♫ Wiiiinding down for Christmas ♫
It seems like only a couple of weeks ago you got a newsletter… because it was.
But I wanted to get another one to you before Christmas, and I’m in London for R&D next week –
– so thought I’d get a few updates to you now.
In this newsletter we have:
- new members of the Artistic team
- applications for the Playwrights’ Programme
- an exciting new show announcement
- details of our follow-up to the Playwrights’
Flashmob
- jobs and opps - including a great award for directors
- a special Christmas treat (for those who like dogs and/or whimsy)
But most importantly: a huge thanks to all of you that have come to this year’s Creative Co-working mornings, Production Process workshops and Freelancers’ Mixers – who have shared their work through our Open Script Submissions, Seed Commissions and Supported Studio applications. And of course to everyone that has come to see our productions!
Across hundreds of scripts read, projects discussed and artists chatted to, we feel very lucky and proud to have such a vibrant creative community here in the city - so thank you for being part of it, and I hope we’ll see even more of you next year.
Wishing you a wonderful end to 2025,
Tommo
New Works Associate
Artistic Team update
We’ve got two new team members!
First of all, we’re super excited that Sam Longville has joined us as Producer, after previously working at Theatr Clwyd. Welcome Sam!
And secondly, we can announce that Yusra Warsama will be our new Associate Creative Director, starting in January on an 18-month placement with us in partnership with RTYDS. Yusra is an actor, writer, theatre practitioner and the founder of “Big Soul”, and will be working closely with us on strategic planning and delivery of our artistic programme – so hopefully you’ll meet her before too long.
We’ve also just come to the end of meeting hundreds of young people for our YEP Class of 2026! Thanks to everyone who came in to speak to us – we had an absolute blast meeting so many brilliant actors, directors, producers, technicians and writers, and can’t wait to get going in the new year.
And speaking of writers’ groups, there are just a few days more to apply for our Playwrights’ Programme!
Playwrights’ Programme 2026
Deadline: 10am, Monday 15 Dec
We’re recruiting for our next group of local writers to join the Playwrights’ Programme – a bespoke series of masterclasses and peer-led sessions to deepen your craft, support you to write a new full-length play, and share work amongst a close group of other local playwrights.
Sessions are designed around the interests and needs of the group. They’re generally led by me, but past masterclasses have been given by playwrights including Chloë Moss, Chris Bush and Ntombizodwa Nyoni, and agent Maeve Bolger.
All the details are on our website – so if you’ve got an existing practice as a writer for performance, and think you’d find this programme useful for the next steps in your career, make sure you check it out!
Writers’ Monthly Meet-Up
At this year's Playwrights' Flashmob, local writers were asking for a regular space to meet, work and chat with a cuppa - so that's what's happening!
The new writers' monthly meet-up will be hosted and organised by local playwrights, for local playwrights.
Each meet-up will have a structured section – perhaps writing exercises, some specific questions to discuss, etc. – and then a free section just to have an informal natter.
The aim is for a self-sustaining group, with a different playwright volunteering to host each month – so it's a great opportunity to meet in solidarity, share skills and resources, and build up facilitation experience (if you want to!).
The first two meet-ups will be hosted by Ginni Manning and Emma Vaudrey, and take place:
- Thursday 29 January, 11.30am-1.30pm
- Thursday 26 February, 11.30am-1.30pm
The group will be administrated by its participants, with session reminders and admin done by email and/or WhatsApp community group rather than through the Theatremakers' Newsletter.
So, to hear more, please fill out this form to give Ginni and Emma your details – they’ll be in touch soon!
Coming up for us
Young
Frankenstein
Until Sat 3 Jan
Playhouse Theatre
From the creators of The Producers, this is comedy legend Mel Brooks’ stage adaptation of his classic film. Our “irresistible and hysterical” (★★★★, The Guardian) co-production with the brilliant Hope Mill Theatre should have you laughing and singing along for a properly feel-good night out.
🚨 JUST ANNOUNCED 🚨
Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x)
Thu 16 - Sat 18 Apr
Everyman Theatre
We’re completely delighted that Jade Franks (Playwrights Programme 2025) is bringing her multi-award-winning, ★★★★★ total sell-out Edinburgh smash-hit home to the Everyman in 2026!
