Saw Children of the Night by Danielle Phillips last week. 90s; clubbing; youth; relationships; social comment; regionalism; class… It was gorgeous. It opens at the Lowry tonight (before partying to Hull Truck (25&26 Feb); Birmingham Rep (2&3 Mar); @swkplay.bsky.social (11 Mar - 4 Apr)) Go see!

Get this noted down ✍️ Unlimited Theatre are reopening their unAwards for one last time to offer 2 more unLab awards for companies of Artists to retreat, reimagine, and think about their future! Applications will open Monday 23rd Feb. unlimited.earth/unawards/ Get involved!

”You think it's a talent, you think you're born with this thing. What I've found out and what I believed is that everybody is talented. It's just that some people get it developed and some don't.“ Stephen Sondheim (1930–2021) Arts education is for everyone.

‘So much talent comes from the base of poverty and those in the margins. You limit the base, you miss too much talent’ Jesse Jackson (1941-2026)

Stage managers! We’re looking for a brilliant Manchester based stage manager to work with us on ‘Lost Girl’ at the Lowry. Amy Lever has written and will be performing, the awesome Daisy Howell is producing and I’m directing. docs.google.com/document/d/1... Application deadline: 11am, 23 Feb 2026

Trustee opportunity: @mikrontheatre.bsky.social are seeking new trustees to support their/our unique touring theatre company and help shape its future. You’d be part of something creative, values-led, and nationally visible. Oh, and get to spend time with me(!) mikron.org.uk/about/newtru...

It’s almost like history is repeating… (and in this instance it’s more than welcomed!)

‘The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is – it’s to imagine what is possible’ bell hooks

Happy jólabókaflóðið to those who observe…

“...This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year’s threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go and becomes the future…” Margaret Atwood #WinterSolstice

Need support over the festive season? ❤️🎄❤️ Our website has a special 'Advice' section with resources on Legal Issues, Financial Support, Mental Health, Pastoral Care, and more. We're here to help you find the support you need. freelancersmaketheatrework.com/support/ #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

‘The government must retain the Arts Council’ ‘The government must […] ensure that arts funding is protected from politicisation’ ‘…introduce a new National Programme for Individuals […] to support emerging and mid-career individuals to ensure a diverse talent pool’

We’re delighted to announce the three directors & theatre makers who will be joining RTYDS for our Fair Play Associate Artistic Director residency. A big welcome to: - Jamie Sophia Fletcher at Leeds Playhouse - Rikki Henry at Bristol Old Vic - Yusra Warsama at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse

This programme is the only one of its kind in England. It offers mid-career directors and theatre makers from working class backgrounds the opportunity to progress to artistic leadership, with a paid 18-month training residency. Read more: www.rtyds.co.uk/news/fair-play-aad-announcement

This is quite something and quite brilliant. Lots to take in.

In 2006 I was in a musical in London. It was a critical hit, based on a film that was - and is - a significant cultural touchstone. On press night, the original ‘Ivan’ joined us on stage for the finale. That production changed the course of my life. Jimmy Cliff, thank you, go well.

Gary "Mani" Mounfield (1962 – 2025)

RTYDS is looking for an exceptional Executive Director who is committed to addressing the inequity experienced by working class and low socio-economic artists to ensure they can sustain careers and thrive in the theatre industry. Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Monday 15th December 2025

Audition alert! To work with @paulavarjack.bsky.social on their show Nine Sixteenths which is going on tour next year. Full details are here: paulavarjack.com/9-16ths/cast...

The penultimate launch event for the book is this evening… If you’re a writer, artist or practitioner within the creative sector this one is for you! Booking link below.

After four brilliant in person launch events for ‘Being Black and British: Before During and After Drama School’ we go online for the last two. Serendipity in Leicester are our hosts for two final events next week; one aimed at writers, artists & practitioners in the creative sector on Nov 3rd…

The extraordinary talent that was Nabil Shaban has left us R.I.P.

LIVERPOOL: @liveveryplay.bsky.social welcome us on Oct 24th at 19h30 to launch ‘Being Black and British: Before, During and After Drama School’. The incomparable Keisha Thompson & local hero Paislie Reid join me to dig into the book & its themes, working out how it & they speak to Liverpool now.

MANCHESTER: The third of the launches of ‘Being Black and British: Before, During and After Drama School’ is at Factory International on Oct 23rd, kicking off at 18h00. Join chapter contributor (and legend) Keisha Thompson & I talking about the book, Manchester, making theatre & monochrome pictures.

