On Wednesday 15 September, we reopen The Playhouse Studio for the first time since 2020, with our New Works Showcase. The showcase features the new work of nine writers from our 19/20 Playwrights’ Programme.

Wednesday 15 September

Parabellum
Written by Abi Mckenzie, directed by Abi Hosefield

Trapped in no man's land, a group of war weary soldiers must escape the chaos and escape the enemy. However, sometimes the biggest battle is the one you have with yourself. ‘"Im interested in finding the magic in our cracks, the ones that bind humanity."
 

Passing Fair 
Written by Joe Ramsden, directed by Kai Jolley

Alex, Callum, and Gemma remember their late grandmother...but not everything about her makes sense. And that's even before the ghosts begin to return.
Joe Ramsden is a writer and producer. His theatre company Despite the Monkey uses creative technologies to tell stories.
 

Wednesday's company of actors features: Nadia Anim, Daniel Loy, Nowko Arts, Felix Mufti, Leah Wallace, Kel Nkondock and Marjorie Morgan.

Thursday 16 September

Swim
Written by Ian Nenna, directed by Kai Jolley

Five years and two months ago, something happened that changed Cassie’s life forever. The thing with the past however is that it very rarely stays there; it has a tendency to pop up again when you least expect it.
Ian Nenna is a writer and spoken word advocate at The Spoken Word.

Dollars and Sense
Written by Naomi Sumner, directed by All Things Considered

Inspired by the real story of 36 Cambodian surrogate mothers who when charged with child trafficking faced an impossible choice. 
Naomi Sumner is a playwright, poet and dramaturg.

The Big Bad
Written by Gemma Langford, directed by Zara Brown

"I’m trying to let go" . Jo’s demons are catching up with her, and this time they’ve got teeth…
Gemma Langford is a writer for theatre and video games.
 

Thursday's company of actors features: Nadia Anim, Isabella Leung, Houmi Mira, Lloyd Lai, Mark Rice-Oxley and Faye McCutcheon.

Friday 17 September

The Anchoress
Written and directed by Theresa Pine

Monica has never really fitted in – anywhere. It’s the eyeliner, the obsession with death, religion and Nick Cave and wanting to be an Anchoress. Yeah, there is that… the Anchoress thing.
Theresa is a writer, academic and founder of Equity's committee for Gypsy, Roma, Traveller creatives. She is currently writing about the 'secret' life of Catherine Cookson.
 

Sweetwata
Written and directed by Addae G 

A magnified abstraction of Afrofuturistic storytelling. Gathering from the well of traditional Afrikan ritual, and rinsed through the middle passage, SweetWata is a Healing Ceremony.  Medicine wrapped in words and rhythm, the cure for the 21st Century culture-disease — the inability to feel reality!
Addae G is an Aestheticist. Afrofuturist. Auteur. Poet. Playwright and Prophet.

Friday's company of actors features:Adde G, Ella Canton, Mark Rice-Oxley, Faye McCutcheon, Itahlia Forel and Nwoko Arts

Saturday 18 September

Working
Written by Ben Keyworth, directed by Nathan Powell

"No ifs, no buts – we’re going to have a party. The three of us. Bit of get to know you time."
Ben Keyworth’s funny and dark three hander is a biting look at life on the breadline. 

The Karaoke League
Written and directed by Jess Ellis

Karaoke is not just a game it’s a way of life! Join Cassidy and team George and dragon down the pub to battle it out for the crown!
Jess Ellis is an actor/ writer who’s appeared on tv/film and stage. However this is the first Time anyone has spoken her written words out loud! She was also part of Stockport's karaoke league for a number of years.

Saturday's company of actors features: Daniel Loy, Nwoko Arts, Lloyd Lai and Paislie Reid.

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Our New Works Showcase will platform the work of our 19/20 Playwrights’ Programme graduates, as well as a host of local professional actors and directors. Book your tickets now.