Make sure you get tickets for this super sharp, hilarious skewering of class and privilege – as The Guardian said, “this revolution will be a right good laugh”.
On my radar
THEATRE
Singin’
in the Rain
Royal Exchange
Until Sun 25
Jan
Get yourself over to Manchester for this show, which is a shot of pure joy to the system. Tap dancing! Rain! Hollywood
silliness! This is just an absolute tonic – I hugely recommend it.
Sober Scribbles: Scratch Night
Unity Theatre
Weds 21 Jan
Always great to support local writers trying out new work, and this scratch night has a particular focus on sober and sober-curious artists. See you there!
NON-FICTION
Dead
and Alive
Zadie
Smith
I’m really enjoying this series of essays, which are by turns beautiful, insightful and provocative – often all at once. Read it not necessarily to agree with everything, but to feel the world expanding.
PODCAST
Making Trouble
Spotify / Apple / Acast
This is a bit shameless because she’s a pal, but I’ve been hugely enjoying Molly Naylor's podcast recently, where she interviews artists on the things that get in the way of their creativity.
With a fab range of guests and a whole host of topics – from procrastination and money to just the state of the world – this is such a balm, and certainly makes me feel a bit more hopeful about things.
WEBINAR
R&D Fund
Arts Council England
We all know that it’s been quite a bumpy year for ACE, and they’ve temporarily replaced DYCP grants with the new research and development fund for individuals. This webinar will tell you all you need to know.
Jobs & opportunities
This is just a selection of roles. Make sure you’re signed up to mailing lists like OpenHire, ArtsJobs and London Playwrights, or checking local websites like Uncover Liverpool, to make sure you’re up to date.
Executive
Director, RTYDS
Remote / Manchester
Deadline: 12pm, Mon 15 Dec
RTYDS aims to tackle social class inequity in theatre through a major new project called Fair Play. They’re looking for an Executive Director who is committed to addressing the barriers experienced by working class and low socio-economic artists, to ensure they can sustain careers and thrive in the theatre industry.
Acting
Tutor, LMA
Liverpool
Deadline: Weds 31 Dec
LMA are looking or freelance acting tutors at their LMA campus, to teach students at all levels across voice, movement, screen and theatre direction.
I actually can’t find a jobs page on the LMA website – this is through Arts Jobs (linked above). But you can email Jobs@LMA.ac.uk with your details to apply or find out more.
Bill
Cashmore Award
Hammersmith Lyric
Deadline: 12pm, Tues 6 Jan
Presented by Young Lyric, this Award offers a paid opportunity for two new one-act plays by writers aged 18-30, to be professionally produced at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. The two winning plays will run as a double bill and will be performed by the Lyric’s SPRINGBOARD trainee actors in Autumn 2026.
And you get £4k!!
JMK Award
Young Vic / JMK Trust
Deadline: 10am, Mon 12 Jan
One of the biggest awards for directors out there. Choose from a selection of plays and pitch your production – then get the chance to direct it at the flippin Young Vic!
Directors who have won this award have gone on to do some truly incredible things, so it’s well worth a look.
Ongoing offers at the Everyman
Writers’ Room
For those who haven’t spent time in it, the Writers’ Room is available for your use during open hours. With a library of fantastic scripts, it’s a great place to come and be inspired, do some co-working, or get round a table to read a new play.
For quiet working: just drop in! We encourage artists to work alongside one another – but, if the room is booked for a group, you’re welcome to work in the Theatre Bar.
For group reading or discussion: email me to book in advance.
Note that Fridays are currently booked by regular groups. If you want to check availability on a particular day, feel free to email me or call Box Office.
Street Café discounts
Did you know we have discounts for theatre professionals in the Everyman Street Café? Well, we do!
You can get 10% off food and non-alcoholic drinks if you’re:
- a paid-up union member of BECTU, Equity, Independent Theatres Council, Musicians Union, Stage Directors UK or the Writers Guild,
- having an Arts Emergency mentoring session, or
- participating in New Works activity (e.g. Production Process workshop, Creative Co-working, etc).
Christmas Treat
Congratulations on making it this far!
I recently found out you can get Christmas decorations (or indeed rugs) made of your pet dressed as a Tudor noble – so naturally we got one of Artistic team dog Olive dressed as a lovely gentleman.
You’re welcome, and happy Christmas.
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