Very pleased that the #SupportPlaywrights playwrights flashmob is back next week and like last time, it’s national! Drop in: Friday 24th October 13h00 - 16h00 Venues across the country (see link)

The great Yvonne Brewster has left us. A giant on whose shoulders we stand. Rest well.

These two make great friends. Released a day apart, they’re almost twins. Maybe putting both on reading lists and in libraries might be a good thing to do. Maybe.

We are thrilled that announce that Being Black and British: Before, During and After Drama School has published and share news of the upcoming national book launches. You can spy more on the book (and order) here - spr.ly/63325A9zaD

Publication Day: It’s out, it exists!

Applications for Homegrown 2025/26 are now open! This year-long programme for ages 18-25 is designed to support those who are keen to work professionally in theatre. Apply by 5pm on Wed 1 Oct. Apply for Homegrown Performers: bit.ly/47ClpFA Apply for Homegrown Creatives: bit.ly/4e4s7Yv

LIVERPOOL: @liveveryplay.bsky.social welcome us on Oct 24th at 19h30 to launch ‘Being Black and British: Before, During and After Drama School’. The incomparable Keisha Thompson & local hero Paislie Reid join me to dig into the book & its themes, working out how it & they speak to Liverpool now.

MANCHESTER: The third of the launches of ‘Being Black and British: Before, During and After Drama School’ is at Factory International on Oct 23rd, kicking off at 18h00. Join chapter contributor (and legend) Keisha Thompson & I talking about the book, Manchester, making theatre & monochrome pictures.

LONDON: The second launch for ‘Being Black and British’ (published by @routledgebooks.bsky.social) will be at @stratfordeast.com on Oct 3rd at 17h30 with contributors @excalibah.bsky.social, @drhannahrobbins.bsky.social, Hannah Alkhalu & Nuna Sandy moderated by Dr Samia La Virgne. (Link to follow)

LEEDS: The first of five launches for the book is open for booking… I’ll be in conversation with the Vice Principal & Head of Drama about and around the book before a Q&A on Oct 1st at 18h00. Book your ticket? (London, Manchester, Liverpool, Leicester [online], keep eyes out for events near you)

‘Being Black and British: Before During and After Drama School’ is released on September 22 but is available to pre-order from TODAY. Pre-order now - directly from the publisher on the link, your favourite bookshop, or your institutional or local library. Launch event(s) to be shared…

Our residencies are back! We've partnered with Bristol Old Vic, Leeds Playhouse & @liveveryplay.bsky.social for our Fair Play Associate Artistic Director Residency - paid opportunities for 3 mid-career working class directors. Deadline: 18 Sep, 10am Online Q&A: 1 Sep, 4pm More info: bit.ly/45a8P0V

Are you interested in using drama as a tool in your work with young people? We want to share our practice and ways of working to widen opportunities for young people in theatre and beyond. Follow the link to apply: https://loom.ly/mLXA5bE 📅 Applications close Tuesday 12 August

Out now – Bruntwood at 20. We're proud to have been the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting's publishing partner since its inception. We're delighted to publish this anthology which reflects its inestimable impact across the last two decades. Get your copy now: www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/bruntwood-at...

An idiot’s guide to the fringe: 10 ways to be a bad producer, according to Ellie Keel👇

New on the blog, #disabled actor and director Lara Wilson on finding confidence in her artistic identity, and the importance of the arts giving "a voice to people who aren’t normally seen." www.redladder.co.uk/i-thought-if...

The University of Edinburgh has received the race and history review which it commissioned, detailing the institutions links to slavery and colonialism. It has published the review here www.ed.ac.uk/about/race-r...

Playwrights assemble!

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival begins in a week. I’ve some recommendations (which I share with no reviews, just links) but invite folk to add to them… who knows who sees what on here. Please share and add…

If you work in #Theatre or #TV please give this a little share. London Summer Social for #Playwrights #Screenwriters & their friends! THIS THURS 23rd July 7-10pm at Soho Theatre WALTHAMSTOW. All levels of experience. Come with friends or come alone! #SupportPlaywrightsSummerSocial

Special announcement: 2 Free Workshops at the Fringe! Aug 9: 10.30am-12pm: Embracing the Fear: A Practical Guide to Navigating Stage Fright with Annika Speer & Bella Merlin Aug 16: 10.30am-12pm: Stanislavsky's Toolkit: A Practical Workshop for Actors with Bella Merlin #theatresky #theatre

Tolu Okanlawon has won the 2025 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting with his drama about African-American photojournalist Gordon Parks. Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/news/bru...