Since late March the Traverse Young Writers Group has received weekly online tuition from acclaimed playwrights so they can continue to develop their creative writing skills.

An important aspect of the Young Writers programme is presenting excerpts of the writers’ work in a Scratch Night performance at the Traverse, during which each writer has the opportunity to gather feedback from members of the audience, industry and their peers.

The Traverse is committed to sharing the excellent work the Young Writers Group have created so are delighted to present brand new, specially created, pieces from nine Young Writers online, directed remotely and with performers filming in their own homes under lockdown conditions.

The readings will be available for free and on-demand until 16 May 2021.

Viewers are invited to share any feedback which will help writers to further develop their work by emailing writing@traverse.co.uk.

Dotty

by Leonie Jones

Director Gareth Nicholls
Performer Fletcher Mathers

Dotty rides the 135 bus every day in the hopes of catching the eye of a certain gentleman. Will she finally pluck up the courage to make a move?

Pig's Eye

by Tom Zachar

Director Debbie Hannan
Performer Kay McAllister

MaryAnn is trying to sort out her internet issues but her problems are much bigger than she could've imagined.

Deflated

by Kari Hall

Director Debbie Hannan
Performer Caleb Hughes and Hannah Visocchi

Thinking of declaring your love over voicemail? Deflated follows a young woman trying to do just that.

Content warning: this play deals with themes of domestic violence.

Looking Up to Him

by Gabriel Floyd

Director Gareth Nicholls
Performer Reuben Joseph

A young man cleans an empty, messy house while he records a heartfelt message for his Dad in intensive care.

Sunday Morning

by Kasia Grycuk

Director Debbie Hannan
Performer Apphia Campbell

Being back in your childhood bedroom can stir up a lot of memories.

Sarah

by Katie McCulloch

Director Debbie Hannan
Performer Isobel McArthur

Sarah wants to get out. Go to book club. And get out.

Content warning: this play deals with themes of domestic violence.

Bathtub

by Shelley Middler

Director Gareth Nicholls
Performers Zoë Bullock and Claire Macallister

You're in the bathroom. The lock breaks. We've all been there - but maybe not with company...

Where Did He Go?

by Rhianna Varney

Director Gareth Nicholls
Performer Nicole Cooper

A woman talks to her child about what comes after life.

Kith

by Bluey Little

Director Debbie Hannan
Performer Laura Lovemore

A woman fills her lungs with air for what feels like the first time.

All performances have been edited by Daryl Cockburn, with graphics by Cake.

Support Traverse Young Writers

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Traverse Young Writers is supported by

Dr David Summers Charitable Trust
The Nimar Charitable Trust
The Teale Charitable Trust
The Turtleton Charitable Trust
The Russell Trust
The William Syson Charitable Foundation