Emerging Talent
Jess Bolger, Head of Producing and Programming at Liverpool’s Royal Court, said:
“We’re delighted to be welcoming 15 writers who have submitted scripts over the past two months.
“These ten minute excerpts will be shared in hand readings and it’s a great opportunity to dip into the newest work emerging from Liverpool.
“They are all a work in progress and we know that the actors and creatives benefit from this feedback and questions from the audience as they get the work ready for the stage.
“The Studio is the perfect location, as it’s our space for new and emerging talent and it’s a place for experimentation and creativity.”
Two Evenings of Original New Writing
The showcase will take place on 17 February and 24 February with the following scripts:
17 February:
- Community Banned by Maxine McCarthy
- Little Predicament by Theo Sambus
- Eleven, Eleven by Sean Patrick
- Mrs Damien Carter by Lyndsey McCallister
- We Don’t Talk About The Thing In The House by Michelle C-E Keeley
- The Scousebournes by Abbey Izabella Fitzhenry
- The Killing Season by Tim Hemmings
- Winning The War From The Floor by Harriet Ball
24 February:
- The Subway Boys by Sean McLoughlin
- I Think Dad Might Be Sick by Conrad Smith
- The Killing Jar by Matt Shiel
- The Reality of a Dream by Bradley Bowckett
- Sightseeing by Erin Craine
- Rumours About Ayo by Evita Akomode
- To Serve The People by David Ellis
From bold comedies to hard-hitting dramas, the Stage Write Showcase highlights the depth and diversity of emerging writing talent across Liverpool and continues the Royal Court’s commitment to nurturing new voices.
READ MORE: Royal Albert Dock Celebrates Chinese New Year with Free Family Workshops and Fire Shows
